Botox or facelift?
For a little while there, it was the former. The idea of tightening the face with a few botulinum injections in 15-minute sessions with no downtime seemed so accessible that even people who wouldn’t otherwise consider cosmetic surgery were willing try a few jabs on their crow’s feet and laugh lines to eliminate these unwelcome signs of aging.
But in spite of the growing popularity of botox as a quick-fix cosmetic procedure, facelifts are back in the conversation again. And with good reason, too!
For one thing, the effects of Botox are limited. Botox can achieve a lot by way of smoothing out unwanted facials lines and wrinkles, but it’s not as transformational as a facelift. Second, the effects of Botox aren’t long-term and require return visits to the clinic every four months or so. And when you add up the accumulative costs of multiple visits, a one-time facelift procedure may be more desirable.
If you’re confused about which procedure is right for you, we want to help you get a better understanding by comparing a facelift with Botox. Knowing the differences will give you more clarity on your options, and you can choose the one that is most suitable for your unique needs.
FACELIFT
What Is A Facelift?
Facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that may include removing excess skin and tightening facial muscles and soft tissues for a noticeably youthful appearance.
What Can A Facelift Do For You
- Give you improved cheek volume.
- Smooth out the jaw line and reduce jowls
- Contour the face.
- Reduce wrinkles.
- Reduce excess fat and tighten loose muscles in the face and neck.
Why Would You Choose Facelift Over Botox?
- You want long-term results.
- The improvements you want in your appearance cannot be achieved by Botox alone.
- You’re open to possibilities, and excited about your consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can customize the most effective treatment for your unique needs.
- You’re not discouraged by the idea of an `invasive’ surgery and fully understand that the technology is so advanced these days, that the procedure has been made as comfortable as it can be.
- You don’t mind spending money on a one-time treatment (instead of several installments with Botox) because you want the best possible results.
- You can commit to a recovery time of a couple of weeks, depending on the nature of your procedure.
- You’re not looking for a quick fix but committed to a longer lasting age-reversal procedure, because you’re serious about looking good and feeling good.
BOTOX
What Is Botox?
Botox is essentially a drug prepared from the bacterial protein botulinum toxin, used cosmetically to remove wrinkles by temporarily weakening specific facial muscles. Sounds intimidating, until you forget the science and focus on the cosmetic effect: it reduces wrinkles and lines and clears up the footprints of age on your face.
It takes less time than queuing up for a Starbucks coffee at lunch hour. And, it’s possibly less expensive than your daily habit of drinking Starbucks coffee every day at five bucks a pop.
What Can Botox Do For You?
- It’s a non-surgical procedure that reduces facial wrinkles and lines from the glabellar region (between and above the brows), periorbital region (crows feet near the eyes), perioral region (lines around the mouth) and forehead.
- It can lift a drooping brow (brow ptosis), making the face look less tired and more youthful.
- It can decrease excessive sweating in areas like the armpits.
- Besides its appearance enhancing properties, people report other benefits – such as reduced migraine headaches, eye twitch/squinting etc.
Why Would You Choose Botox Over a Facelift?
- You’re only interested in reducing lines and wrinkles.
- You want a non-surgical option.
- You want an option that is so quick that you can have it done on a lunch break.
- You don’t mind the fact that the results are not permanent, and you have to go back every four months or so for continued treatment.
- You’d rather pay by the visit and not all at once for a one-time procedure like a facelift.
It is important to consult a specialist to assess your concerns and determine which treatment will help you achieve your desired results.
If you live in Bellevue, WA, or the Great Seattle area, Dr. Bryan McIntosh is here to help you!