Facelift vs. Facial Fat Grafting

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Sagging skin, loss in volume, and wrinkly appearance make a normal part of the aging process in both men and women. While many invasive and non-invasive anti-aging treatments are available in the market, only a few actually work and even fewer can meet one’s unique needs. This blog discusses the basic difference between Facelift and Facial Fat Grafting in Dubai to help you decide on the best option for yourself.

What is a Facelift?

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that aims to sculpt the face into a more youthful look by lifting and tightening the loose skin and underlying muscle and removing extra fat lying in its subcutaneous layer to under the chin.

Facelift surgery targets the following aesthetic issues concerning the face:

  • Jowls – loose, hanging skin around the jaws
  • Nasolabial folds – laughter lines that appear along the outer corners of the mouth and nose
  • Low set brows
  • Marionette lines – deep lines that extend from the corner of the mouth down to the chin
  • Wrinkles

Plastic Surgeons employ different types and variations of a facelift to attain the desirable results for their patients. They are as follows:

Deep Facelift

This surgery treats two-third parts of the lower face. Besides lifting the skin and the muscles, it also contours and readjusts the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer under your skin.

Mini Facelift

This is usually an option chosen for those who want a shorter procedure with a smaller scar. It only corrects the lower half of the face and the upper portion of the neck to treat excess skin and wrinkles.

Mid Facelift

Mid-facelift, as the name depicts, targets the middle region of your face. It predominantly focuses on the cheeks to lift them and decrease or increase their volume. A mid facelift is ideal for those who don’t have visible jowls.

Practitioners usually take two different approaches to facelift surgery:

  • Traditional Facelift: The purpose of a traditional facelift is to target the lower portion of the face. It uses longer incisions that extend to the front of the ears to remove excess skin and fat. Its scars remain obvious for a while.
  • Endoscopic Facelift: It uses a smart endoscope to access the underlying structures. Small incisions are made behind the hairline to perform the surgery and conceal the scars. It is famously known as scar less facelift. It targets the brow sagging and midface descent.

What is Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting refers to the process of extracting fat cells from donor sites like the abdomen and thighs and reinjecting them in small proportions into the face to increase its volume and lessen fine lines. Facial fat grafting is an appropriate procedure for those who are only facing mild to moderate signs of aging.

The fat transfer can be done on sunken cheeks to lift them up and make them more vibrant. Fat cells can also be injected under the eyes to eliminate tear trough deformities, and around the nose and mouth to reduce nasolabial folds and marionette lines respectively.

Fat grafting is less invasive than a facelift and provides less dramatic results in terms of skin tightening and lifting. However, it makes the perfect solution for those who desire scar-less results and subtle changes to achieve a more youthful appearance.

You are a good candidate for facial fat grafting if:

  • You want your lips and the surrounding area to look fuller
  • Your bones and muscles have started losing volume
  • You want to improve the appearance of your acne scars
  • You want high cheekbones and cheek volume
  • Your facial skin is becoming wrinkly
  • You want to fill the long deep lines that extend from your nose to your lips and further down to the chin

Which One Is For You?

A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon can help you decide which treatment is the best option for you after assessing your facial aging and overall health condition. People who are in their 50s or 60s are often advised to go for a facelift as it can provide extensive, long-term results. However, those in their 30s and 40s can greatly benefit from getting facial fat grafting. Sometimes, Plastic Surgeons often recommend a combination of both procedures to achieve the desired outcomes.

Need Help?

If you are interested in knowing more about Endoscopic facial fat grafting or facelift in Dubai, feel free to contact the Al Shunnar patient care team. Our coordinators will readily schedule a personal consultation session for you with one of our Board Certified Plastic Surgeons.