Facelift or Fillers: How to Decide

Surgery or injection? When considering a facial cosmetic procedure, you may be wondering whether you will need to commit to surgery for the results you want… or will an injection suffice? Each procedure has its pros and cons.

Dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are fast, easy and inexpensive, but are also temporary and unable to correct sagging skin. Facelift surgery is long-lasting and highly effective, but also involves a measure of risk and downtime. Generally, facelift surgery is best for extensive wrinkles and facial sagging, while fillers are best for adding volume in targeted locations.

Dermal Fillers: Pros and Cons

• Fast and easy injections that can be administered during the course of a lunch break.
• Can add volume to depressed or hollow areas of the face, including thin lips and hollow cheeks.
• There is no downtime and few risks with this procedure. Side effects are mild and temporary.
• Dermal fillers are inexpensive compared to many other cosmetic procedures.
• The results offered by dermal fillers are temporary and may last up to a year. You will need to return to your surgeon’s office for regular touch-up treatments.
• Dermal fillers can add volume, but are unable to correct sagging skin.

Facelift Surgery: Pros and Cons

• The procedure produces dramatic, long-lasting results by tightening up the underlying tissues of the face and removing excess skin.
• Most patients report positive results that last well over a decade.
• Facelift surgery allows for overall rejuvenation, unlike targeted injections.
• This procedure entails some downtime for rest and recovery.
• Discomfort, swelling, and bruising after the procedure are normal, but can be controlled with medication.
• Like all surgeries, the facelift carries some risks, including infection and poor reaction to anesthesia.
• Facial surgery costs significantly more than a simple injection.