Are Facelifts Invasive? Exploring Different Facelift Options

You’re not alone: we all want youthful-looking skin. Unfortunately, as we age, our face and neck skin loses elasticity and volume, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging. At NuBody Concepts, our board-certified plastic surgeons consult with each patient to help determine the best course of care. Our facial care procedures range in levels of permanency and invasiveness, so you can select the option that is best for your current season of life. We have something for you whether you are looking for surgery or injections.

Pros and Cons of Face Care

You have some choices regarding halting or reversing the signs of aging depending on how much time, money, and energy you want to invest. At NuBody Concepts, we have a variety of skincare treatments to help with your aesthetic goals. It’s important to consider: How much time can I spend in recovery? How often do I want to schedule follow-up appointments? What budgeting constraints do I have? Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons in Memphis and Nashville can work with you to determine the best treatment plan. Here are five different types of facelift procedures, which we tailor to the unique needs of each patient: 

Non-Surgical Facelift 

FaceTite and Renuvion are FDA-approved non-surgical facelift techniques that plastic surgeons use to melt fat and tighten skin. FaceTite and Renuvion are solid options for those who want younger-looking skin but don’t want to go under the knife. Both procedures employ a thin wand inserted under the skin through tiny incisions. Both are minimally invasive and typically heal without the need for stitches. FaceTite and Renuvion can be applied to the chin and neck, reducing the signs of aging in these areas. The results are visible immediately after the procedure. Additionally, results can continue to improve with regular application for up to 12 months. These procedures are an excellent option for anyone who wants to reduce the signs of aging while avoiding more invasive options. 

Full Facelift

At NuBody Concepts, we offer full facelift options to patients through our cosmetic surgery centers in Nashville, TN and Memphis, TN. This is the most comprehensive type of facelift surgery and has the most permanent results. Typically, a full facelift targets the lower half of the face and the neck. After consultation with your doctor, adding other treatment procedures is possible. A full facelift involves lifting and tightening the entire face and neck. On average, patients need 3-7 days of recovery before returning to work or resuming their everyday public/social life, depending on the procedure’s invasiveness. The full facelift is the most invasive cosmetic surgery option, but your results will continue to improve for 1-3 weeks after your surgery. See our full facelift before & after photos to see the incredible results we deliver. 

Mini Facelift 

Less invasive than the full facelift and with a shorter recovery period, a mini-facelift is well-suited to individuals in their 40s. A mini-facelift (also known as an S lift) is best for addressing the early signs of aging before they become too pronounced, often reducing the need for more extensive surgeries later in a patient’s life. In addition, this procedure is ideal for individuals experiencing mild jowling and sagging skin around the face, eyes, neck, and mouth. Our board-certified plastic surgeons can help you determine if this is a good option for achieving your cosmetic goals. 

Injectables and Fillers

Injectables and fillers are non-invasive options for gaining tighter, younger-looking skin. Injectables typically work best on the upper part of your face, especially the forehead and around the eyes. The filler, also injected, expands to fill a designated area. Patients may use these options to fill deep creases, such as the lines near the mouth, to plump up the lips, and alleviate bags under the eyes. For patients who wish to use fillers and injectables, a doctor can schedule multiple treatments in the same visit without needing numerous sessions. A round of injectables results in a smoother look for approximately 4-6 months, while fillers will last up to 9 months. Both injectables and fillers are great options for anyone seeking tighter, younger-looking skin. Apart from mild swelling for the first few days after the treatments, there is little to no recovery time. The effects of injectables to reduce wrinkles begin to show within 3-5 days and become most noticeable between 1-2 weeks after a procedure. 

Eyelid Surgery

This cosmetic option targets the area to ensure younger-looking skin around a patient’s eyes. Eyelid surgery can reduce puffiness in the eyelids brought on by fatty deposits, bags under the eyes, or baggy and wrinkly skin around the eyes. Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons consults with each patient. For some, eyelid surgery is the best option for achieving the patient’s goals. In this procedure, the patient receives a local anesthetic combined with IV sedation to ensure maximum comfort during the operation and a fast recovery afterward. Your doctor can help you determine whether you should focus on the upper or lower part of the lid to achieve your desired results. In most cases, recovery takes between 2-10 days. 

Skin Care 

Surgery is not always the best option for a patient’s needs or goals when searching for younger-looking skin. At NuBody Concepts, our experienced aestheticians offer a variety of treatments to repair and improve your skin. Our advanced skincare offerings include microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, derma blade, micro-needling, hydra facials, laser skin resurfacing, and chemical peels. These options can treat sun damage, uneven skin tone, wrinkles and fine lines, hyperpigmentation, age spots, and acne scarring. Our Dermasweep microdermabrasion system is appropriate for sensitive skin types, including rosacea-prone and blemish-prone skin. Knowing that microdermabrasion and micro-needling often produce better results when used with darker skin tones is helpful. These non-invasive treatments can be regularly scheduled, involve little to no recovery time, and are a significant first step for anyone who wants more youthful skin. 

Choosing the Right Option 

When deciding what type of facial skin care treatment is best for you, consider the extent of aging in your face and your aesthetic goals. For first-timers in cosmetic surgery, non-invasive treatments like injectable fillers or Botox can provide immediate and favorable results. However, these solutions require regular maintenance with NuBody professionals to sustain their effect. If you’re seeking more permanent results, consider the best non-surgical facelift options at NuBody Concepts. These treatments use radio frequency-assisted lipolysis to tighten skin non-surgically, providing permanent results without scarring or a lengthy recovery. However, a full surgical facelift may be the right choice for those looking for a permanent result. Although more invasive than other options, a surgical facelift can achieve long-lasting results. 

Many types of face care treatments are available, each designed to address specific concerns and achieve different goals. Choosing the proper procedure for you will depend on factors such as age, the extent of your facial aging, aesthetic goals, and overall health. Therefore, it’s important to choose a board-certified plastic surgery center with extensive experience performing facelift procedures and who can guide you through the process from start to finish. With the right procedure and a skilled surgeon, you can achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance that enhances your natural beauty. During your consultation, a NuBody Concepts surgeon can evaluate your unique needs and goals, discuss the options available, and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Contact us today to set up an appointment.


Each patient is unique. What your treatment will look like is determined by you and the plastic surgeon who you will meet with in a personal consultation.