If you’ve ever woken up one day, looked in the mirror, and wondered where those wrinkles and folds or that tired expression came from, you’re far from alone. Facial volume loss, wrinkling, and sagging skin are a normal part of aging, but they can cause many people to experience reduced confidence and self-esteem when they occur. The good news is that there are many different options for effective rejuvenation that can help renew confidence and make you look years younger.
Facial anti-aging procedures are extremely common and low risk, making them a great option for men and women who want to restore youth and vitality. Two options, facelift surgery and facial fat transfer, are especially successful for comprehensive anti-aging. However, these two procedures are very different, and it’s important to learn more about both of them before planning your treatment.
What is a Facelift?
Almost everyone has heard of facelift surgery, but many people do not realize how custom the modern facelift can be. Typically, the procedure addresses the lower face and neck areas, lifting the tissues and creating a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance. Facelifts can be appropriate for many people with wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of aging, whether they are in their 40’s or their 70’s. The surgery lifts and tightens the skin but also addresses the underlying tissues, giving patients long-lasting results and a youthful, natural appearance. Modern facelift surgery is much less traumatic than it was in the past, and patients with less severe aging will receive a limited incision approach which results in a shorter recovery period. Facelift surgery can make patients look years younger, and the results last for years, slowing down the aging process significantly.
What is Facial Fat Transfer?
Volume loss is one of the major symptoms of aging, and it can result in a tired, worn out, or gaunt appearance. Facial fat transfer is a surgical procedure that uses fat from the patient’s own body to replace lost volume in the face. Fat is taken from the stomach, hips, or anywhere else it is available, then refined immediately for use in facial rejuvenation. Aside from the beautiful results, many patients love this option because the results are long-lasting—much of the fat transferred to the face will become permanently established and provide ongoing volume. The procedure is less invasive than many surgical procedures and does not involve any facial incisions.
Are There Any Similarities Between the Procedures?
Facelift surgery and facial fat transfer address different concerns and involve totally different procedures. The surgeries actually have very little in common: the facelift addresses wrinkles and skin laxity, while facial fat transfer replaces lost volume. Because the procedures complement one another instead of offering the same results, the procedure that is right for you will depend largely on the type and severity of facial aging you are experiencing.
Choosing Your Procedure
While you’ll probably have a good idea of the procedure that will work best for you before you schedule your first consultation, it’s also a good idea to come into this phase of the planning with an open mind. A board certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Buckingham will assess your facial aging and make recommendations for procedures according to your goals and candidacy. Only you and your plastic surgeon can determine which procedure is right for you, and it’s important to come to your appointment with specific questions and your goals for plastic surgery. For some patients, a combination of both a facelift and a facial fat transfer is a good choice for achieving their goals, and Dr. Buckingham will recommend this if he thinks it is appropriate for you.
Facial Rejuvenation in Austin
If you’re interested in learning more about these procedures and discussing your plans for facial rejuvenation, give us a call at Buckingham Center in Austin, TX to schedule a consultation with Dr. Edward Buckingham. Dr. Buckingham has received many accolades and is an experienced, double board certified facial plastic surgery expert. Call 512.401.2500 to schedule your appointment at our office today!
