What’s the best way to fast-track a facelift?
FACELIFTS used to involve lengthy invasive surgery and months of painful recovery time.
However, times have changed and now there are fast-track options available, from 60-minute lunchtime lifts for early signs of ageing to thread lifts that treat loose or sagging skin. Many of the most popular procedures can be done in just one visit to the clinic.
Years ago the aim of a facelift was to stretch and tighten slack skin. The result was often an unnaturally smooth visage. Now the idea is to refresh and revitalise, with a final look so subtle you can’t tell whether anything has been done at all.
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A good facelift makes patients look younger rather than different or operated on. We always say the best results should look as if you’ve had a good night’s sleep. No matter which treatment you opt for, make sure you do your research and find a good surgeon.
Never be afraid to ask questions about how much experience they have and read up on all the possible side-effects or complications. Read our guide to everything you need to know about facelifts.
Linda Nolan explains why she is getting a facelift
THE NEW LIQUID LIFT
What is it: Also known as the Injectable Facelift, this procedure uses a combination of Botox and dermal fillers to sculpt the face, redefine the jaw and improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Best for: The treatment is ideal if you have early signs of ageing, including loss of volume, lines and loose skin. Expertly placed fillers contour the face and come in a range of options suitable for all skin types.
What happens: The treatment takes about an hour to perform under local anaesthetic, during which a combination of injectables is used to treat problem areas, including the cheeks, under-eye hollows, lines around the nose and lips. Botox is then used to minimise crow’s feet, lift the brows and open the eye area.
Results: Redness and slight bruising may occur but both can be easily covered with mineral make-up. Results last about 18 months and the fillers used will continue to boost skin volume and tautness over time. Prices start from £600, depending on the areas treated.
SILHOUETTE SOFT LIFT
What is it: Also known as the Puppet Lift, this is a non-invasive treatment using special dissolvable threads made from polylactic and glycolic acid to lift sagging skin.
Best for: This speedy and subtle 30-minute procedure is ideal if you have lost volume in the cheeks and want to refresh your look without fillers. It is also a good option if you have had a surgical facelift in the past and the results are starting to fade.
What happens: Under local anaesthetic, tiny incisions are made near the hairline and along the jawline and soft sutures are inserted to lift sagging cheeks back into place. The threads can be tightened two weeks after the initial treatment if more lift is required.
Results: Mild swelling and redness may occur but this will disappear after a few days. Most people can return to work the same day. Results last up to a year and as the threads kick-start collagen production, they will continue to rejuvenate skin for three months after the procedure. Prices start from £1,500, depending on areas treated.
PDO THREAD LIFT
What is it: This is an alternative type of thread lift that uses a longer-lasting thread. Results are similar to a surgical facelift, lifting and tightening the skin and softening wrinkles. As the threads boost collagen production over time, the process will tighten pores and increase skin thickness.
Best for: This procedure is good if you have obvious signs of ageing including sagging skin around the jawline, a double chin, a wrinkled forehead and loose skin around the outer eyebrow area.
What happens: The procedure is similar to the Silhouette Soft Lift but more threads are used and they are injected deeper into the skin.
Results: There may be some bruising, a prickling sensation and swelling for up to 10 days. Prices start from £2,500.
THE WIDE AWAKE LIFT
What is it: This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic so you remain awake throughout. Unlike other lifts, the treatment also improves skin tone, softens wrinkles and boosts skin plumpness.
Best for: This is ideal if you don’t want invasive surgery but have concerns such as loose skin, loss of volume in the cheeks, a sagging jawline, droopy brow and uneven skin texture.
What happens: Ultra-fine threads are injected into sagging areas of the cheeks and lower face, forming a trellis effect to lift the skin up and hold it in place. The threads leave no scars and there are immediate results. The 60-minute procedure is combined with Angel Platelet Rich Plasma therapy to improve skin tone and boost collagen levels.
Results: Bruising and swelling should be expected but will settle in three to fi ve days. Results last up to three years.
Prices start from £3,000.
THE SURGICAL LIFT
What is it: This surgical procedure repositions muscles, lifts features back into place and tightens loose skin. There are different options but most require a general anaesthetic and an overnight stay in hospital. Some mini-tucks can be done using local anaesthetic.
Best for: At a certain point in the ageing process, non-invasive procedures won’t give the results needed, especially when there is a lot of loose skin around the jowls, cheeks, lower face and neck. If this is the case, then surgery is required.
What happens: During the procedure muscles and tissues are tightened, which pulls the skin taut. Incisions are hidden in the hairline and behind the ears and a good surgeon will ensure these are not noticeable. Most surgical facelifts take around two hours to perform and can be combined with other treatments to improve skin tone.
Results: After surgery you’ll need at least two weeks at home to recover. You will need to wear support garments for the face for two weeks. The dissolvable stitches will disappear within six weeks. It can take up to six months for everything to settle down but depending on your lifestyle, results can last for 10 years. Prices start from £5,500.
● For advice about cosmetic surgery, consult your GP. For more of Lesley’s tips, see lesleyreynolds.com
