Nonsurgical Facelift Tip Sheet

A nonsurgical facelift, a minilift, “liquid lift,” and other in-office services can be excellent ways to look better without resorting to major surgery.  But with so many options out there, how do you know which option, if any, is right for you?  During a consultation, before going over pros and cons of various procedures, I first help the patient  honestly and accurately identify a realistic goal.  This is something you can start on your own at home.

Here are five questions I suggest you ask yourself before making a consultation for a nonsurgical facelift.

1. What bothers me the most?  Don’t say, “everything,” even if it’s true.  For a few days, try to nail down the one thing that bothers you the most.  What do you find yourself noticing more than anything else?  Frown lines?  A fold of skin by your mouth?  A tired look to your eyes?  Make yourself pick one thing, then write it down.  After that, write down whatever came in second place.
2. What am I hoping to achieve?  Be honest.  If you want every wrinkle on your face erased, think about it.  Even with aggressive surgery this is not possible.  So, short of that, what are you hoping for?  Try to show your goal in the mirror by pushing, lifting or pulling. Then estimate percentages of that goal:  80%, 50%, 30%.  Now, pick the lowest of those percentages that would still make you happy.  Have a friend photograph it.
3. What downtime can I handle?  Any treatment that introduces energy into tissue, can cause swelling.  Any injection can cause bruising.  So even without surgery there can be downtime.  Worst case scenario: what degree of swelling or bruising can you accept and for how long?   Write it down.
4. What risk am I willing to accept?  While nothing in life is totally “risk-free,” there are gradations of risk.  The risk of general anesthesia is greater than that of local anesthesia.  Are you willing to accept that increased risk, or do you want to limit your options to treatments under local or no anesthesia?
5. Who will I ask to do this?  Now that you are clear about what you are looking for, find a doctor who is board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties, and experienced in facial rejuvenation surgery.  If you are choosing between a nonsurgical facelift and a surgical one, a doctor experienced with both can give you a perspective from both.  Their before & afters should look great to you–remember, those are their best results.  See more than one doctor.  Tell them your answers to the above questions and ask to see an average, not showcase result.  It is the average result, after all, that you are most likely to achieve.  Does the average result look good to you?  Show the photo from question #2 to the doctor, and ask how likely it is that you can obtain a similar result with the procedure you are considering.  If it’s not that likely, you either have to re-evaluate your goals or consider other options.

Being totally honest with yourself and your surgeon ahead of time can help you choose the procedure that’s right for you.

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