Grand Rapids Facelift doctors

Suture removal following a Facelift depends on the type of suture used by the plastic surgeon.  Many surgeons use nylon or prolene suture for a meticulous closer of the skin in front of the ear.  We typically remove this type of suture within 3-5 following surgery to avoid any marks (railroad tracks)  from the suture. For patients who are unable to return within that time frame, we will typically use an absorbable suture underneath the skin that does not require removal.  My personal preference is a fine prolene suture removed within 3-5 days.  

Ulthera is the only FDA approved device for non-surgical lifting of the facial tissue.  This device uses ultrasound technology to stimulate your body's own restorative properties to help generate new collagen and lift and tighten the facial tissues.  This device was approved in September of 2009 by the FDA but has been used in Europe and in Asia for several years with good results.  This is an excellent option for patients under 60 years old who do not have excessive laxity in the skin or advanced sun damage.   For the right patient, Ultherapy provides very nice, subtle improvement over several months, but it is not a substitute for a facelift.

Alternatives to a facelift may be helpful, but will not give you the same result as a surgical procedure. Topical creams can help correct environmental damage and reduce fine lines, but will not achieve results one would expect from a surgical facelift. These products are often used to enhance the result of a facelift, since the skin texture and color can be improved with non-surgical treatments.

Botox and facial fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra and Juvederm can help reduce some lines and wrinkles. Often referred to as a "liquid facelift", they still will not give the same result as a surgical facelift. These products can also be used in conjunction with a facelift to enhance the overall result.

Consulting a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in aesthetic facial surgery can help guide you in determining what surgical and non-surgical options would be best for you.  

Alternatives to a facelift may be helpful, but will not give you the same result as a surgical procedure. Topical creams can help correct environmental damage and reduce fine lines, but will not achieve results one would expect from a surgical facelift.  These products are often used to enhance the result of a facelift, since the skin texture and color can be improved with non-surgical treatments.

Botox and facial fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra and Juvederm can help reduce some lines and wrinkles. Often referred to as a "liquid facelift",  they still will not give the same result as a surgical facelift. These products can also be used in conjunction with a facelift to enhance the overall result. 

 Ulthera is a new, non-surgical ultrasonic device which is FDA approved for facial lifting. This is a non-invasive, in office treatment that can provide lifting and tightening of the facial tissues by stimulating the patient's own collagen.  For the right patient, Ultherapy provides very nice, subtle improvement over several months, but it is not a substitute for a facelift. Consulting a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in aesthetic facial surgery can help guide you in determining what  surgical and non-surgical options would be best for you.