Facelift and Botox are both cosmetic procedures that treat wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging found on the face. Both are proven ways to get a smooth, youthful appearance, so when it comes to choosing between the two, there are factors you need to consider.
Below we’ll outline both cosmetic procedures, what they cost, how long results last and more, so you can choose between facelift vs. Botox.
Facelift
What Does a Facelift Treat?
A facelift can help improve different signs of aging including:
- Wrinkles
- Jowling
- Marionette Lines
- Dropped Cheeks
- Vertical Bands
- Sagging Skin
With a facelift it doesn’t matter how the wrinkles or sagging skin formed whether it was from muscle movement as you age or weight gain, a facelift can smooth your skin.
Facelift Procedure
A facelift is an invasive procedure that involves incisions. Your plastic surgeon will make these incisions at the hairline and around the ears, although this could change based on the type of facelift you receive.
During the procedure, your plastic surgeon will tighten the skin and underlying tissue or muscles. If you’re treating sagging skin, your plastic surgeon may remove or sculpt fat before closing the incisions. Overall, this procedure takes around two hours to complete.
Facelift Cost
A typical facelift cost in Tampa, FL, ranges from $8,000-$9,000. The price of this cosmetic procedure will depend on the type of facelift, the technique your plastic surgeon uses, and the extent of your cosmetic desires.
Recovery
Facelift recovery time takes around three to four weeks. During the first week you will experience some swelling and bruising and will need to keep your head elevated. Avoid any strenuous activities or work so you can focus on recovery. Sometime between the end of the first week and the third week, your plastic surgeon will remove your sutures.
By the second week you can return to work and begin doing light activities. You may have some residual swelling and discomfort but it should already be significantly reduced from the first week. By week three you will be back to your normal everyday routine.
Results
You can start seeing the results from your facelift procedure around the end of your recovery so about three or four weeks after the treatment. These facelift results are permanent which means you won’t need any additional cosmetic treatments for a youthful appearance until your skin naturally begins showing new signs of aging. These new wrinkles may start to appear around ten years after your facelift procedure.
Facelift Pros and Cons
Below we outline the pros and cons of a facelift procedure. However, these factors can be subjective which means a con for someone else may not be a con for you. It’s important to create this list on your own to decide if this procedure is right for your cosmetic desires.
Pros
- Treats signs of aging that result from any cause – muscles related or not muscle related
- Results become visible after four weeks and are permanent
- Recovery time is short compared to other cosmetic procedures
Cons
- Invasive procedure
- You’ll need to take time off work and stop strenuous activities
Botox
What Does Botox Do?
Botox is an injectable cosmetic procedure that treats signs of aging related to muscles. Furrowing your brow or making repeated facial expressions will, overtime, create wrinkles and fine lines. Below are some of the most common skin conditions that Botox can treat.
- Crow’s Feet
- Frown Lines
- Forehead Lines
- Bunny Lines
Botox Procedure
Botox treats these muscle related signs of aging by relaxing the muscles. Once the muscles relax, the skin that lies overtop will smooth for a younger looking appearance. During this non-invasive procedure, your cosmetic doctor will inject the target area and no anesthesia is needed. This takes only a few minutes, depending on how many areas you want to treat with Botox.
Botox Cost
A Botox treatment in Tampa costs around $10-$15 per unit. This cosmetic treatment is not a cost per session treatment which means that the more areas you want the injections, the higher the cost of Botox will become.
Recovery
There is no downtime from Botox. You can immediately go back to work and participate in strenuous activities. However, it’s important not to rub the injection site following your procedure as this could cause the Botox to spread to other areas.
Results
You can expect to see Botox results within 3-7 days. However, it could take up to two weeks to see full results. These results are not permanent. A typical Botox injection will last around 3 to 5 months at which point you will need another session to maintain your new youthful appearance.
Botox Pros and Cons
Below are some of the potential pros and cons of getting Botox injections to treat your signs of aging.
Pros
- Non-invasive procedure
- You can see results within a week
Cons
- Results aren’t permanent
- Only treats signs of aging related to muscles
Differences Between Facelift and Botox
While facelift and Botox appear to provide the same type of beauty enhancements, they are quite different. Below we’ll recap the differences between these two cosmetic procedures.
Facelift
- Treats any type of wrinkles, fine lines, etc.
- Invasive procedure
- Costs around $8,000-$9,000
- 3-4 recovery time
- Results in about 4 weeks
- Results are permanent
Botox
- Treats signs of aging related to muscles
- Non-invasive procedure
- Costs around $9-$15 per unit
- No downtime
- Results in 3-7 days
- Results are not permanent
Which Cosmetic Procedure is Right For You?
When it comes to choosing between a facelift and Botox, there is no wrong choice. Both can reduce signs of aging and improve your appearance for a smooth and youthful look. If you want a cosmetic procedure with permanent results and a wider reach for treating wrinkles and fine lines, a facelift may be the right choice for you. If you want a cosmetic procedure that’s non-invasive with little downtime, and you’re comfortable with getting multiple treatments to maintain your appearance, Botox may be the right cosmetic treatment for you.
Still unsure if you want a facelift or Botox injections? Discuss your options with a double-board certified plastic surgeon today by calling Dr. Dominic Castellano at (813) 547-6992.
