9 Ways To Lift Your Face Without Surgery

Aging can change the way your face looks, but fortunately, plastic surgery isn’t the only answer. There are many methods for skin tightening and lifting without invasive procedures or going under the knife.

Today, we’ll explore these simple, non-surgical options.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift, also known as a “rhytidectomy,” is a type of cosmetic surgery that helps people look younger. As we get older, our skin loses its firmness, and our faces can start to sag or wrinkle. A facelift fixes this by lifting and tightening the skin on your face and neck via incisions. This makes the skin look smoother, firmer, and less wrinkled.

During a facelift, a surgeon carefully pulls the skin back and removes extra loose skin from different areas of the face. They might also tighten the tissues under the skin to make your facial features look even firmer and minimize the appearance of frown lines or crow’s feet. The goal is to create a more youthful appearance.

However, surgery isn’t for everyone. It can be expensive, and there’s recovery time involved. Plus, some people don’t want to go through the risks of an operation. If you’re one of those people, don’t worry! There are many other ways to help lift and firm your face that don’t involve surgery. Let’s check out some of these options.

How Can You Lift the Look of Your Face Without Surgery?

Here are nine ways to get a youthful, lifted look without surgery.

1. Hyaluronic Acid

“Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our skin and joints that decreases as we age,” explains aesthetic doctor Dr Sturm (1). It helps your skin stay hydrated and plump by attracting and holding water. A small study found that hyaluronic acid can improve skin elasticity and reduce roughness in as little as two to eight weeks (2).

You can find hyaluronic acid in creams, serums, and even some injectable treatments. Using it regularly can smooth out wrinkles, improve skin texture, and give your face a firmer, more youthful appearance. Plus, it works well with other skincare ingredients, making it a great addition to your routine.

2. Progeline

Progeline is a powerful peptide that targets sagging skin by slowing down the natural breakdown of elastin and collagen. These proteins are what keep your skin firm and youthful. By supporting your skin’s natural structure, Progeline helps reduce the appearance of jowls, fine lines, and loose skin, giving your face a smoother, more lifted look.

You can find the powerful peptide Progeline in Miami MD’s Age-Defying Lift & Firm Cream. Incorporating a product with Progeline into your skincare routine can be an easy and effective way to fight signs of aging without needing any invasive treatments.

3. Peptides

Peptides are tiny chains of amino acids that work as building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin. These proteins are what give your skin its firmness and bounce. “Think of peptides as messengers that tell your skin to act young and stay healthy,” explains dermatologist, Dr. Lee (3).

Matrixyl 3000, a well-known peptide, has been shown to reduce the look of wrinkles and support skin elasticity by supporting proper collagen production.

Over time, using skincare products with peptides, boosting the production of collagen and elastin,” explains industry-leading facialist Teresa Tarmey (4). This boost in collagen helps to firm the skin, smooth out fine lines, and even out skin texture, giving your face a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

You can choose to get microneedling done professionally at a dermatologist’s office for deeper results, or you can use an at-home microneedling tool for a gentler, budget-friendly option.

Regular treatments can also help improve the appearance of scars, sun damage, and enlarged pores, making it a versatile addition to your skincare routine. Always use proper techniques and follow up with hydrating serums to maximize results.

5. Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a non-surgical way to restore volume and smooth out signs of aging. “Injectables and fillers are a good first step for someone who wants to address the early signs of skin aging, such as fine lines or mildly sagging skin,” explains Kofi Boahene, M.D., director of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Johns Hopkins Medicine (5).

As we age, our skin loses collagen and fat, which can lead to hollow areas and sagging. Fillers, made from substances like hyaluronic acid, are injected into these areas to plump them up and give the face a more youthful, lifted look.

Commonly treated areas include the cheeks, under the eyes, and the nasolabial folds (the lines between the nose and mouth). The results are instant and can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of filler used.

