As we age, it’s natural for our skin to lose some elasticity. This loss leads to wrinkles and sagging skin, particularly around the face.
But what’s the best way to get a facelift? Should you opt for surgery or a non-surgical option?
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each approach.
Difference Between a Surgical and Non-surgical Facelift
Surgical Facelifts
Surgical facelifts are usually more expensive than non-surgical options but can provide longer-lasting results. If you opt for surgery, your doctor will make incisions around your face to access the deep tissue beneath the skin. They will tighten the tissue before stitching up the incisions. The entire procedure usually takes between two and four hours to complete.
There are several types of surgical facelifts, each of which targets different areas of the face.
A traditional facelift focuses on tightening the skin on the lower half of the face, while a mid-facelift concentrates on lifting the cheeks and minimizing crow’s feet. Sometimes, a surgeon may recommend a combination of these procedures to achieve optimal results.
As with any surgery, certain risks are associated with a facelift. You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort during recovery. It takes two to three weeks for patients to fully recover.
Non-surgical Facelifts
Non-surgical facelifts are less invasive than surgical procedures and carry fewer risks. Several types of non-surgical facelifts include laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. These treatments remove the dead outer layer of skin cells to promote cellular turnover and reveal fresh, youthful-looking skin beneath.
Non-surgical facelifts can provide dramatic results, but they are typically not as long-lasting as surgical procedures. Most patients need to undergo repeated treatments every few months to maintain their results. Additionally, non-surgical facelifts may not suit everyone; those with profound wrinkles or very loose skin may not see the desired results without surgery.
How Long Do the Results Last?
Surgical: The main advantage of a surgical facelift is that it can provide long-lasting results. In most cases, the results of a surgical facelift will last for 5 to 20 years.
Additionally, surgical facelifts can be customized to meet your specific needs and goals.
Non-surgical: The results of nonsurgical procedures typically don’t last as long as surgery. The effects vary in duration depending on the procedure or treatment that was performed.
Additionally, because nonsurgical procedures are less invasive than surgery, they may not be able to provide the same level of results, or duration, as surgery.
Recovery Time After Each Procedure
Surgical: Every facelift procedure is different, and every patient’s recovery is different. You can expect a full recovery from your surgery in about two to three weeks.
Non-surgical: The method is quick, doesn’t hurt, and doesn’t involve surgery. Recovery time is short, and in some cases, there is no recovery time at all. A non-surgical facelift may only take a few days to heal, and there may not be much swelling or bruising.
Conclusion
Both surgical and non-surgical options have advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when deciding which type of procedure is right for you.
Surgery may be the better option for you if you’re looking for long-lasting results with minimal recovery time.
However, if you’re looking for a less expensive option with minimal risk of complications, then nonsurgical might be the way to go. Ultimately, deciding which type of procedure is right for you will come down to your specific needs and goals.
