The face is one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Sun exposure, environmental damage, gravity, and aging can create droopy skin, wrinkles, and fine lines over time. Luckily, patients today have many different options when it comes to facial rejuvenation. Both facelift surgery and dermal fillers can help take years off a patient’s appearance.  

As a plastic surgeon in Guilford, CT, I often receive a familiar question: How do I choose between a facelift or dermal fillers? There are definitely pros and cons to each of these anti-aging options. Here are some things to consider when deciding which treatment is best for you.

Facelift benefits

A facelift is a surgical procedure that lifts and adjusts the sagging tissue of the face. It can tighten the jowl area, lift the cheeks, and smooth out deeper creases in the skin. Because it is a traditional surgery, it requires a longer recovery time than other nonsurgical procedures.  However, the results are long-lasting and the procedure is a terrific investment. 

Issues that a facelift best addresses include:

• Sagging cheeks
• Wrinkles and folds around the mouth
• Loose skin along the neck and jawline

Recovery after facelift surgery takes around 2 to 3 weeks. Most patients can return to work within 7 to 10 days after surgery.

Dermal filler benefits

Dermal fillers come in a variety of brand options that treat different areas of the face. They are mainly used to restore youthful volume and improve skin texture. Fillers are popular because they’re a nonsurgical treatment with no recovery time, but they don’t create the dramatic transformation that a facelift can. 

Issues that dermal fillers treat include:

• Lost volume in the cheeks
• Thin lips
• Dark undereye circles
• Wrinkles around the mouth and chin

Patients can return to work or home immediately after their dermal filler treatment. An injection session takes around an hour, and results can last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the product used.

Choosing the right procedure 

No two patients are alike, so choosing the right procedure depends on your particular needs. In general, patients who want a lighter touch with less downtime benefit most from dermal fillers. Those who want a more dramatic change and can afford the investment would benefit from facelift surgery. Browse our before-and-after gallery to see real patient results from both types of procedures. 

Ultimately, choosing the right treatment is a very personal decision. Talk your options over with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the best treatment for your anti-aging needs. 

If you’re in the Guilford, CT, area and would like to learn more about facelift surgery or dermal fillers, please request a consultation online. You can also contact our practice office by phone at (203) 689-5295.