Dermal fillers are a quick and minimally invasive option, making them a favorite for people who want a refreshed look without downtime. Always consult a licensed professional to ensure safe and natural-looking results.

6. Laser Treatments

Laser treatments use focused light energy to target the deeper layers of your skin “Dermatologists use the power of highly focused laser energies to produce one specific color (wavelength) of light or band of light, which targets specific areas of the skin,” says dermatologist, M.D., Dr. Goldberg (6).

By heating the skin, lasers stimulate collagen and elastin production, which helps to tighten sagging areas and improve overall skin texture. These treatments can also reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and even discoloration — giving your face a smoother and more youthful look.

There are different types of laser treatments, like fractional lasers for deeper rejuvenation or non-ablative lasers for minimal downtime. Sessions are quick and relatively painless, making them a convenient option for those looking for noticeable results without surgery.

With regular treatments, lasers can help lift and contour the face while boosting your skin’s natural radiance. Always consult a skincare professional to find the right laser treatment for your needs.

7. Change Your Sleeping Position

Did you know that how you sleep can affect your face? Sleeping on your side or stomach can cause wrinkles over time.

“Just like facial expression lines that become etched into the skin over time with repeated use of facial muscles, sleep lines get drawn into the skin because they are formed repeatedly over the years,” explains Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist (7).

Using a silk or satin pillowcase can also help minimize friction on your skin, reducing the chances of wrinkles. Pairing this with sleeping on your back can make a big difference in keeping your skin smoother and more youthful over time. A few small adjustments to your nightly routine can go a long way.

8. Exercise Your Facial Muscles

Just like your body, your face has muscles that need exercise. Doing facial exercises can strengthen these muscles and help lift your face naturally. Some people call this “facial yoga.” “Muscles lose mass and volume with age, so target-exercising face muscles as one would the body will sculpt, firm, and plump,” says the author of The Yoga Face, Annelise Hagen (8).

These exercises involve simple movements, like lifting your eyebrows or puffing out your cheeks, to tone and firm the muscles under your skin. Regular practice can support blood circulation, reduce puffiness, and even soften the appearance of fine lines.

The best part? You can do them anytime, anywhere, for a natural and non-invasive way to maintain a youthful look.

9. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use special solutions to remove the top layer of your skin, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath.

Over time, regular peels can improve the appearance of sagging skin, fine lines, and uneven texture, giving your face a more lifted and rejuvenated look. “Peels are a dermatologic staple. Great for evening out skin tone, adding radiance, and helping with fine lines or deeper furrows in some instances,” says dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara (9).

There are different types of chemical peels, ranging from light to deep depending on your skin’s needs. Light peels can be done more often for a gentle refresh, while deeper peels target more severe signs of aging. Always consult a professional to determine the right type of peel for your skin type and goals.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need surgery to lift your face and look younger. From skincare products to simple lifestyle changes, there are plenty of ways to achieve a more youthful appearance. Many of these options are easy to add to your daily routine and can deliver noticeable results over time.

Whether you choose targeted ingredients like peptides and hyaluronic acid or opt for treatments like microneedling or laser therapy, the key is consistency. Try these non-surgical options, and enjoy the confidence that comes with a firmer, more radiant look!

Sources:

1. The best hyaluronic acid serums, creams and treatments | Harper’s Bazaar

2. Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans | PMC (nih.gov)

3. 17 Best Peptide Serums of 2024, According to Dermatologists | Cosmopolitan

4. What is microneedling? The benefits, explained by experts | Harper’s Bazaar

5. How Facial Rejuvenation Procedures Can Improve Aging Skin | Johns Hopkins Medicine

6. Understanding the Types of Cosmetic Laser Treatments| Banner

7. Are sleep wrinkles permanent? Experts share what you should know | Today

8. A Guide to Face Yoga for a Healthy, Sculpted Glow | Vogue

9. Chemical Peels for People Over 60: Risks, Treatments | The Cut