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Weekend Alternatives to the Facelift

A facelift is a surgical procedure that may require between two weeks and two months for recovery and for swelling to dissipate. Nonsurgical procedures offer patients the opportunity to reduce wrinkles without the cost and recovery time. While the results of a facelift are permanent, natural and nonsurgical alternatives may need to be reapplied every few months. However, they do provide almost immediate results. Those who receive treatments on Fridays may notice the benefits by Monday.

  1. Botox

    • Botox is an alternative to a facelift that is designed to enhance the physical appearance of a person and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Botox was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2002. It prevents skin from wrinkling by blocking the signals in the body that force muscles to contract. Some of the side effects of Botox include headaches, nausea, dysphasia and bruising. Those who receive Botox generally begin to see results within three to four days.

    Collagen Injections

    • Collagen is a protein that is responsible for supporting the skin, bone and cartilage -- making the skin elastic. As individuals get older, the collagen in their bodies begins to deteriorate and create wrinkles. While a facelift can help reverse the effects of aging, injecting collagen can also make someone look younger. Cosmetic surgeons may inject a synthetic collagen called dermal filler, which adds volume to a patient's face and reduces wrinkles. The effects of the collagen should be noticed immediately. Side effects may include mild pain, redness, swelling and infection.

    Cucumbers

    • While cucumbers may not offer the dramatic and immediate effects of surgical and nonsurgical procedures, this treatment does rejuvenate the eye area by providing moisture and acting as a cooling system. Cucumbers are made of 90 percent water, which makes them an effective moisturizer. Using cucumbers will help reduce eye puffiness, eye strain and fatigue, and hay fever. It's important for an individual to keep her eyes shut during the treatment to prevent the acidic moisture from irritating her eyes. This treatment is commonly used in spas as facial treatments.

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