The Road to a Beautiful You
Deciding whether a facelift or dermal fillers are the best rejuvenation option is a difficult decision. So, you want incredible skin and a youthful look, but you’re unsure which treatment or procedure suits your needs. Since 1997, surgical procedures have increased by 71%, while nonsurgical procedures have increased by a whopping 228%. [1] But which avenue is right for you? Let’s compare and contrast two of the most popular techniques to address the aging face – a facelift and dermal filler – to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Once you feel informed and ready to move forward, or if you have questions, call us! Patients can reach our office by calling (310) 584-9990 or filling out this form to receive a returned call. Dr. Michael Zarrabi, MD, is a top plastic surgeon serving Los Angles, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica, and patients from across the globe, and he can help you, too!
Facelift vs. Filler
The main difference between a facelift and fillers is that a facelift permanently repositions sagging tissue and restores a youthful appearance. In contrast, fillers plump specific facial areas to create a more youthful look. But let’s dive deeper.
The Age Factor
If you’re considering a facelift, you may already know that this procedure is usually reserved for people over the age of 40 who have moderate to significant sagging skin. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. Patients as young as 35 may be candidates for this surgery and enjoy beautiful, natural-looking results. A facelift can take years off your appearance and is an excellent option for those with loose skin around the jawline or neck.
On the other hand, fillers can be used on patients of any age. While they are most often used on people in their 30s and 40s, fillers can also achieve specific goals in younger or older patients.
Plump or Lift?
One helpful consideration on the road to your aesthetic goals is to ask yourself what concerns you most about your appearance. For example, do you want to address the sagging skin of the face or neck? If so, a facelift may be your best option.
But if you’re looking to achieve a more youthful boost by adding volume to specific areas of your face, like the cheeks and lips, fillers may be the better option. After all, as beneficial as a facelift is, it can’t plump your lips!
Fillers can be used to achieve several different goals, including:
- Adding volume to the cheeks
- Smoothing out wrinkles and lines
- Filling in hollow areas under the eyes
- Plumping up the lips
More About Fillers
The temporary nature of fillers is a selling point for some patients. However, some patients may find that they like the results so much that they want a more permanent solution. In this case, they may opt to schedule a facelift the next time it is time for their cosmetic touch-up.
Fillers can be used to correct a variety of concerns, including wrinkles, fine lines, and volume loss due to age. In addition, fillers can restore a harmonious balance to the contours of the face without surgery.
Fillers are made from different materials, but many of the most popular use hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the body. As we age, we lose HA, which shows in our skin. [2]
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
HA fillers offer a number of benefits, including:
- They are safe and effective
- They provide natural-looking results
- They are temporary, so you can see how you like the results before committing to a more permanent solution.
- They are minimally invasive and have little to no downtime
- After a short time, the filler is safely absorbed by the body [3]
Dr. Zarrabi offers Juvederm, Restylane, and Perlane, RHA, which are all HA dermal fillers that promise stunning results.
How Can I Get Rid of Jowls Without Surgery?
One of the exciting new injectable Dr. Zarrabi is thrilled to offer his Beverly Hills patients is Kybella. This fat-melting injection can address fat under the jawline without surgery. Kybella is the only FDA-approved injectable to address small pockets of fat by safely melting it away. In addition, patients who receive Kybella and wish to sculpt and contour their jawline.
Skin Rejuvenation in Los Angeles
Microneedling with PRP is another minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that can tighten, lift, and rejuvenate the skin. It can be applied to the face, neck, chest, and hands to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. The treatment can also enhance the appearance of sun damage and uneven skin tone.
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a concentration of platelets derived from the patient’s blood. PRP is rich in growth factors and can promote the healing and regeneration of tissues. However, when combined with microneedling, PRP can provide an even more dramatic result.
Consultation for Dermal Fillers in Los Angeles
During your consultation, Dr. Zarrabi will help you choose the suitable filler material and treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results. And you can rest assured that you are in good hands! Dr. Zarrabi is a Diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has an impeccable reputation. In addition, his nurse practioner injector, Sherry Sanvictores, MSN, holds credentials from ACNP-BCN.
