Surgical vs. Nonsurgical Facial Rejuvenation: Pros, Cons & Costs
It is a privilege to grow old, and everyone deserves to enjoy who they see in the mirror. If you’re looking to refresh your appearance and restore a more youthful look, facial rejuvenation treatments offer effective solutions tailored to your goals. Depending on your needs, you can choose between surgical and non-surgical facelift options, each designed to enhance your features, smooth lines, and improve skin tone and texture. Understanding the benefits and considerations of each approach helps you make the best decision for lasting, natural-looking results. Here’s what to know about both types of facial rejuvenation treatments.
Understanding Facial Rejuvenation Options
A surgical facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a medical procedure in which incisions are made into the skin to reposition the soft tissues of the face and neck to tighten the underlying muscles and tissues, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed look. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), brow lifts, and facial implants are common examples of surgical facelifts.
By contrast, non-surgical facelifts are minimally invasive treatments where injectables are often inserted into certain areas to lift and tighten the skin. There are a variety of non-surgical treatments available, including:
Dermal fillers
Botox
Ultrasound
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Laser lifts
Kybella
Fat transfer
Pros and Cons: Surgical vs. Nonsurgical Treatments
There are valid reasons to opt for a surgical or nonsurgical facelift. Here are the pros and cons of each type of face rejuvenation:
Surgical Facelift
Pros:
Repair Loose Skin - Your surgeon will tighten sagging skin to convey a naturally younger look on your face.
Tighten Facial Muscles - Face muscles tend to sag over time as they weaken. Repairing these areas relieves the tension in your skin and extends the effects of your facelift.
Improve Facial Contours - Facelifts in different areas of the face can provide improved looks across your face. For example, a mid facelift can lead to a smoother appearance in your cheeks and the lower half of your eyelids. A lower facelift can remove jowls and sharpen the contour of your jawline.
Flexibility - Surgical facelifts can be customized to meet the specific needs of each patient.
Long-Lasting Results - Surgical facelifts can last for up to 10 years without requiring additional procedures.
Cons:
Invasive - Surgical facelifts are naturally invasive, and some patients may be uncomfortable undergoing such a procedure.
Surgery Risk - All surgeries involve some amount of risk of scarring, bleeding, or infections. There's also a chance that the results won't meet initial expectations.
Recovery Time - Surgical facelifts require several weeks of recovery time.
Aftercare - On a related note, facelift patients need some aftercare for the first few days after surgery.
Cost - While the cost of facelifts is decreasing, they are still more expensive than non-surgical treatments.
Non-surgical facelift
Pros:
Less Risk - A facelift without surgery is less invasive than other options, making the procedure less prone to complications.
Less Chance of Pain - Non-surgical facelifts come with less discomfort during and after the procedure takes place.
Quick Procedure - Non-surgical facelifts can be done without anesthesia or any other medication, shortening the average procedure time to under an hour.
More Affordable - Non-surgical facelifts are less expensive than their surgical counterparts, allowing you to restore your facial appearance on a more modest budget.
Minimal Recovery Time - There is also less time needed for recovery following a non-invasive facelift. Aftercare time is also shorter.
Cons:
Shorter-Lasting Results - The effects of non-surgical facelifts wane faster than surgical options, typically lasting for about 6 months to a year.
Regular Touch-Ups - The body absorbs injectables over time, meaning that patients will need to schedule regular touch-ups to maintain the best results.
Added Costs Over Time - As a result, patients may need to spend more money on non-surgical facelifts than they would on a traditional facelift in the long run.
Costs and Recovery Considerations
The exact cost of a surgical facelift varies depending on your treatment plan, but you can generally expect it to cost more than non-surgical options. The surgery is typically done under general anesthesia. The day after the procedure, a doctor will see you to change the dressing and remove any drains. Light activity is allowed in the days following surgery, with regular activities to be resumed in the next couple of weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for the next six weeks. Patients will be given a maintenance program to prolong the results of their surgery.
For non-surgical facelifts, the cost and recovery time are much lower. Patients may experience mild pain, soreness, and skin redness immediately following the procedure. Over-the-counter medications should be enough to manage the discomfort. For 1 week to 10 days, you may experience some bruising or flaky skin, but you can return to normal activities soon after the treatment.
Since cosmetic surgery is often not a medical necessity, most insurance companies will not cover the costs of facelifts. If you need assistance paying for cosmetic procedures of any kind, Ford Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery clients have the opportunity to apply for financing through our partner Cherry.
Choosing the Right Approach for Your Goals
For anyone considering a non-invasive face lift or a surgical procedure, it's important to remember that there is no right answer that works for all people. The best option for you is dependent on each person's goals, budget, and personal circumstances. Our team at Ford Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery is proficient in surgical and non-surgical facial services. Drs. Katherine Ford Chiasson and Ann Ford Reilley have decades of collective experience and will use their knowledge to help patients make an informed decision that makes the best sense for themselves. Contact Ford Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to schedule a consultation today.
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