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.