As technology has advanced, people have been given access to new ways to enhance their bodies as they grow older. One of the most popular methods today is plastic surgery, which is used to correct or enhance a person’s features, whether for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons.
Plastic surgery can be performed almost anywhere on the body, including the face. Facial procedures are some of the most well-known plastic surgeries, especially those that reduce signs of aging. When enhancing the face as a whole, there are two methods that are very popular: fillers and facelift surgeries.
The processes for these two techniques differ greatly, and each has its own list of benefits for prospective patients to think about. These can greatly influence a person’s decision on which procedure to get. If you are thinking about getting a facial procedure to look more youthful, here’s what you need to know about the difference between these two methods.
Fillers
Fillers, also known as dermal fillers, involve injecting a biocompatible gel into the face to plump up and fill the skin. This procedure reduces sagging and wrinkles, and can also reduce hollow areas within the face or reduce scarring. This procedure is best for those with minimal wrinkles and sagging, and can postpone the need for surgery in many cases.
With dermal fillers, there is very little time commitment required for the procedure. The actual process can take as little as 30 minutes, and there is no recovery time needed. Also, because there is no surgery involved, there is no scarring from the procedure itself.
In terms of cost, fillers are a cheaper alternative to facial surgery. The actual cost will be determined by the filler product used, how many injections are given, the geographic region of the office, and the plastic surgeon’s individual training and rates. However, with the absence of recovery time needed, you will not have to take time away from work or other activities.
As fillers are considered to be a temporary treatment, as the effects of the procedure do not last long without subsequent visits. Dermal fillers can last from 6 months to 2 years when following your doctor’s advice on skincare.
Traditional Facelift
A traditional facelift, unlike fillers, is a surgical procedure. During facelift surgery, the surgeon makes discreet incisions in order to tighten the facial muscles and physically pull the skin taut. This procedure creates a more dramatic result and can turn back the aging clock by a matter of years in just one surgery.
A facelift may require a recovery period, usually lasting from 2-3 weeks. This means that the patient must be willing to take time away from work for healing.
The cost of a facelift surgery is, at the beginning, a much larger expense than fillers. The price can be thousands more than the cost of filler treatments. However, when taking into account the subsequent visits required for fillers to maintain their effectiveness, for some it is a more cost-effective option to pay more for only one procedure.
Traditional facelifts have longer-term benefits than fillers. If a patient follows instructions on maintaining their skin, the benefits from the procedure can last anywhere from 7-10 years. This means less time spent on maintaining a youthful appearance, as the procedure does not need to be redone nearly as often as fillers.
Which Option Is Best?
In terms of longevity, a traditional facelift will last longer and provide more dramatic results. With fillers, the effects will disappear at a much faster rate, but the process is more convenient and comfortable, while still yielding a youthful appearance.
According to doctors, it is also important to consider the severity of sagging and wrinkles before choosing a procedure. With more severe signs of aging, most surgeons would recommend a traditional facelift over fillers, as the facelift will give far better results. If wrinkles and loose skin are minimal, fillers can be used to stave off the need for invasive surgery.
In order to decide which of these procedures is right for you, it is best to consult with a plastic surgeon to discuss the benefits of each treatment and your candidacy for both procedures. They will be able to determine whether fillers or a traditional facelift suits your needs best, and be able to advise you on the specifics of each procedure.
Finding a Plastic Surgeon
Choosing a plastic surgeon can be difficult. Buckingham Center in Austin, TX can help you find the right option to best suit your needs. Specializing in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Edward Buckingham can help you discover the best cosmetic procedures for you, from treating acne to getting a facelift.
Buckingham Center provides both fillers and traditional facelifts, as well as many other services to suit your particular facial needs. If you want to rejuvenate your look, contact us at BuckinghamFacialPlastics.com or call 512.401.2500 to schedule your consultation today.
