There is no question that facial cosmetic surgery is big business. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), facelifts were the fifth most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in 2012. Approximately 126,000 facelift procedures were performed that year, which was up by 6 percent from 2011. Additionally, dermal fillers were the second most common non-surgical cosmetic procedures, with 2 million procedures performed. Soft tissue filler procedures were up by five percent.

Given the clear upward trend in surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures, patients may be wondering about the benefits of facelift procedures compared to dermal fillers. Dr. Paul Pin suggests that the choice between a surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedure depends on the patient's goals and the extent of skin laxity. Each procedure has advantages and disadvantages.

Dermal Fillers

As the body ages, it loses collagen, which is a protein the body naturally produces. Collagen serves as a cushion between joints, and it fills out the skin and tissue over the skeleton. Dr. Pin will inject the dermal filler just under the skin at targeted areas around the face to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, eyes, and brow.

Pros: Dermal fillers are non-invasive, unlike a facelift. As a result, a dermal filler procedure can be done in Dr. Pin's office, using only a local anesthetic at the injection sites around the face. Recovery time is minimal, with most patients being able to resume normal activities within a day. Side effects are also minimal, consisting of a small amount of bruising, swelling, and bleeding at injection sites.

Cons: Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of dermal fillers is that they are not permanent. They will usually last anywhere from 12 to 18 months, at which point, the patient can elect to undergo another dermal filler procedure. Dermal fillers are specifically designed to fill in fine lines and wrinkles around the cheek, lower nose, and mouth area.

Facelift

A facelift procedure tightens up sagging and loose skin on the mid and lower face. In a facelift procedure, Dr. Pin makes a series of incisions just in front of the hairline, behind the ears. The skin and underlying tissue are gently lifted up and pulled tight. Excess skin is removed, and the remainder is sutured back into place.

Pros: A facelift procedure will provide the face with a much more noticeable younger appearance. It will minimize lines and wrinkles on the face and loose jowls. A facelift procedure will also last longer than just a dermal filler procedure. Taking into account skin type and elasticity, as well as sun exposure, a facelift can easily last a number of years before the skin becomes lax again.

Cons: The most obvious, and biggest, drawback to a facelift is that it is a surgical procedure. Recovery time can take four to six weeks, and it may take up to a week for patients to resume normal activities. The risks are also much greater with a facelift than with dermal fillers. These risks include infection and moderate to severe bleeding, swelling, and bruising.

No matter which procedure patients choose, Dr. Pin will do his best to provide them with the results they desire.