Ageing is an inevitable process that brings about changes in our skin and facial structure. There’s no “correct” way to react to this change in our bodies. But while facelifts have long been a popular option for combating these signs, many individuals seek less invasive alternatives that offer impressive results, or more specialised surgeries for a particular area of the body. In Korea, we offer a variety of effective anti-aging treatments and procedures. In this blog post, we’ll explore several non-facelift procedures that can help you feel your best.
Before diving into specific procedures, it’s important to understand how ageing affects the face. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and volume, resulting in sagging skin, wrinkles, and hollows. Fat distribution changes and muscles weaken, leading to a tired or sunken appearance. Addressing these changes with one of a variety of facelift surgeries involves a combination of lifting sagging areas, replenishing lost volume, and smoothing out wrinkles. But if you think that kind of intervention isn’t for you, don’t worry because there are still plenty of options.
Upper blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals with droopy or hooded eyelids, which can make the eyes appear tired and aged. Some people can even have such severe dropping of the skin above their eyes that it can obstruct their vision.
The surgeon makes incisions along the natural crease of the eyelid, removing excess tissue and tightening the remaining skin. The result is a more open and youthful eye appearance. Recovery typically involves swelling and bruising for about one to two weeks, with full results visible within a few months.
As we age, fat can pocket up under the eyes to create prominent eye bags. Lower blepharoplasty targets the lower eyelids, addressing issues such as puffiness, under-eye bags, and wrinkles. This procedure rejuvenates the under-eye area, providing a more rested and youthful look.
The surgeon makes incisions inside the lower eyelid, removing the bulging fat and tightening the skin. Recovery includes swelling and bruising for about one to two weeks. Full results can take a few months to appear.
Facial fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, involves harvesting fat from one part of the body (typically the abdomen or thighs) and injecting it into areas of the face that have lost volume. This procedure can address hollow cheeks, sunken eyes, and other areas where volume loss has occurred.
The procedure involves the collection of fat, which is then purified and carefully injected into the target areas. It has the advantage of lasting longer than temporary fillers, and it is your own tissue so there’s little chance of adverse effects. However, because fat cells are alive, not all of them survive the transfer, so it takes a skilled surgeon to fill target areas to a level which accounts for the loss of some cells. Recovery includes swelling and bruising, with results becoming more apparent as the swelling subsides over several weeks.
Dermal fillers are temporary injectable substances that add volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Common areas treated with fillers include the cheeks, lips, nasolabial folds, and under the eyes. Especially the lips are prone to shrinking and wrinkling as we age, making lip fillers a world-wide phenomenon amongst beauty-lovers of all ages.
The procedure involves a medical professional injecting the chosen brand of filler into the target areas using a fine needle. The process is quick, often taking less than an hour, and requires little downtime. Patients may experience very mild swelling or bruising, but these effects are typically short-lived.
Botox is a cultural icon. As you probably know, botox is a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyzes muscles, preventing them from contracting and forming wrinkles. It is commonly used to treat dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that appear when we move our facial muscles), such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines.
Botox injections are quick and relatively painless. The effects begin to appear within a few days, with full results visible within two weeks. Results typically last three to six months, after which the treatment can be repeated. Depending on your specific goals and skin condition, multiple sessions may be needed to achieve the desired result.
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, raises and tightens the skin on the forehead, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. This procedure can also lift drooping eyebrows, providing a more alert and youthful appearance and balanced facial expression.
There are several techniques for performing a browlift, the choice of technique depends on the patient’s needs and the surgeon’s preference. A small incision is made on the eyebrows, which means that any surgical scars will be well hidden. Recovery includes swelling and bruising, with most patients returning to normal activities within one or two weeks.
Under-eye fat repositioning is a procedure that redistributes fat from under the eyes to areas lacking volume where it is needed. This reduces the appearance of hollows and dark circles, as well as flattening out any raised areas of fat. This technique can create a smoother and more youthful under-eye contour. Like lower blepharoplasty, the incision scars are hidden under the lower eyelid.
The surgeon makes an incision inside the lower eyelid, and intricately repositions fat to fill in hollow areas. Recovery involves swelling and bruising, with results becoming more apparent as the healing progresses over several weeks.
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is an effective procedure that offers both aesthetic and functional benefits. As women age, larger breasts can contribute to a range of issues, including back and neck pain, skin irritation, and posture problems, which can significantly impact overall quality of life. As well as this, breasts will naturally droop with time, significantly changing this part of the body that is very symbolic and important to many women. By reducing the size and weight of the breasts, this procedure not only alleviates physical discomfort but also creates a more youthful and balanced silhouette.
The surgery involves removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, resulting in breasts that are firmer, lifted, and proportionate to the body. Most patients experience an almost immediate relief from any physical symptoms they were suffering, and a boost in confidence. Breast reduction can be a transformative option for women seeking to enhance their appearance and improve their comfort as they age.
Choosing the appropriate anti-aging procedure for your goals involves a thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. Factors to consider include the specific ageing concerns, medical history, and desired results. A personalised treatment plan ensures the best outcomes and minimises the risk of complications.
During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend the most suitable treatments. It’s essential to have realistic expectations and understand the potential risks and benefits of each procedure – so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
In many cases, combining multiple procedures can enhance overall results. For example, pairing upper and lower blepharoplasty can create a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the eye area. Discussing combination treatments with your surgeon can help you achieve a more balanced and youthful appearance.
Ageing gracefully means a lot of different things to people. But many things are possible with the wide array of anti-aging procedures available today that go beyond the iconic facelift. By consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon, you can determine the best treatments for your unique needs and achieve a rejuvenated, youthful appearance.
Korea continues to be at the forefront of cosmetic advancements, providing innovative and less invasive options for those seeking to combat the signs of ageing. Explore these procedures on our website, or contact our consultants to discover how they can help you look and feel your best at any age.
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