Face Lift Options: Surgical vs. Non-Surgical
Face lifting treatments vary based on downtime, pain level, number of sessions, maintenance needs, and expected results. The best option depends on age, skin laxity, and the degree of lift required. Surgical face lifts remain the gold standard, so non-surgical options are compared to them for effectiveness.
🔹 Non-Surgical Face Lift Options
Best for: Mild to moderate sagging, younger individuals (30s-50s), minimal downtime
| Procedure | Sessions | Downtime | Pain Level | Maintenance | Results vs. Gold Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) | 1-3 | None | Mild discomfort | Every 6-12 months | 🟡 30-40% of surgical facelift results |
| RF Microneedling (Radiofrequency) | 3-5 | 1-3 days | Mild | Every 6-12 months | 🟡 30-50% of surgical facelift results |
| Thread Lift | 1 | 2-7 days | Moderate (local anesthesia used) | Every 12-18 months | 🟡 40-60% of surgical facelift results |
| Dermal Fillers (for volume & lift) | 1 | None | Mild (injection discomfort) | Every 6-12 months | 🟡 20-40% of surgical facelift results (volume restoration, not tightening) |
| Botox (for jawline & slight lift) | 1 | None | Minimal | Every 3-6 months | 🔴 10-20% of surgical facelift results (temporary muscle relaxation) |
🔹 Surgical Face Lift Options
Best for: Moderate to severe sagging, older individuals (50s+), long-term results
| Procedure | Sessions | Downtime | Pain Level | Maintenance | Results vs. Gold Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Face Lift | 1 | 1-2 weeks | Moderate | Long-lasting (5-10 years) | 🟢 80-90% of full facelift results |
| Full Face Lift (Rhytidectomy) | 1 | 2-4 weeks | Moderate to high | Long-lasting (10+ years) | 🟢 100% (Gold Standard) |
| Neck Lift (often combined with facelift) | 1 | 2-4 weeks | Moderate to high | Long-lasting (10+ years) | 🟢 100% (Gold Standard for lower face & neck) |
Which Face Lift Option is Best for You?
- Mild sagging (30s-40s): Non-surgical options like HIFU, RF Microneedling, or Thread Lifts
- Moderate sagging (40s-50s): Combination of Thread Lift + Fillers + RF Microneedling
- Severe sagging (50s+): Surgical Mini or Full Face Lift for long-term results
At SKINFUDGE, Dr. Burhan Hussein, MD, offers personalized face lift treatments based on your skin’s needs. Book your consultation today!
Citations
- Bloom, B. S., Emer, J., & Goldberg, D. J. (2014). Assessment of safety and efficacy of a high-intensity focused ultrasound device for noninvasive skin rejuvenation. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 7(1), 28–34.
- Swanson, E. (2011). Outcome analysis in 93 facial rejuvenation patients treated with a deep-plane face lift technique. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 127(2), 823-834. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181fed552