The combination of natural aging, genetics, and environmental factors can lead to reduced collagen and hyaluronic acid production.
As a result, individuals may begin to notice facial changes including skin laxity, volume loss, and uneven skin tone and texture.
Fortunately, these patients have several non-surgical and surgical options for facial rejuvenation, including a facelift.

Before a Facelift, Patients May Try Non-Invasive Treatments for Facial Rejuvenation

Many patients interested in facial rejuvenation will initially try a non-surgical treatment such as laser resurfacing, Botox, or dermal fillers.
Because tone and texture cannot be improved surgically, laser resurfacing with a CO2 or Fraxel treatment is an excellent way to smooth and brighten skin and target hyperpigmentation or acne scars.
Additionally, dermal fillers temporarily restore volume and contour to the face, while Botox relaxes muscles to diminish wrinkles and fine lines.
However, the constant maintenance, expense, and fleeting results, cause many patients to get “needle fatigue.” When this occurs, plastic surgeons may recommend that patients obtain more  permanent or drastic effects with a facelift or other surgical procedure.

Surgical Facelift for Permanent Results

Early facelifts provided one-dimensional and extreme results as the procedure focused on pulling, re-draping, and removing excess skin.
However, current techniques target not only skin, but the deeper layers of tissue between fat and muscle.
More specifically, manipulating and repositioning this area referred to as SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic sheath) allows plastic surgeons to create a more natural and multi-dimensional tightening of skin, improvement in facial volume, and firmness of the jaw and neck.
In addition, fat grafting may be used in conjunction with a surgical facelift to increase facial fullness.

Other Surgical Procedures for Facial Rejuvenation

For patients that do not require a full facelift, plastic surgeons can perform other less-invasive surgical procedures including n S-lift, mini facelift, neck lift, or endoscopic facelift.
The results of these procedures or a facelift may be combined with laser resurfacing, a brow lift, or blepharoplasty.
To learn more about non-surgical and surgical options for facial rejuvenation, please call Washingtonian Plastic Surgery in Chevy Chase and Northern Virginia to schedule an appointment with Dr. Navin Singh.