When you look in the mirror and notice that your face looks more tired than you feel, it is natural to start exploring your options. Today, there are more ways than ever to refresh your appearance, from a traditional surgical facelift to a range of non-surgical treatments that require little to no downtime. With so many choices, it can be hard to know where to begin.
At Prescott Plastic Surgery, we offer both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation, which allows us to recommend the approach that truly fits your goals rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. Below, we explain how each option works, what results you can expect, and how to decide which path makes the most sense for you.
Understanding How Your Face Changes Over Time
Before comparing treatments, it helps to understand what actually causes facial aging. As we get older, our skin gradually loses collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep it firm and springy. At the same time, the fat pads that give our cheeks their youthful fullness begin to shrink and shift downward. Gravity, sun exposure, genetics, and lifestyle habits all add to the effect.
The result is a combination of concerns that may include fine lines and wrinkles, volume loss in the cheeks and temples, deepening folds around the nose and mouth, sagging jowls, and loose skin along the neck. Some of these concerns respond beautifully to non-surgical care, while others can only be fully corrected with surgery. Knowing which concerns bother you most is the first step toward choosing the right treatment.
What Is a Surgical Facelift?
A surgical facelift, also called a rhytidectomy, is the most comprehensive way to address moderate to significant signs of aging in the lower face and neck. During the procedure, Dr. Prescott repositions and tightens the deeper tissues beneath the skin, removes excess skin, and redrapes what remains for a smoother, more lifted contour. Incisions are carefully placed along the hairline and around the ears so they blend in naturally as they heal.
A facelift is especially effective for:
- Sagging skin and jowls along the jawline
- Deep folds between the nose and mouth
- Loose skin and banding on the neck
- A loss of definition in the lower face
Recovery typically involves swelling and bruising for the first couple of weeks, and most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities in about two to three weeks. The tradeoff for this downtime is significant: surgical facelift results are dramatic and long-lasting, often turning back the clock by years. While your face will continue to age naturally, you will keep the benefit of the lift for a long time to come.
Dr. Prescott’s background in complex reconstructive surgery and microsurgery gives her a detailed understanding of facial anatomy. Her goal is always a refreshed, natural look rather than an overly tight or “done” appearance.
What Is a Non-Surgical Facelift?
A non-surgical facelift is not a single procedure. Instead, it is a combination of minimally invasive treatments designed to refresh your appearance without incisions or general anesthesia. Through our med spa, we can create a personalized plan that may include:
- Dermal fillers to restore lost volume in the cheeks, soften folds around the mouth, and add subtle lift to the midface
- Neuromodulator injectables to relax the muscles that cause expression lines on the forehead, between the brows, and around the eyes
- Laser facial treatments to improve skin texture, tone, sun damage, and fine lines
- Skin treatments and medical-grade skin care to support collagen production and keep your skin healthy between appointments
The biggest advantage of a non-surgical approach is convenience. Most treatments take less than an hour, and many patients return to their normal routine the same day, with only minor redness or swelling. Non-surgical treatments are a great fit for patients who are noticing early signs of aging, want to delay surgery, or simply prefer a gradual refresh.
The main limitation is that these treatments cannot remove excess skin or tighten the deeper structures of the face. Results are also temporary, so maintenance appointments are needed to keep you looking your best.
Comparing Surgical and Non-Surgical Options
The right choice depends on your concerns, your timeline, and how long you want your results to last. Here is a quick look at how the two approaches compare:
| Factor | Surgical Facelift | Non-Surgical Facelift |
| Best for | Moderate to significant sagging, jowls, and loose neck skin | Early signs of aging, volume loss, lines, and skin quality |
| Anesthesia | General anesthesia or sedation | Topical numbing or none |
| Downtime | About two to three weeks | Little to none |
| Results | Dramatic, lifted, and long-lasting | Subtle to moderate and temporary |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Ongoing treatments over time |
If your main concern is loose, sagging skin, a surgical facelift will usually give you the most meaningful improvement. If you are more bothered by lines, hollowness, or dull skin, non-surgical treatments may be all you need. During your consultation, Dr. Prescott will evaluate your facial structure and skin quality and give you an honest recommendation.
Can You Combine Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatments?
Absolutely, and many of our patients do. A facelift lifts and tightens the underlying structure of the face, but it does not change the surface quality of your skin or restore lost volume in every area. Pairing surgery with fillers, fat injections, or laser treatments can enhance and round out your results.
Surgical facelifts can also be combined with related procedures such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery for a more complete rejuvenation. After surgery, ongoing med spa care and professional-grade skin care help you maintain a fresh, healthy look for years to come.
Finding the Right Path to a Refreshed, Natural Look
There is no single right answer when it comes to facial rejuvenation. Some patients are best served by a surgical facelift, others by a thoughtful plan of non-surgical treatments, and many by a combination of both. What matters most is working with a team that listens to your goals and offers every option. As one of the only woman-owned plastic surgery practices in Louisville, we take pride in creating results that look natural, refined, and entirely your own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Facelifts
What is the best age to get a facelift?
There is no perfect age for a facelift. Most patients who choose surgery are in their 40s to 60s, but the right time depends on your skin, your anatomy, and how much sagging you see. Younger patients with mild concerns often start with non-surgical treatments.
How long do facelift results last?
Surgical facelift results are long-lasting, often for many years, although your face will continue to age naturally. Non-surgical results vary by treatment, with many fillers and injectables lasting several months to a year or more before a touch-up is needed.
Can a non-surgical facelift give me the same results as surgery?
Non-surgical treatments can create a noticeably refreshed appearance, but they cannot remove excess skin or tighten deeper facial tissues. For moderate to significant sagging, a surgical facelift remains the most effective option.
Will people be able to tell I had a facelift?
When performed with skill and care, a facelift should make you look rested and refreshed, not pulled or overdone. Incisions are placed in natural creases and along the hairline so they are well hidden once healed.
How do I know which option is right for me?
The best way to decide is through a one-on-one consultation. Dr. Prescott will assess your skin, facial structure, and goals, then explain which surgical, non-surgical, or combined approach will give you the results you are looking for.
Prescott Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Angela Prescott, is a woman-owned plastic surgery practice that has helped patients throughout Louisville, KY, look and feel their most confident for more than 20 years. If you are ready to explore your facelift and facial rejuvenation options, contact us today to schedule your consultation.
