Sagging skin and facial creases can start to show up long before you are ready. Is it time to start thinking about a treatment to reverse those early aging symptoms? Which treatment would fit your needs and goals best?
Choices in anti-aging procedures range from non-surgical skin tightening to a surgical facelift. It helps to understand the differences between the two, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each, to make the best decision for you.
Non-Surgical Skin Tightening With Evoke
Evoke facial remodeling is best for people who have mild skin laxity . It is best for people in their 30’s and 40’s with good skin and mild drooping, skin laxity and submental fat. It cannot produce the same dramatic results of a surgical facelift. It is better for people who are seeing the start of laxity, to help prevent loss of the jawline
The non-invasive treatment involves a headgear the patient wears for a prescribed period of time in our office. Radiofrequency energy gently heats the underlying dermal layers, triggering a healing response without affecting the skin’s surface. A series of treatment sessions will yield the best results.
What aging concerns can Evoke address?
Evoke facial remodeling targets the lower face to address the following concerns:
- Mild skin laxity along the jawline
- Early jowl formation
- Submental fat under the chin
What are the benefits of Evoke?
While Evoke cannot produce the same dramatic effects as a surgical facelift, it does have benefits a traditional facelift does not offer:
- No incisions
- No scars
- No anesthetic
- No need for pain medicine
- No significant downtime or time off work
- Lower cost
If you are looking for a non-surgical alternative to a facelift that produces natural improvement in the lower face, Evoke may be a good treatment option for you.
How long do results last?
Results from a series of Evoke treatments typically last about one year. With a regular treatment schedule, you can maintain your improvements much longer. Proper care of the skin, including sun protection and medical-grade skincare, can also prolong positive results.
What is recovery like?
Because it is non-invasive, patients don’t have any downtime after an Evoke treatment. Most return to work and regular activities immediately following the procedure. With few side effects, no one will realize you just had an anti-aging treatment.
Are there any risks associated with this procedure?
There are no known risks associated with an Evoke procedure as long as it is performed by an experienced provider. It is completely non-invasive and painless.
Surgical Skin Tightening With a Facelift
A surgical facelift is considered the gold standard in facial rejuvenation. This procedure removes loose skin and repositions tissue and muscle to create a naturally more youthful appearance. When performed by an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, a surgical facelift can take up to 10 years off your appearance with improvements that can last 10 years or even longer.
While a surgical facelift offers superior results to any other procedure, it also comes with some risks and drawbacks. It is important to weigh the pros and cons before determining whether a surgical facelift is the best choice for you.
What aging concerns can a surgical facelift address?
A surgical facelift is typically recommended for more advanced signs of aging and can address the following concerns:
- Facial creases in the lower face
- Loose skin of the mid to lower face and neck
- Facial hollowing in the midface
- Jowl formation
- Turkey Neck
- Lack of definition along the jawline
What are the benefits of a facelift?
A traditional facelift offers significant benefits over non-surgical procedures, including:
- Removes excess skin and tightens remaining skin
- Repositions fat and tissue to create natural results
- Creates more youthful facial contours
- Minimizes the appearance of lines and wrinkles
- Takes up to 10 years off your appearance
- Improvements can last up to 10 years or longer
Facelift surgery does require about two weeks of recovery time. Patients will need to take time off work and make arrangements for help with children and pets during the first week or more to give their bodies time to rest and heal.
How long do results last?
Results from a facelift can last up to 10 years. You can extend the duration of your results by using sun protection and medical-grade skincare. Non-surgical treatments can also help boost the anti-aging effects of surgery when performed regularly.
What is recovery like?
Recovery from a traditional facelift takes about two weeks. Many patients discover they look worse before better after this surgery, because side effects like bruising and swelling can detract from the final result at first. This breakdown will give you an idea of what you might expect after a facelift.
- 24 Hours After Surgery. You will need someone to drive you home from surgery and stay with you the first 24 hours. Most patients are restricted to a soft diet for the first few days and will have specific post-operative instructions to follow to support the healing process. Common side effects include swelling, tenderness, and bruising, which can persist for up to two weeks
- First Week After Surgery. Swelling and bruising are common during the first week after your surgery. At the end of the first week, your sutures will be removed and you may start wearing makeup
- Second Week After Surgery. Expect your incisions to be red at this point in your recovery. Most of your swelling and bruising should be gone and you can return to work and regular activities. Strenuous activity should be avoided for up to four weeks to prevent potential complications.
Are there any risks associated with this procedure?
There are risks associated with any surgical procedure, including facelifts. Risks might include:
- Complications from anesthesia
- Bleeding during or after surgery
- Facial nerve injury
- Infection
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Skin irregularities and discoloration
- Unfavorable scarring
Your surgeon will discuss all possible risks with you before surgery and give you a chance to ask questions and share your concerns. Keep in mind that risks are significantly mitigated by choosing an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon for your procedure.
Consult With Princeton’s Top Facial Plastic Surgeon to Determine Which Skin Tightening Procedure is Right For You
Eugenie Brunner, MD, FACS, is Princeton, New Jersey’s top facial plastic surgeon providing top skin tightening results. Dr. Brunner combines medical and surgical expertise with an eye for the artful side of beauty. Everyone will notice, but no one will know. For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brunner, contact our Princeton medical spa today.