Is a Facelift Right For You?
Deciding to undergo a surgical procedure is a big decision. You will need to consider several factors before making up your mind, which is why Dr. Zarrabi offers his patients a chance to discuss the procedure in detail.
During your consultation, Dr. Zarrabi will help you decide if a facelift is a proper procedure to meet your needs. He will consider your goals, medical history, and skin type before making a recommendation.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that can be used to improve the appearance of the face. The procedure can permanently correct various concerns, including sagging skin, wrinkles, and jowls.
But this isn’t your mother’s facelift. The techniques and technology have come a long way in recent years, which means that patients can achieve natural-looking results with minimal scarring and downtime; the “done” or pulled-back look is a thing of the past.
How is a Facelift Performed?
Many different components contribute to the final treatment plan for each patient. Dr. Zarrabi considers:
- The anesthesia
- The methods employed
- The type of incisions
- The location of the incisions
- The type of facelift
During your consultation, Dr. Zarrabi will discuss these factors in detail to help you make the best decision for your needs.
What is Your Ideal Recovery Time?
Another factor that may help you decide which method is best for you is the amount of downtime each requires. A traditional facelift requires about two weeks of recovery time. Injections require no downtime, so you are back to your life immediately after your appointment.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I want immediate results with no downtime?
- Am I looking for a more long-term solution?
- How much time can I take off from work or my busy schedule?
- Do I want a surgical procedure or a minimally invasive procedure?
- Do I have friends or family who will help drive me home after surgery?
- How much help will I need at home with kids, pets, and cooking and cleaning?
During your consultation, Dr. Zarrabi will discuss the recovery time for each method.
What is the Cost of a Facelift in Beverly Hills?
To put it bluntly, do you want to cut corners with a facelift? When it comes to plastic surgery, you often get what you pay for. But with Dr. Zarrabi, you get even more. The dedication and experience he brings to each patient are unmatched.
The cost of your facelift will be based on many factors, including:
- The type of facelift
- The anesthesia used
- The location of the incisions
- The methods employed
- The number of procedures performed
If you are not ready to undergo this major, life-changing decision, fillers may be a better option.
Consultation for Facelift in Santa Monica
If you are considering a facelift, you must consult with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Zarrabi has helped countless patients achieve their goals, and he can do the same for you. And if a facelift isn’t right for you, he will let you know; he will never pressure you into a procedure that isn’t right for you.
During your consultation, Dr. Zarrabi will:
- Discuss your goals
- Conduct a physical examination
- Take photos for your medical file
- Review your options
- Develop a treatment plan
Your Stunning Results
Whatever path you choose to boost the youthful appearance of your face, you can trust that Dr. Zarrabi will help you achieve beautiful, natural-looking results that last. Often, your treatment plan will consist of various techniques Dr. Zarrabi has perfected over the years and the latest scientific advances. You deserve to look and feel your best at any age and as you age.
Schedule a Consultation for Your Skin in Beverly Hills
If you are considering a facelift, filler, or any other cosmetic procedure, schedule a consultation today to better arm yourself with the knowledge that will help you make an informed decision. Dr. Zarrabi hopes you choose his impeccable skills, experience, and bedside manner to achieve your goals, but his number one priority is making the best choice for you.
You can schedule your consultation with our team by calling (310) 652-8999 or fill out our online consultation form.
We look forward to meeting you!
References
- Nour Abboushi, Maksym Yezhelyev, John Symbas, Foad Nahai, Facelift Complications and the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: A Single Center’s Experience, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 32, Issue 4, May 2012, Pages 413–420, https://doi.org/10.1177/1090820X12442213
- Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology. 2012;4(3):253-258. doi:10.4161/derm.21923
- Friedman PM, Mafong EA, Kauvar ANB, Geronemus RG. Safety Data of Injectable Nonanimal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid Gel for Soft Tissue Augmentation. Dermatologic Surgery. 2002;28(6):491-494. doi:10.1046/j.1524-4725.2002.01251.x