Facelift vs. Ultherapy®: Which is Right for Me?
A facelift is one of the most popular and effective treatment options to address wrinkles, jowls, and other signs of age in the mid- to lower face and upper neck. However, there have been numerous advances in non-surgical cosmetic enhancement over the years that give some patients the opportunity to renew their appearance without the need for invasive surgery. One of the most trusted and innovative of these options is a treatment known as Ultherapy®.
Our Orange County plastic surgeon was the first in the area to offer this non-surgical lifting technology. In addition to his extensive experience with Ultherapy®, Dr. Mills has used facelift surgery for decades to help patients achieve dramatic, long-lasting rejuvenation. Both procedures can be highly effective, but they differ in various ways, which makes it important to understand which one may be best suited to your needs.
Facelift Surgery: Dramatic Rejuvenation of the Lower Face and Neck
Facelift surgery is designed to correct visible signs of aging that develop between the midface and upper neck. As the skin loses elasticity and facial tissues begin to descend, many patients develop deep folds, jowls, sagging, and other signs of aging around the jawline. A facelift can combat these concerns by surgically lifting and tightening the underlying facial muscles, removing excess skin, and redraping the remaining skin for a smoother, firmer look.
One of the major benefits of facelift surgery is its longevity. When combined with proper skin care and healthy lifestyle habits, facelift results can last for several years. Dr. Mills performs several types of facelift procedures and customizes each surgery to achieve natural-looking effects.
While facelift surgery does require recovery time, most patients are able to return to normal activities within 10 to 14 days, with final results continuing to improve over the following weeks and months. For patients with more significant signs of aging or those seeking a comprehensive, lasting improvement, facelift surgery may be called the gold standard.
Ultherapy®
Unlike a facelift, Ultherapy® is a completely non-invasive treatment that requires no anesthesia or downtime. Sometimes described as a “lunchtime facelift without incisions,” this FDA-approved technology uses focused ultrasound energy to penetrate the face’s foundational muscle layer, stimulating natural collagen production to gradually lift and firm the treated areas.
Ultherapy® can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing mild to moderate skin laxity, especially along the lower face, jawline, neck, and décolletage. It’s also commonly used to tighten the brow and reduce puffiness under the eyes. Dr. Mills often positions Ultherapy® as an adjunct treatment; for example, it can be an excellent option six months to a year after a facelift to enhance skin quality. It may also serve as a helpful boost for patients who have experienced changes in facial volume or skin tone following GLP-1–associated weight loss.
With this in mind, Ultherapy® cannot reposition deeper facial tissues or remove excess skin. While it can help improve skin tightness and texture, it cannot effectively address significant jowling or laxity in the neck the way facelift surgery can. In other words, while Ultherapy® can “turn the clock back,” it does not stop the natural aging process. In very broad terms, Ultherapy® may provide a subtle improvement (often in the range of about 5%) while a facelift can offer a significantly more comprehensive correction.
Treatment sessions typically last about an hour, and there is little to no recovery time required. Results from Ultherapy® appear gradually as new collagen forms, typically over the course of three to six months. Dr. Mills notes that in his own experience with the treatment (which he has undergone four times over the past 20 years), visible improvement can take several months to fully appear, underscoring the individualized nature of results. Some patients choose periodic follow-up treatments over time to maintain the effects of Ultherapy®.
Which Is Right For Me?
Choosing between Ultherapy® and a facelift comes down to your unique skin condition and personal preferences. Here are a few general guidelines to consider:
- You may be a good candidate for Ultherapy® if you’re experiencing early signs of aging or are not interested in undergoing surgery.
- You may be a better candidate for facelift surgery if you have moderate to severe facial aging and are seeking a more dramatic and long-lasting transformation.
During your consultation, Dr. Mills will perform a comprehensive assessment and provide personalized recommendations based on your anatomy and desired outcomes.
Alternative Facial Rejuvenation Options
In addition to Ultherapy®, there are several other non-surgical treatments that can be effective alternatives (or complements) to facelift surgery. One of the most popular options is the liquid facelift, which uses a customized combination of injectable dermal fillers to restore volume and smooth wrinkles. This technique can be especially useful for addressing nasolabial folds, marionette lines, hollow cheeks, and under-eye shadows.
Other effective options include laser skin resurfacing, microneedling, and radiofrequency-based therapies, which can improve skin texture and elasticity over time. While these treatments cannot provide the same level of lift or skin tightening as a surgical facelift, they can offer meaningful results with little to no downtime.
With this in mind, it is important to remember that non-surgical treatments typically require more frequent maintenance to preserve results. They also do not stop the aging process, whereas facelift surgery generally provides a more durable outcome.
To learn more about the many surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures available at our practice, we welcome you to schedule your consultation at the Aesthetic Plastic Surgical Institute.
Editor’s note: This blog was originally posted on April 10th, 2020
For more information, or if you wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mills, please don’t hesitate to contact our office today.
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