Rhytidectomy Alternatives
Although face lift surgery, or rhytidectomy is a common and generally safe procedure, it is not completely without risks. Any invasive surgical procedure involves some dangers, although modern surgical techniques and hygiene has greatly minimized these. You, of course can help reduce these risks by following your doctor’s instructions carefully, avoiding disturbing the incision scars and taking any and all antibiotic medications that may be prescribed for you.
You should also be aware that there are some non-surgical, non-invasive alternatives to face lift surgery. If you are not a suitable candidate for rhytidectomy or have decided that the risks outweigh the benefits, you may wish to look into some other treatments that can accomplish similar results.
One of the reasons that our faces start to sag and become wrinkles over time is because as we age, we lose collage. Replacing this lost collagen can offer many of the benefits of face lift surgery. Some of these collagen replacement therapies involve injections; at least one treatment that has recently become available employs heat in order to stimulate the body’s own production of collagen.
Laser rhytidectomy is another non-surgical alternative. No incision or anesthesia is necessary; the doctor uses laser tools in order to resurface the outer layer of the skin, tightening and eliminating fine lines and wrinkles. You may experience some skin discoloration and excess sensitivity at first, but these symptoms are usually gone within a week.
One other interesting alternative to surgical rhytidectomy is the microcurrent face lift. During the treatment, the doctor applies very low levels of electrical current to your face, which like the heat treatment, stimulates the body’s own production of collagen and elastin while tightening facial muscles and smoothing wrinkles.
If you suffer from skin that is too delicate even for these non-surgical treatments, there is still hope; facial creams and other topical substances are constantly being developed that can tighten skin and reduce wrinkling. Facial creams that contain amino acid concentrates such as acetyl hexapeptide and alpha hydroxy have had excellent results.
Modern face lift surgery, though not without risk, is still safer and more comfortable than ever, and in over 99% of cases, yields excellent results. However, those hesitant to go under the knife are well advised to discuss non-surgical treatments with their doctor.
If you are in the Kansas City area, call for a consulation with a Kansas City Cosmetic Surgeon.

