Key Takeaways
- Non-surgical facelifts minimize signs of aging without surgery, offering less downtime and risks compared to surgical facelifts.
- Common signs of facial aging include fine lines, excess skin, volume loss, and uneven skin tone, influenced by factors like decreased collagen production and lifestyle choices.
- Dermal volumisers and anti-aging treatments are key non-surgical options, targeting areas like lips, cheeks, and forehead lines to enhance facial appearance.
- Consultation with a qualified practitioner is essential to tailor non-surgical treatments to individual needs and ensure safety and satisfaction.
- Non-surgical facelift results are temporary, typically lasting several months to a couple of years, and may require maintenance treatments to sustain effects.
A non-surgical facial procedure refers to a range of medical treatments performed without surgery. These treatments are sometimes colloquially referred to as a “non-surgical facelift” and may be used to support facial tissues and address visible changes that occur with age. These procedures may include injectables or energy-based devices, depending on the individual’s concerns following a clinical assessment. Recovery periods will differ between individuals and depend on the type of treatment, techniques used, and individual healing responses. Non-surgical procedures are generally performed in a clinical setting and typically do not require hospital admission.
With time, skin elasticity and collagen production naturally decrease, which can contribute to the appearance of lines or changes to facial volume. Non-surgical treatments are intended to support skin structure through targeted techniques performed in a clinical setting.
At Gold Coast Plastic Surgery, non-surgical facial treatments are performed by qualified Registered Nurses under clinical supervision. During consultation, treatment options, potential risks, and recovery considerations are discussed to foster safe and informed decision-making.
Understanding the Ageing Process
As people age, there are natural changes in the body, including the skin and underlying structures of the face.
Understanding the factors that contribute to these changes, as well as recognising their visible characteristics, can help individuals make informed choices about whether to seek professional advice or explore treatment options.
The visible characteristics of facial ageing can vary between individuals and may include fine lines, changes in skin texture, differences in tone, or a reduction in facial volume.
Factors contributing to these changes may include:
1. Decreased collagen and elastin production: These proteins naturally decline with age, which can affect skin firmness and elasticity.
2. Changes in facial fat and bone structure: Fat pads may shift or reduce in volume, and bone density can change over time.
3. Muscle tone: Muscles of facial expression can lose tone or strength, influencing facial contours.
4. Sun exposure: Ultraviolet light can contribute to skin changes such as uneven pigmentation or texture variations.
5. Lifestyle factors: Smoking, nutrition, sleep quality, and stress levels can all influence how the skin and facial tissues change over time.
These changes occur gradually and are part of the natural ageing process. Individuals who notice such changes may choose to discuss options for supporting their skin health with a qualified health practitioner.
Types of Non-Surgical Facial Procedures
Dermal Volumisers
Dermal volumisers are injectable treatments that contain hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body. These products are used to support facial structure by adding hydration and volume in targetted areas of the face.
The treatment is typically administered using a fine needle or cannula, with placement tailored to the individual’s anatomy and treatment plan.
Areas where dermal volumisers may be applied include the lips, cheeks, chin, and under-eye region, depending on clinical assessment and suitability.
Temporary swelling or redness at the injection site can occur, and your practitioner will discuss potential risks, side effects, and expected recovery during consultation.
Dermal Volumisers Area Examples
Lip Volumisers: Lip volumisers are injectable treatments that may be used to support lip structure or balance lip proportions.
Cheek Volumisers: Cheek volumisers are injectable treatments that may be used to support an increase in volume in the cheeks.
Chin Volumiser: Chin volumisers are injectable treatments that may be used to support chin structure and balance facial proportions.
Under-eye Volumiser: Under-eye volumiser is used to treat the tear trough area under the eyes and add more volume.
It is important to be aware of certain considerations and potential risks when considering volumisers and other non-surgical approaches. These may include rare occurrences of allergic reactions, the formation of lumps, or the possibility of infection. While bruising, swelling, and redness at the injection site are common they usually resolve within a few days.
Firstly, when considering dermal volumisers, it is essential to have a consultation with a qualified professional to discuss your medical history, expectations, and suitability. Choosing the right non-surgical facial treatment will depend on your anatomy. The practitioner will assess your facial anatomy and treatment goals to recommend an approach that is clinically appropriate.
Factors discussed during consultation may include the area to be treated, the type of product used, and how long the effects may last, which varies between individuals.
Your practitioner will also provide pre- and post-treatment care instructions, which may include avoiding certain medications or alcohol before your appointment to support safe treatment outcomes.
Approaches to support the ageing process
Facial Muscle Relaxant Treatments are a non-surgical cosmetic treatment option, aimed at reducing the appearance of fine lines. The treatments temporarily relax the muscles responsible for causing lines.
We use facial muscle relaxant treatments on dynamic lines, which arise from the repetitive movements of facial muscles.
Common Areas Treated
- Forehead lines (colloquially known as ‘worry lines’): These horizontal lines can appear when the forehead muscles contract, such as during expressions of surprise or concern.
