Surgical vs. Non-Surgical: Which is better?

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With so many celebrities looking younger than ever and claiming they have not gone under the knife, the question on everyone’s mind is… how do they stay looking young? Are there any non-surgical treatments that can give me similar amazing results? How do surgical vs non-surgical procedures compare?

The truth is that the decision to go surgical or non-surgical is an entirely personal one. It is also unique to every woman.

Choosing surgical vs non-surgical depends on a variety of factors, which is why we’re going to cover some of the most popular cosmetic procedures and their non-surgical alternatives.

Consider it a quick guide before your first consult.

FACELIFT VS. SILHOUETTE INSTALIFT VS LIQUID FACELIFT

Ask any board-certified plastic surgeon, and he or she will tell you there’s no such thing as a “permanent” facelift procedure.

Now that isn’t to say that you won’t have incredible, long-lasting results.

Typically, a facelift – surgical or non-surgical – addresses the excess or sagging skin on the bottom half of the face.

When you stack both surgical and non-surgical options, the surgical facelift offers the longest-lasting results. Both the Silhouette Instalift and the Liquid Facelift will fall short every time.

Surgical facelift patients can anticipate results lasting up to 10 years. In the aesthetic world, a decade long of a more youthful appearance is about as close to “permanent” as you can get.

THE SILHOUETTE INSTALIFT

Alternatively, the non-surgical facelift called Silhouette Instalift is a quick fix with impressive results. It’s minimally invasive, which translates to being a procedure with very little downtime.

The Silhouette Instalift addresses sagging skin, as well as, loss of volume on the lower half of the face.

The results from this non-surgical facelift in Boca Raton are immediate. Patients are able to come into the practice on a Friday and look younger and ready to get back to work on Monday.

We believe what makes the Silhouette Instalift the perfect choice for many men and women, has a lot to do with the minimal recovery time, as well as, the natural-looking results.

How long can you expect to flaunt your younger-looking self? Silhouette Instalift results can last up to 2 years. That’s pretty impressive for a 45-minute procedure.

Usually, the ideal surgical facelift candidate has moderate to severe sagging skin and wrinkling, whereas the perfect candidate for Silhouette Instalift has mild to moderately loose skin on the face.

LIQUID FACELIFT

If you think the Silhouette Instalift is quick, here is an even faster option. Dermal fillers are an even faster treatment that can provide a lifting effect and reshape the contours of the face.

You can be in and out of our practice in about half an hour and look years younger.

Dermal fillers address mild to moderate wrinkles and loss of volume almost anywhere on the face.

It’s no wonder dermal fillers are so popular! It combines the ease of a lunchtime procedure with results that will have your girlfriends asking about your secret to looking young.

Compared to the Silhouette Instalift, dermal fillers can provide similar results. However, dermal fillers can also be used to address areas not treated by a facelift, such as, wrinkles around the mouth and volume to the lips.

If you are looking for a younger, fresher face, without the price tag of a facelift, then dermal fillers may be for you. However, be prepared to repeat the treatment 3 to 4 times a year.

EYES

Eyelids are one of the most sensitive areas on the face to treat, so we take extra special care when correcting bagginess or loose skin around the eyes.

Unfortunately, tired and droopy skin around the eyes tend to age us dramatically.

Dermal fillers are a great option to address bagginess and dark circles under the eyes. Treatment is quick and results last 4 to 6 months.

In some cases, patients find that cosmetic surgery is a more suitable option to address moderate to severe sagging on the eyelid, as well as, bagginess under the eyes.

There is a little bit of downtime with the surgical option, but the results are worth it! Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is one of the most popular facial surgeries in women over 55.

Say goodbye, to puffiness, mild sagging skin, and dark circles for good!

BROW LIFT

The number one reason many of our patients get a brow lift is because they are tired of looking tired, stressed, or grumpy all the time!

A surgical brow lift can rejuvenate your appearance for up to 10 years, but it’s not the only option.

Used off-label, Botox is very popular at providing a lifting effect on the brow.  Results last 3 to 4 months and treatment only takes a few minutes.

The biggest difference comes down to how long each will last. To learn about which option is best for you, consult with an experienced plastic surgeon.

RHINOPLASTY

The “nose job,” started becoming popular in the 90s and has been a staple in the cosmetic surgery industry ever since. Not only can it re-sculpt your entire profile, many clients rely on nasal surgery in order to fix specific breathing issues.

Popular with teens and young adults looking to fix a bump, dent, or even straighten their nose, many find that a more permanent surgical procedure is the best option.

Not everyone is interested in surgery, though. We get it!

The good news is you don’t have to go under the knife. Hyaluronic acid based fillers like Juvéderm can also change the shape of your nose, and there’s no need for surgery or recovery.

Fillers are excellent at temporarily smoothing out bumps on the bridge of your nose. They can also correct any nostril asymmetry, fast!

Another important plus for the “liquid” nose job, is that it’s pretty easily reversible. If you’re not satisfied with your look after your session, cosmetic surgeons can always dissolve the filler.

SURGICAL VS NON-SURGICAL: FACTORS TO CONSIDER

There are several factors to consider before choosing a surgical vs non-surgical procedure or treatment.

For example, when initially comparing the cost for a facelift vs an Instalift vs dermal fillers, many clients automatically assume that choosing dermal fillers over a facelift will save you more money.

But let’s not forget about your budget over time. Remember that facelifts are incredibly effective procedures with long-lasting results. Fillers and injectables like Botox are perfect lunchtime procedures for tweaking your look temporarily.

At the end of the day, each person is different. Some individuals prefer the “set it and forget it” philosophy when it comes to rejuvenating their appearance. Others prefer taking more frequent trips for minor tweaks to avoid surgery.

Whatever the case may be, choose an experienced plastic surgeon or cosmetic doctor to help you choose the right option for your budget and your lifestyle.

Dr. Schuster and Dr. Kovacs are plastic surgeons in Boca Raton and can help you assess your needs and decide on the best option for you.