Our aging face has individual patterns and multiple components which are affected by both genetics and environmental factors. Genetically, the aging of our face is programmed in the pattern of our parent’s genetic traits. However, environmental factors such as smoking, drinking, sun exposure and stresses are the catalyst for skin damage and premature aging.
Facial rejuvenation is any cosmetic procedures that reverse the effects of facial aging. There are two kinds of procedures in facial rejuvenation – the surgical and the non-surgical procedures. In the surgical procedures, the three most common are Facelift, Brow lift and Blepharoplasty (eyelids surgery), while the nonsurgical are Fillers, Botox and Fat Grafting. 
Most people are attracted to the non-surgical procedures of facial rejuvenation and would like to have them instead of the surgical methods. This is for the reason that they think those are much cheaper, safe and less likely to have complications. Indeed, this is one of the most common topics being discussed by most patients today. However, surgeons approach this topic with regards on the areas and the conditions of the face that concerns the patient. Patients having complaints about the condition of their face should consult first a certified surgeon before going into surgical or nonsurgical facial rejuvenation procedures. This is very crucial because depending on the condition of your facial skin, nonsurgical procedures may not be the best for you and more complications can occur if the right method is not use.
The patients’ budget, the ability to take time from work, as well as the degree of aging in the area of the face are also some of the factors that should be consider in selecting the kinds of procedures. The results of most nonsurgical procedures are not that long lasting compared to the surgical ones. You may undergo several sessions just for them to last long which can also affect your budget.
When you do your personal consultation with your surgeon, make sure to discuss your expectations, the procedure that is ideal for you and your ideal appearance. Along with it, take note of the information concerning the possible risks and recovery time. Never hesitate to ask the things that bother you to find out how one or more of these cosmetic procedures can help you regain that youthful appearance you deserve.
Let’s now look at the most common nonsurgical procedures of facial rejuvenation and their surgical counterparts for us to have an idea which one is ideal for every case.
Common Nonsurgical Procedures and their Surgical Counterparts
Dermal Fillers VS. Facelift
Dermal Fillers is done through the injection of rejuvenating sterile gel which is composed of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. All you need to do in this procedure is to come to the treatment center or clinic and relax during the session. This whole procedure takes only about an hour. As soon as the injections are done, you are able to get up and be on the go. Since this type of acid has been proven to gradually break down, the smooth-skin result continues to be visible for several months and often remain for up to one year.
Facelift is performed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the area of the face by tightening the skin. It addresses the neckline, forehead and the jowls. Specifically, it restores the vitality and the youthful look of your face by firming your facial skin and muscles and through the removal of excess fat. Deep creases and wrinkles are eliminated and your entire face appears to be refreshed and much younger. The effects can last up to 5 years or more if you don’t smoke and undergo some weight changes.
Weighing your Options
Dermal Fillers is obviously desirable to people who don’t want to undergo a long recovery period. It can save their time and energy. But obviously also, not everyone can have their needs satisfactorily addressed through the use of Dermal Fillers. Facelift however, caters your long term needs. It has a much longer effects (about 5x longer) compared to dermal fillers which will eventually lead you also in saving your time, energy and money in going again to your surgeon.
Botox VS. Brow Lift
Botox is done through the use of injections that work by temporarily weakening the muscles that pull the brow down which also causes furrowed brows and wrinkles. Just like in other procedures that use injections, Botox medication is fast but the effect will eventually show off. More treatments are needed in order to maintain the results.
A Brow Lift on the other hand, is a procedure that is much more permanent. Through an incision, the surgeon pulls back the forehead and removes excess skin. It can solve many of the same imperfections that Botox can and the results are long lasting.
Weighing your Options
The big difference between the two procedures is the degree of permanence that you will experience. One reason why Botox is so popular is because it is impermanent. It offers an option to improve your looks further. If you don’t like the results, the effects will eventually wear off. However, if you are seeking for more permanent results, Brow lift is the one for you. The effects of Botox can only last for about 3 to 6 months while in Brow lift, it is still visible for so many years.
Another great factor is the cost. Botox is much expensive compared to the brow lift. Since it is not permanent, you will also need to undergo several applications every time its effect has worn off. Botox aren’t for everybody, but neither is Brow Lift. Factors such as subtlety of results, desired permanence and the cost of the procedure should be weighed before you decide on what procedure to choose. 
Fat Grafting VS. Blepharoplasty
Fat Grafting is the procedure by which your own fat, usually coming from your abdomen, buttocks or flank, is removed, processed and place into facial areas like the eyelids. With age, our eyelids tend to lose fat and hollow-out. What becomes then the main problem is the excess and loose skin. Often, the hollow between the upper eyelid and eyebrow will benefit from this procedure.
Blepharoplasty or the Eyelid Surgery is the procedure used to treat upper and/or lower eyelids. It is the procedure that involves removal of excess skin, along with some fat and possibly also in some case, the eyelid muscle. Example of this is the ‘bags’ under your eyes. It is considered as a result of the downward movement of skin, fat and soft tissue. The mainstay of this treatment is the removal of fat from those eye bags. If you are wondering how to get rid those tired and saggy eye bags, this procedure is best for you.
Weighing your Options
Fat grafting is ideal if you have hollow and sunken eyelids, while Blepharoplasty is ideal if you want to flatten out or remove your eye bags. Both are actu
ally beneficial to you depending on your needs and what you want to improve in your eyelids. These two procedures can also be used in combination for optimum results. You can have fat grafting to hollow areas and at the same time, use Blepharoplasty for the removal of loose skin, fats and muscles in saggy areas.
Conclusion
Your decision between surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures should be a wise and an ideal decision. You can combine both of them to improve your facial appearance. A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will help you a lot in directing your decision. Surgeons can help determine which facial rejuvenation procedures will give you the results that you desire.
If you need additional information regarding facial rejuvenation, you can contact us and we will be happy to schedule a consultation for you. You can discuss your cosmetic goals to our surgeon and he will recommend to you the most effective treatment plan that will deliver the results you desire.
