Choosing Between Facelift & Cosmetic Injectables

If you’re looking to turn back the clock on signs of facial aging, you have several options to choose from, including facelift and cosmetic injectables. Facelift is considered to be the gold standard in surgical facial rejuvenation, while cosmetic injectables like Botox, Juvederm and Restylane are quick and non-surgical solutions for an array of aging signs.

If you’re unsure whether facelift or cosmetic injectables are right for you, here is what you need to consider:

Treatment Time

Facelift is an outpatient procedure, performed using general anesthesia. It can take anywhere between two to five hours to complete, depending on the details of the operation, including whether other surgical procedures are being performed. Cosmetic injectables are administered in office and usually take less than 30 minutes to complete.

Types and Areas of Concern

Facelift corrects signs of aging located on the middle and lower facial regions, including:

• Sagging skin on the cheeks
• Lines and folds between the nose and mouth
• Displaced fat on the cheeks and below the lower eyelids
• Jowls
• Loose skin and fat on the neck and underneath the chin

Cosmetic injectables can be used on the upper, middle and lower facial areas. Depending on the specific injectable product, they can be used to treat the following:

• Lines, wrinkles and folds
• Depressed scars
• Shallow or sunken facial areas
• Thin or aged lips

Recovery

The initial recovery period with facelift can take one to two weeks. During this time, you will need to take time off work, exercise and other regular activities. Cosmetic injectables do not involve a recovery period. Most patients are able to return to work immediately after their treatment session or the day after, depending on the specific injectable product used.

Risks

Risks with facelift include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, nerve injury and unfavorable scarring. There are fewer risks with injectables. These include bruising at the injection site and infection.

Results

Results with cosmetic injectables are temporary. They can last anywhere between three months to two years or more, depending on the specific product. On the other hand, an expertly performed facelift has the potential to last 10 to 15 years. In addition, facelift has the potential to achieve more dramatic and noticeable results than cosmetic injectables.

Can I Combine Facelift and Injectables?

Yes! Many patients find that combining facelift with injectables produces the most comprehensive results. For instance, facelift can rejuvenate the cheeks and jawline, while injectables like Botox can soften crow’s feet, frown lines and other wrinkles on the upper facial area, which facelift does not treat. This results in comprehensive rejuvenation of the upper, middle and lower facial regions.

Another option is to undergo facelift and schedule treatments with cosmetic injectables to maintain your facelift results in the years after surgery.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Kayastha

A board-certified plastic surgeon can help you decide which course of treatment is best for you after meeting with you in person and evaluating your cosmetic needs and goals. Contact us today to request an appointment with Dr. Kayastha.