The Scarless Facelift: Is This Real or a Myth?

The more signs of aging affect your features, the more you may want to do something about them. As many people already know, a surgical procedure is the most definitive way to treat lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, and drooping jowls. However, the idea of surgery and the resulting scars may concern you. Despite the allure of the “scarless facelift,” this term can mean different things, none of them entirely accurate.

What is a Facelift?

The surgical procedure known as rhytidectomy or a facelift addresses signs of aging around the lower and mid-face. During this procedure, a surgeon makes incisions around the ears or within the hairline to elevate, tighten, and smooth the skin. A facelift can address concerns such as:

Deep lines and wrinkles
Sagging skin
Drooping jowls
Loss of facial definition

A facelift can be customized in many ways and can be adapted to different needs. Many people also have other procedures to address the eye area, brows, or neck. At Specialty Aesthetic Surgery, we work to identify your concerns and develop a treatment plan to address them.

The Scarless Facelift: Is This Real or a Myth?

We value the importance of using accurate, honest terminology when discussing our procedures. As a result, we do not offer a so-called scarless facelift. When used correctly, the term “facelift” applies to a surgical procedure, and all surgery leaves at least a small scar. While a surgeon’s technique can minimize scars, it cannot eliminate them.

You may hear a scarless facelift used to describe non-surgical procedures that improve your skin’s firmness and address signs of aging. While these treatments will not leave any scars, they cannot achieve the same level of improvement as a true facelift.

During your consultation, your surgeon will have a chance to assess your features and decide on the best technique for you. They can explain where they expect to make their incisions and what you can expect your scars to look like. Most facelift scars are well-hidden and become hard to notice once healed.

Are There Scarless Facelift Alternatives?

While the scarless facelift may be a myth, you have many non-surgical options that may help you achieve your goals. In general, these treatments work better for those with mild to moderate signs of aging. They can even be combined with a surgical facelift to improve your skin in different ways.

Liquid Facelift

A liquid facelift uses injectable treatments, including dermal fillers and Botox®, to create lift, restore lost volume and smooth wrinkles. While dermal fillers cannot actually lift your skin, they can replace the volume lost from areas like your cheeks, which corrects the wrinkles underneath them. Fillers can also redefine your jawline and enhance your lips.

While injectables have little to no downtime and no scars, they will not correct significant issues like sagging skin. Unlike a surgical procedure, the results of a liquid facelift will need regular touch-ups. Most dermal fillers can last a year or two with good skincare.

Radiofrequency Skin Tightening

At Specialty Aesthetic Surgery, we use Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling to tighten the skin and improve its texture. This treatment uses tiny needles, creating channels deep into the dermis and transmitting radiofrequency energy. This process triggers healing and growth mechanisms that increase collagen production.

You will usually need a series of skin tightening treatments, followed by a maintenance session about once a year. Morpheus8 can give your skin a more even texture and tone, smooth acne scars, and give your skin a firmer appearance.

How Long is Recovery After a Facelift?

You can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort after your facelift, and we will prescribe pain medication for the first few days, after which most people do well with over-the-counter medication. While you can start doing light activities with no lifting within the first day or two, you will need a lot of rest.

You can expect to return to work in one to two weeks, depending on the details of your procedure. You will have several follow-up appointments with your surgeon, and they will typically clear you to return to your usual routine, including exercise, in four to six weeks.

How Long Do Facelift Results Last?

Because swelling takes time to resolve, your facelift results will continue to settle and evolve for up to a few months after your surgery. How long your results last depends on many factors, including your age when you had your facelift. You can help your youthful look last longer by:

Wearing sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure as much as possible
Using a consistent skincare routine with anti-aging ingredients
Taking advantage of non-surgical treatments to boost your results
Maintaining healthy habits like a good sleep schedule and nutritious foods

Take the Next Step – Request a Consultation

Want to learn more about a facelift? Schedule your consultation online or by calling Specialty Aesthetic Surgery at (212) 737-8700. We look forward to working with you!

Specialty Aesthetic Surgery serves the greater NYC metro area.

About Our Surgeons

Bruce Moskowitz is an experienced and board-certified oculoplastic surgeon. His practice encompasses all areas of oculoplastic cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has a well-known reputation for revision surgery, and a large portion of his practice comes from other colleagues to revise sub-optimal outcomes.

Grigoriy Mashkevich is an experienced and double-board certified facial plastic surgeon. He belongs to a highly select group of surgeons with a focused specialization in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the nose, face, and neck.

Dr. Anna Frants is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is experienced in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Her areas of expertise include surgery of the face, neck, nose, eyelids, eyebrows, and ears.

*Individual results may vary