Non-Surgical Facelift as a Non-Invasive Way to Fight Against Aging

Dr Samuel: As a person ages, 3 main changes occur:

1. There is loss of collagen, elastin and water-retentive properties in the skin. The skin becomes thin, less elastic and less supple. These encourages fine lines and wrinkles to form.
2. There is loss of deep and superficial fat pads throughout the face, causing the face to sag. Fat pads are crucial because they define the contours of a person’s face and give the person a youthful appearance.
3. There is bone loss especially around the eyes, cheeks and jaw. The facial bone serves as the foundation that holds the fat pads and skin together. Therefore, bone loss ultimately leads to an aged-looking face.

We employ several non-surgical methods to reverse the above changes. We use dermal fillers of various hardness to augment the bones, replace lost volume and replenish hydration to the parched skin.

We can melt certain pockets of unwanted fat i.e jowls, then pull the sagging jowl with barbed threads (PDO) to provide lifting.

We can also use botulinum toxin (BOTOX) to selectively weaken muscles to even out wrinkles.

So there are different methods to correct these deficiencies of aging, and with these methods we can provide a rejuvenated, refreshed and lifted face.

Dr Samuel: The biggest drawback to any surgical procedure is the resulting scar after the wound has healed.

With non-surgical procedures, no cutting means no scars.

For example, dermal fillers and botulinum toxin are administered using only a fine needle syringe for face lifting. And when done by expert hands, the results can even rival that of a surgical facelift.

The downtime after the procedure is also much shorter for non-surgical procedures. Patients also experience less bruising and swelling.

Logically, you can expect the results of surgical procedures to last longer than non-surgical procedures. But there's also a drawback in this - changes made in surgical procedures are permanent. Any further or subsequent changes would require revision surgery, and this means more scarring.

On the other hand, materials used in non-surgical procedures like dermal fillers, botulinum toxin and PDO threads are all bio-compatible and bio-absorbable, meaning these materials are broken down in our body gradually over time.

The fact that the results do not last as long as that of surgery only means they leave zero traces in our body and that these procedures can be repeated indefinitely.

With all that being said, there are certain groups of clients i.e very saggy / heavy face that will require surgery for optimum correction which simply cannot be achieved via non-surgical procedures.

Dr Samuel: Anti-aging treatments address a wide spectrum of problems, from just dull skin to a complex facelift. It is quite unusual for someone in their 20s to seek a facelift. For this age group, we usually recommend dermal fillers and botulinum toxin for facial sculpting to enhance beauty. 

Non-surgical facelift is most suitable for clients who are not too old with changes like droopy cheeks and angle of mouth, prominent laugh lines and some jowling.

Dr Samuel: Though dermal fillers, botulinum toxin, fat-melting injections and thread lifting can all be done in one setting, we do not recommend doing so. 

It is advisable to do the procedures in stages to allow the face / skin to heal before proceeding to the next i.e melting fat pockets first, then plumping up with fillers before final lifting with threads. This ensures optimal outcome of all these procedures combined. 

The effects can be seen almost immediately although the best can only be appreciated days later once the swelling and bruising has completely subsided.

Dr Samuel: Our face ages as a whole, from bone to skin. Slathering creams on the face may provide hydration and just that. It does nothing to treat various other changes in aging, namely volume and bone loss, loosening of supporting facial ligaments, etc. 

Your face deserves more than that.

Dr Samuel: First of all, do some research on your treatment of choice.

Next, verify with the Malaysian Medical Council website that your doctor of choice is indeed a legally practising doctor in Malaysia. 

Then, make sure the doctor has adequate experience in the field of aesthetic medicine. This is where the doctor’s profile, qualifications, i.e LCP / training in aesthetic medicine comes in handy. 

The consultation should thoroughly address all your concerns and be unbiased. Ask to see some before & after photos of clients who underwent the procedure you had in mind.

Ensure the price quoted is not too far off your budget.

Sleep on it before making your final decision.

Enjoy the treatment.