Thermage VS Facelifts: Which one is for you?
Thinking of getting a facelift, but are hesitant to go under the knife? Thermage is a non-surgical alternative that can help tighten the skin and reduce wrinkles. The Clifford Clinic helps describe the difference between the facelift and Thermage and what you can expect from each.
The Procedure
Facelifts are cosmetic surgeries that remove the excess skin or tighten the tissues. Incisions are made in around the ear and across the hairline. Excess skin is removed, and then deeper tissues are tightened.
In contrast, Thermage uses radiofrequency waves that penetrate the skin and stimulate the production of collagen. No cuts or anesthesia are required, and there is no damage to the skin surface.
The Pros and Cons of Thermage
Since Thermage is non-invasive, it is best for women who want minimal downtime and a more natural and subtle change. Since you are boosting your collagen levels, rather than altering the structure and tissue of your face, getting Thermage won’t make you look like you’ve “had something done.” There is an immediate improvement, but the best results gradually appear over several weeks as your body produces more collagen. Many people won’t even know that you’ve had any kind of aesthetic treatment at all – they will just notice that you are looking younger, better, and more refreshed.
Thermage is less expensive than a facelift, and since it does not involve incisions, you recover much faster and have less risk of infection. It is also a safer alternative for people whose medical history makes them poor candidates for surgery.
On the other hand, Thermage can’t correct very deep facial folds or jowls, loose skin, or heavy wrinkles. In these cases of advanced aging, facelift may be more appropriate. Thermage is more appropriate for delaying the need for surgery, or “refreshing” a facelift once new wrinkles or lines appear.
The Pros and Cons of Facelifts
A facelift will still give the most dramatic, instantaneous and permanent results. Skin will appear firm and taught for 5 to 10 years, while Thermage may need additional treatments after 2 or 3 years. Done by a skilled and experienced cosmetic surgeon, a facelift can look natural. It is very important to choose a specialist who has a great deal of proven success in this field, as a bad facelift is difficult to correct and will make you look older than you really are.
Facelifts are also expensive and require much longer recovery time. In the weeks after the treatment, you may need to take time off from work and limit your physical activity. You will also need to return for follow up appointments so your aesthetic surgeon can remove the drain tube, stitches and check the area for healing.
Are you a better candidate for Thermage or facelifts?
Thermage is ideal for women who are beginning to show signs of sagging and lines in the neck, grow and eyelid, jowls and cheek folds. Facelifts are ideal for those who are in advanced stages of ageing and seek to correct loose skin and very prominent sagging and lines.
Ask The Clifford Clinic for a personal skin assessment
To find out more about skin tightening and which treatment options you have, schedule your appointment with the Clifford Clinic. You can make an informed decision about the packages, costs, and the results you can expect for each.