Ask Dr. LeRoy: What’s the Difference between a Band Aid Facelift and a Traditional Facelift?

The facelift is one of the most well-known plastic surgery procedures, and for good reason. Aging affects us all, and while it progresses at different rates or in different ways from one person to the next, it’s almost always an unwelcome change. That’s why so many people choose to take control of their appearance with a combination of healthy choices, at-home skincare, and professional treatments. But when skin laxity has reached a point when only plastic surgery can produce the desired results, patients in past years often struggled with the decision because of the recovery time, risk, and expense associated with a traditional facelift. That’s where my Band Aid Mini Facelift comes in.

As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, I believe that everyone should have the option to become their most confident and beautiful self, so I developed the Band Aid Mini Facelift nearly 20 years ago to make surgical-quality facial rejuvenation accessible to patients who were in that uncomfortable “in-between” stage: their aging had progressed far enough that they were no longer happy with the results non-surgical treatments could provide, yet not far enough for them to justify a comprehensive facelift. As a minimally invasive procedure, the Band Aid Facelift is performed in-office using gentle numbing rather than general anesthesia. I also use specialized techniques in order to target the specific areas of concern while leaving smaller incisions for more discreet scars. Ultimately, this unique plastic surgery offers natural-looking results with significantly less downtime, swelling, bruising, scarring, and cost compared to a traditional facelift.

So why do some of my patients still choose the conventional facelift? The simple fact is that different procedures are ideal for different types of patients, and the Band Aid Facelift is designed for a moderate level of aging. Those who are looking for a more extensive change to their appearance are often better suited for a traditional facelift. At the end of the day, the goal is to design a plan that makes you feel comfortable and to match you with the surgery that will give you the best balance between your results and your priorities.

While researching your cosmetic options is an important first step, remember that the only way to truly know what procedures you may be a candidate for is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has the experience to translate your aesthetic goals and other needs into a surgical plan. To get started toward feeling confident in your appearance again, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. John LeRoy. Or, for more helpful tips, special offers, and plastic surgery news, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.