Is it “time to give a facelift to facelifts”? That’s the question posed by RealSelf.com blogger K. Mathews, who recently wrote that facial implants may be better thanfacelift surgery. But can facial implants really replace the facelift? In fact, while Mathews makes some strong points about why facial implants should be preferred, it’s important to realize that these procedures actually accomplish different things.
Facial Implants
These medical devices, made of solid silicone, are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be used to redefine facial features such as the nose, chin, andcheeks. As Mathews observes, there are many reasons why facial implants might be preferred to facelift surgery:
- They don’t require the removal of any tissue.
- Facial implant surgery usually has a shorter recovery period than a facelift.
- Unlike a facelift, they can restore facial volume that has been lost in the aging process.
- Facial implants can add balance and definition to your facial features.
- Facial implant surgery is somewhat reversible, since the implant can be removed if you don’t like your new appearance.
Other techniques for adding volume and definition to facial features include facial fat grafting and dermal fillers (such asJuvederm and Radiesse).
Facelift
While facial implants are able to add volume, they are not able to address one of the biggest signs of facial aging – sagging skin. No implant can reverse the effects of gravity. Sagging skin will naturally form heavy folds and jowls over time. This is a problem involving excess skin, which can only be corrected with a facelift.
As for wrinkles, facial implants tend to have an incidental effect. By adding volume, they can somewhat reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but facelift surgery is often the best option for erasing deep lines and wrinkles. For these reasons, facelift surgery is the best option for most people – it dramatically reverses the most pervasive signs of aging. As a result, when considering facial rejuvenation surgery, you should begin by identifying your own unique needs and priorities.
Photo credit: Daniel Stockman, Wikimedia Commons
