Cosmetic Surgery Procedure: Facelift

Unfortunately, due to our repeated exposure to sunlight, daily stressors, and the pull of gravity, over time a number of undesirable changes take place in the face. The development of fine lines, wrinkles, a sagging double chin, or drooping jowls can have a detrimental affect on an individual’s self-esteem.

In many cases, patients begin to notice a troubling disconnect between their aging physical appearance and their vibrant, youthful, and energetic personality. Luckily, as a result of modern technology there are now several effective treatment options designed to restore patients’ youthful appearance and self-esteem: a Toronto facelift and liquid lift are two of the most sought after options.

But what is the difference between these two procedures? To help you determine which option is right for you, the differences between the two procedures are outlined below.

Facelift

Rhytidectomy, or a facelift, is a cosmetic surgery procedure, that is ideal for patients in their 40s-70s who hope to treat signs of aging in the lower face, such as sagging cheeks or jowls and loose skin beneath the chin. During this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision extending from the hairline on the temple to in front or inside of the ear and into the hairline behind the ear.

The skin is then lifted, which enables the surgeon to remove excess fat and skin. Next, the skin is pulled taut and carefully sutured closed. Although a traditional Toronto facelift is a more invasive option than a liquid lift, the results are incredibly long lasting. In fact, in most instances, the improvements achieved during this procedure last approximately 10 years.

A Facelift is more invasive therefore, the recovery period is more extensive. Following the procedure, patients are advised to schedule approximately two weeks off from work and other responsibilities to allow themselves sufficient time to heal.

Immediately after the procedure, the face will be wrapped in bandages, which are removed the next day. Seven days post-operatively, the stitches are removed. In most cases, patients experience swelling and bruising in the treatment area for approximately two weeks, however, residual swelling may take up to six months to resolve itself.

Liquid Lift

A liquid facelift is a non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment option for patients who are not yet ready for a facelift in Toronto. This non-invasive procedure works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles while also restoring volume to the cheeks and other areas of the face.

Following your consultation, your surgeon will clean your skin before injecting dermal fillers into the areas that have lost volumee. One of the greatest advantages to the liquid lift is that it can be completed in a matter of minutes and requires no down time. As a result, the procedure can be completed during your lunch hour.

While a liquid lift can bring about a dramatic transformation, it is important to recognize that the results are not permanent. Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane last up anywhere from 9 months – 18 months depending on how your body metabolizes the product.

Meanwhile, results from Radiesse, which is a calcium hydroxylapatite filler, can last over a year. Thus, to maintain the results of a liquid lift, touch ups are recommended every 12 months.