As we age, our skin loses the elasticity and fullness that make us appear young and revitalized. Doctors and scientists developed many different solutions to combat the most common sign of aging: wrinkles. Some of these solutions are medications, others require invasive surgical procedures. With a wide array of wrinkle treatments, knowing which one will work for you does not come easy. Many women try every over-the-counter medication, cream or moisturizer, or exercise technique before turning to more effective, permanent treatment. In other words, dermal fillers and cosmetic surgery are typically the last methods. Plastic surgeons swear by the effectiveness and longer-lasting results of these treatments.

Understanding a little bit more about your cosmetic surgery options before speaking to a doctor can help. With the right information, you will be able to have a comprehensive conversation with your doctor. Together, you will make a well-informed decision about achieving the youthful look you desire.

What are dermal fillers?

As wrinkle treatments go, dermal fillers are a great option for those looking to take a more significant move towards permanent results. Specifically, dermal fillers are synthetic injectables that reduce wrinkles, creases, and scars. Most brands of dermal fillers, such as Juvederm and Radiesse, are composed of microspheres in a biocompatible gel. Many times,  these substances are made from minerals found in our bones. Dermal fillers can be used for many areas of the body, including the lips, nasolabial folds, peri-oral lines, depressed scars, and oral commissures.

In this treatment, your surgeon will inject the substance into the target treatment area. Typically, the process takes 15 minutes and requires a local anesthetic. Side effects such as swelling or bruising are minimal and should subside after one week. Results are visible immediately after the injection.

What is fat grafting?

Fat grafting fills facial features by injecting the patient’s own fat into the targeted treatment area. In this procedure, the fat used for fat transfer is extracted from a part of your body, such as the abdomen or thighs. Your doctor then injects it into the designated area that requires plumping. Because the fat is your own, rather than an artificial substance, your body is more receptible to maintaining it. In other words, a significant portion of the injected fat becomes permanent. This, therefore, eliminates the need for constant reinjections, as with other materials. Another advantage of fat grafting is that the fat comes from your own body, so you cannot develop an allergic reaction. This is different than other external implant substances that are introduced into the body.

In this procedure, your surgeon processes the fat and re-injects into the area using a fine needle and syringe. The most common areas of fat graft placement are the lips and the nasal-labial fold lines of the face. This part of the face is also known as “laugh lines.” Other possible treatment areas include cheeks, scar depressions, irregularities, or to re-contour the face or body. The procedure can take anywhere from one to a few hours. There is usually swelling and mild bruising that resolve over the first week after the injection of the fat.

Types of surgical wrinkle treatments

There are multiple cosmetic surgery options that can help with treating wrinkles. Through these more invasive procedures, you can revitalize your skin and achieve a more youthful, rested appearance. However, it should be stated that many women choose to try every other available treatment method before undergoing surgery. If this describes you, then speaking to a plastic surgeon about your options might be the next best step.

Facelift surgery for wrinkles

Surgeons refer to a facelift as a rhytidectomy. It is most effective for people who have sagging of the mid-face resulting in jowls and sagging areas of fat with loose skin and fat under the neck and jaw. A facelift can correct jowls, the laxity of the neck, and an undefined jawline. In other words, this procedure can restore your skin to its younger appearance. In the procedure, your surgeon will remove excess, sagging skin, smooth deep folds, and lift and tighten the deep facial tissues.

Plastic surgeons recommend facelift surgery for patients who are over the age of 30 and are physically healthy with no medical conditions.

Following the procedure, you will be allowed to go home without bandages, without drains, and can shower the next morning. The recovery typically is one to two weeks to be comfortably in public. The results of a facelift will typically last seven to ten years. The risks of this wrinkle treatment include infection, bruising, uneven swelling or discoloration, skin blistering (usually in smokers), and temporary loss of sensation.

Browlift surgery for wrinkles

Browlift surgery also referred to as forehead lift surgery is great for women who have deep lines in their forehead. Plastic surgeons recommend a browlift to patients who are over the age of 40, are physically healthy, and do not smoke or abuse alcohol or drugs.

There are two surgical approaches to brow lifts. First, the coronal approach, which is an incision through the hairline and lifting the entire scalp. Second, and the more popular of the two, is endoscopically-assisted. This approach requires several small incisions in the hairline and repositioning of the forehead with suspension on dissolving clips. A browlift procedure usually takes approximately one hour. The recovery is usually less than a week when staples are removed. Complications of brow lift typically are loss of sensation of the forehead for several weeks, some discomfort at the clip sites, bruising, and swelling of the eyes.

Find the right plastic surgeon to help you

Treating your wrinkles with cosmetic surgery will only be as successful as the plastic surgeon you choose. Working with an experienced cosmetic surgeon who has experience with wrinkle treatment is crucial. He or she should be able to show you before-and-after photos from past clients. Most importantly, your surgeon should be able to answer any lingering questions you may have about the procedure and your options. Your choice of surgeon should put your mind at ease. Dr. Anthony Berlet has been serving patients in the northern NJ and New York City areas for over 20 years. To learn more about wrinkle treatments and how we can help you, contact us!

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