TrustMed Clinic : Facelifts vs. Fillers: Why Surgery Reigns Supreme for Long-Term Results

Facelifts and fillers are two popular methods for facial rejuvenation, each serving distinct purposes and offering unique benefits. This comprehensive approach can significantly enhance the contour and appearance of the face and neck, providing long-lasting results that can make patients look years younger. On the other hand, dermal fillers are non-surgical treatments that involve injecting substances such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, or other biocompatible materials into specific areas of the face. 

What Is A Facelift?

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at reducing the visible signs of aging in the face and neck. This procedure involves lifting and tightening the underlying facial muscles and tissues to create a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. Additionally, excess skin is removed to smooth out wrinkles and eliminate sagging. Facelifts can address a variety of concerns, including:

• Sagging Skin: Particularly around the midface, jawline, and neck.
• Deep Creases: Running from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds) and from the mouth to the chin (marionette lines).
• Jowls: The loss of muscle tone in the lower face that creates a sagging jawline.
• Loose Skin And Excess Fat: Under the chin and jaw, creating a "double chin."

The procedure typically involves incisions made along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin. The surgeon then lifts the skin, tightens the underlying tissues and muscles, repositions the fat, and removes any excess skin. The incisions are then closed with sutures or skin adhesives.

What Is Face Fillers?

Facial fillers, also known as dermal fillers, are injectable treatments used to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These minimally invasive procedures are popular for their ability to provide immediate, natural-looking results without the need for surgery. Fillers can address various aesthetic concerns, including:

• Wrinkles And Fine Lines: Fillers can smooth out lines around the mouth, nose, and eyes, such as nasolabial folds and crow's feet.
• Volume Loss: As we age, our skin loses collagen and fat, leading to a hollow or sunken appearance. Fillers can restore volume to the cheeks, temples, and under-eye area.
• Lip Enhancement: Fillers can add volume and shape to the lips, creating a fuller, more youthful appearance.
• Facial Contouring: Fillers can enhance the contours of the face, such as defining the jawline and chin or creating higher cheekbones.
• Scar Improvement: Fillers can also improve the appearance of certain types of scars by raising them to the level of the surrounding skin.

The most commonly used fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the skin that helps maintain hydration and volume. Other types of fillers include calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and polymethylmethacrylate microspheres.

Why Face Lift Is Superior To Face Fillers?

Here’s why a facelift might be considered superior to facial fillers for certain individuals:

Comprehensive Rejuvenation

Facelift

Addresses Multiple Aging Signs: A facelift provides a comprehensive solution by lifting and tightening sagging skin, reducing deep wrinkles, and improving the overall facial contour.

Long-Lasting Results: The results of a facelift can last for many years, often up to a decade or more, making it a long-term solution to significant signs of aging.

Tightening Loose Skin: It effectively tightens loose and sagging skin, particularly in the lower face and neck, which fillers alone cannot achieve.

Facial Fillers

Targeted Enhancements: Fillers are excellent for adding volume to specific areas, such as cheeks, lips, and under the eyes, and for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.

Temporary Results: Fillers typically last between 6 months to 2 years, requiring regular maintenance treatments to sustain the results.

Volume Restoration: They are best suited for addressing volume loss rather than significantly lifting or tightening the skin.

Structural Changes

Facelift

Deep Structural Adjustments: A facelift involves repositioning the underlying facial tissues and muscles, providing a more natural and youthful contour.

Skin Redundancy Removal: Excess skin is removed during a facelift, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with significant skin laxity.

Facial Fillers

Non-Surgical Volume Addition: Fillers add volume and can subtly enhance facial contours without surgery, but they do not remove excess skin or reposition underlying tissues.

Scope of Improvement

Facelift

Widespread Impact: A facelift addresses a broad range of aging signs across the mid-face, lower face, and neck.

Dramatic Results: The changes from a facelift are often more dramatic and comprehensive compared to fillers.

Facial Fillers

Localized Impact: Fillers are best for specific areas and may not achieve the same level of improvement across the entire face as a facelift.

Subtle Changes: Fillers offer more subtle and gradual changes, ideal for early signs of aging or maintenance.

Suitability

Facelift

Advanced Aging: Best suited for individuals with moderate to severe facial aging, including significant sagging skin and deep wrinkles.

Long-Term Solution: Ideal for those seeking a long-term solution with dramatic improvements.

Facial Fillers

Early to Moderate Aging: Suitable for individuals with early to moderate signs of aging or those looking for temporary enhancements.

Non-Surgical Option: Preferred by those who want to avoid surgery and its associated downtime and risks.

While both facelifts and facial fillers have their own merits, a facelift might be considered superior for those seeking a more comprehensive, long-lasting solution to significant signs of aging. It provides structural adjustments, removes excess skin, and offers widespread improvements that fillers alone cannot achieve.

TrustMed Clinic provides comprehensive consultation sessions for patients to help them make an informed decision on which cosmetic surgery in Turkey to choose. Get in contact with us and start your journey now!