- Glabellar lines (colloquially referred to as ‘frown lines’): Vertical lines that may develop between the eyebrows when concentrating or frowning.
- Lines at the outer corners of the eyes (often described as ‘crow’s feet’): Fine lines that can form around the eyes during smiling, squinting, or other facial expressions.
- Brow area: Treatment may be used to support eyebrow position or balance facial expressions, depending on clinical assessment.
- Masseter region: In some individuals, treatment may be used to reduce activity in the masseter muscles, a technique sometimes sought to address the lower face in accordance with individual anatomy.
- Upper lip area (colloquially referred to as a ‘lip flip’): Small amounts of injectable product may be used to relax the muscles around the upper lip, which may help maintain the visible contour of the lip when smiling or speaking.
Injectable Treatments for Facial Lines and Volume Changes
Non-surgical facial treatments may reduce the visible changes that occur with age and changes to the skin and underlying muscle structures. At Gold Coast Plastic Surgery, these procedures are performed by qualified Registered Nurses.
The treatment plans depend on individual anatomy, lifestyles and your individual concerns. By choosing a qualified practitioner, you should expect that treatments will be administered in a professional environment. Choosing the right non-surgical facial procedure will depend on your individual needs. It’s important to have open communication with your practitioner and discuss your non-surgical goals and any specific concerns you may have before proceeding with the treatment.
Non-Surgical Facial Procedure
Following a non-surgical facial treatment, individual outcomes vary depending on the treatment approach and personal factors such as skin condition and healing response. The goal of these procedures is to support the skin’s structure and appearance.
Choosing the Right Non-Surgical Facial Procedure
When considering a non-surgical facial procedure on the Gold Coast, there are several factors to consider. Consultation with a qualified practitioner is important as they will assess your specific concerns, examine your facial structure, and recommend the most suitable treatments for your anatomy.
Keep in mind your individual non-surgical goals. Everyone’s face is unique, and your preferences may differ. An experienced practitioner will take the time to understand your individual needs and non-surgical goals, considering factors such as skin condition, facial anatomy, and personal preferences.
This may involve a combination of treatments. Also, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the potential outcomes of a non-surgical facial procedure. A skilled practitioner actively ensures that they provide honest and transparent information regarding the potential risks, and limitations of the chosen treatments.
Recovery and What to Expect
Non-surgical facial procedures typically involve minimal downtime and most people can resume normal physical activity within 24 hours. However, the recovery timeline and post-treatment effects can vary depending on the specific treatments used and individual factors.
In general, individuals can typically resume their normal activities immediately after undergoing a non-surgical facial treatment. However, it is advisable to refrain from engaging in strenuous exercise and consuming alcohol for a period of 24 hours. Patients typically experience mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the treatment sites, which usually subsides within a few days to a week. Your practitioner will provide you with personalised post-procedure care instructions.
Aftercare and Recovery for Non-Surgical Facial Treatments
Following non-surgical facial procedures (sometimes colloquially referred to as a “non-surgical facelift”), aftercare plays an important role in comfort and recovery. Your practitioner will provide specific post-treatment instructions, which may include avoiding strenuous activities, using cold compresses, or applying recommended topical products.
Avoid unnecessary contact: Try not to touch or massage the treated areas unless advised by your practitioner.
Protect the skin: Limit sun exposure by wearing sunscreen, hats, or protective clothing.
Support overall skin health: Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, hydration, and sufficient sleep may assist in general skin wellbeing.
The timing and duration of treatment effects vary between individuals. Your practitioner can advise when review or maintenance appointments may be appropriate, based on the techniques used and your treatment goals.
Non-Surgical Facial Treatments Vs. Surgical Options
Understanding the difference between a non-surgical facial treatment and surgical facelift is important to those seeking to make a decision regarding their treatment options.
Final Thoughts
As with any procedure, safety should always be your highest priority. Choosing the right practitioner involves checking they are qualified and experienced. Dr Mark Doyle is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years experience. If you are interested in non-surgical facial treatments on the Gold Coast Dr Doyle’s team of Registered Nurses offer consultations.
Dr Mark Doyle, Specialist Plastic Surgeon
- Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons – FRACS (Plas)
- 30+ years of cosmetic surgery experience
- See results for yourself with these Face Lift Before and Afters.
If you’re interested in exploring surgical or non-surgical facial treatment options further or would like to discuss your specific needs and non-surgical goals, please reach out to the team at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery today. They can provide you with comprehensive information, and personalised recommendations, and answer any questions you may have.
FAQs
Are non-surgical facial treatments suitable for everyone?
The suitability of the non-surgical facial treatments depends on factors such as individual expectations, overall health, and specific concerns. Consulting with a qualified practitioner is essential to determine if you are a suitable candidate for non-surgical facial procedures.
Can non-surgical options and surgical options be combined?
Yes, in some cases, non-surgical and surgical options can be combined. Your practitioner or surgeon will provide an assessment to determine if a combined approach is suitable for you.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plas) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.
