Recent data released by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons notes that the number of facial filler non-surgical facelift procedures is increasing each year while the facelift procedure is dropping in popularity. This poses a common question for many prospective patients: “Which cosmetic surgery procedure is right for me?” Expert cosmetic surgeons recommend that patients who are trying to decide between a facial filler treatment or a traditional surgical facelift take the time to understand the positive and negative aspects of each type of procedure.
The Rising Popularity of Dermal Fillers
Every year, it seems that our lives get busier than they were the year prior. This is especially true for adults, and more and more prospective cosmetic surgery patients are looking for a quick alternative to traditional cosmetic surgery procedures. A traditional facelift typically has a recovery period of 4-7 days, and that is not always a commitment that people want to make.
Expert facial plastic surgeons who recognize that every patient has different needs and wants aim to offer many different options for their patients. The liquid facelift is the perfect choice for those who want to mask their signs of aging but don’t have the time to recover from a complete surgical procedure.
Facial Filler, Non-Surgical Facelift
The liquid facelift procedure is a non-surgical cosmetic improvement. During this procedure, the surgeon will inject dermal fillers into the patient’s face, allowing the skin to be filled out once again. By filling out the skin that is present on the face, lines and wrinkles will disappear, and the patient’s face will look full and lush once again.
Aging takes its toll in many different ways. In addition to skin beginning to droop, many patients find that the fatty layer in their cheeks that makes them look young and full of life starts to disappear over time. The liquid facelift combats this effect and allows a patient to look nearly ten years younger.
A facial filler procedure is sometimes referred to as a non-surgical facelift. During this treatment, the surgeon will inject dermal fillers into the face in order to combat gaunt cheeks and sagging skin. As a result, the skin on the face is shaped and sculpted so that the patient appears young and vibrant again.
Pros
Patients who choose the non-surgical facelift option will find that they have instant results with very little downtime. Professional cosmetic surgeons use top-of-the-line dermal filler products in order to ensure that every patient gets natural-looking results from the facial filler treatment. This option will eliminate many of the lines and wrinkles on a person’s face.
Cons
The non-surgical facelift procedure will only provide patients with temporary relief from the aging process. While it can eliminate the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face, the muscles in the face are not altered, and the aging process will begin immediately. Therefore, most cosmetic surgeons recommend that patients come every 6-9 months for maintenance treatments.
Traditional Facelift
A facelift is a surgical procedure that is designed to alter the muscles of the face as well as remove excess skin from the face in order to have permanent effects on the patient. Expert facial plastic surgeons use state-of-the-art technology and the most innovative surgical techniques to ensure every patient looks naturally young and beautiful once again.
Pros
The facelift procedure can provide stunning results for the patient. By altering the facial muscles and removing excess skin, the cosmetic surgeon is able to eliminate most of the wrinkles on a person’s face. Most patients find that they look at least ten years younger after their operation. Facelift results are relatively permanent and last for about 8-10 years. The aging process does continue after the operation, but it is many years before the symptoms of aging appear again.
Cons
The traditional facelift is a major surgical operation that requires patients to spend about 7-10 days recovering. There is significant bruising and swelling after the operation that can take several weeks to subside completely.
Consulting Expert Cosmetic Surgeons
Many expert cosmetic surgeons have been performing the dermal filler cosmetic procedure for over a decade, and they recognize that it is a great choice for certain patients. However, it is essential that patients who opt for this procedure recognize that they will not be receiving the same long-term results as a traditional surgical procedure. Results are known to last anywhere from 4-6 months, and most patients have to return to their facial plastic surgeon for the surgeon to administer subsequent injections. This keeps the person’s face looking fresh and new, allowing them to maintain their new, young appearance.
The costs for these two procedures are about the same, so that does not often factor into a person’s decision. However, board-certified facial plastic surgeons can help a patient evaluate their own individual factors, such as age and ethnicity, in order to determine which procedure is best for them. Interested patients are invited to set up a free cosmetic consultation with a professional cosmetic surgeon to discuss their options.
The non-surgical facial filler cosmetic procedure is a viable option for many patients, but it is crucial that all patients realize the limitations of this procedure. To find out more about this option and to see if it is the right choice for you, set up a free consultation with an expert cosmetic surgeon. They can help you decide whether the surgical route or the non-surgical route is best for you as an individual.