Facelift vs. Fillers: Which One is Better?

Posted on April 4, 2023 in Facelift

Wrinkles, sagging skin, and volume loss are normal signs of aging, but nobody likes to see that they are getting older. Facelift surgery and dermal fillers are popular anti-aging procedures to target these signs of aging, but which one is right for you?

What is a Facelift?

Sagging skin and loss of facial volume are common signs of aging that can be significantly improved with a facelift. A facelift is a cosmetic surgery that lifts and repositions the facial tissues to eliminate sagging skin and redefine the contours of the cheeks, chin, and jawline. Wrinkles and deep facial folds are smoothed to give the face a firmer, more youthful look.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are a non-surgical procedure that can improve the appearance of deep facial folds and wrinkles. Many dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that plumps and moisturizes the skin. Dermal fillers can restore volume in hollowed areas of the face and fill in deep wrinkles. They are commonly used on the cheeks, temples, lips, and forehead.

Facelift vs. Dermal Fillers

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to have facelift surgery or a non-surgical cosmetic procedure. These are the main factors that may impact your decision and the recommendation of your doctor.

Desired Results

One big difference between a facelift and dermal fillers is a facelift’s ability to treat skin laxity or sagging skin. Some people are not yet ready for a full facelift, so fillers make a great choice for patients with mild skin laxity. However, a facelift is often necessary for patients hoping to improve moderate to severe skin laxity since excess skin will be removed and the tissues are repositioned. Dermal fillers add volume and create modest results, but the enhancements are not as dramatic as those possible with a surgical procedure.

How Long Results Last

New advancements in medical technology have allowed fillers to last for much longer, but the results will still fade within 12-18 months. Maintenance appointments are necessary to maintain your rejuvenated appearance for a longer time. A facelift creates long-lasting improvements with results that last for a decade or more.

Recovery

Recovery from facelift surgery takes several weeks before you are cleared for all activities. Dermal fillers only require a few days of recovery, which makes them an appealing choice for some patients who need a quick refreshment. Despite the longer recovery period from a facelift, the results also last significantly longer.

Treatment Costs

Since a facelift is a more complex procedure that requires an operating room, anesthesia, and surgical fees, it can be a costly endeavor. However, that cost is worth it for many patients since a facelift is a one-time expense. Dermal fillers require multiple injection sessions so the costs may add up over time to be just as if not more expensive than a facelift.

Risk Factors

Dermal fillers are minimally invasive injections that only take a few minutes. While there are some risks of bleeding and product shifting, these are minimized by experienced injectors. Likewise, potential complications after a facelift are not common when your surgery is performed by a board-certified surgeon like Dr. Ransom. Some of these risks are a bad reaction to anesthesia and bleeding, but these side effects are rare.

Schedule a Consultation

If you have any further questions about fillers and facelift surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ransom today! He will help you determine the best treatment plan for your cosmetic goals and will be happy to discuss the procedures in more detail.