Liquid Facelift vs. Surgical Facelift—How do they Compare?

Dr. Sumit Bapna · August 14, 2018

Posted In: Facelift

A liquid facelift can provide many similar benefits as a traditional facelift—without the need to undergo surgery, but both procedures offer their advantages and can be better suited to address different concerns.

Under a qualified and skilled physician, both can give you stunning, natural-looking results for a more refreshed, youthful version of you.  Of course, determining if a procedure is the right fit, can depend on a number of factors and involve different personal considerations.

Below is a comparison of some of the major aspects that each procedure entails:

Liquid Facelift

Procedure

A liquid facelift is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure accomplished by using a combination of injections. These may include various dermal fillers such as JUVEDERM®, RESTYLANE®, and RADIESSE®, along with BOTOX® or Dysport® for wrinkle correction.

Different dermal fillers work in unique ways to rejuvenate specific areas of the face, such as the cheeks, under eye area, and creases around the mouth. They are used to restore volume and help to lift and improve the contours of the face, creating a more youthful fullness and tone.

Performed in office, the procedure is quick and virtually painless. No anesthesia is required and involves little to no downtime.

Results

The results of a liquid facelift are immediate, in most cases.  The results, however, are temporary. Touch up treatments are necessary to maintain your appearance. While results can sometimes last anywhere from 6 to 24 months, depending on the specific products used, touch ups are often recommended every 6 months for the best effect.

As the approach is to camouflage concerns, there’s a limit to what can be achieved with a liquid facelift. It’s generally considered most effective for those with mild to moderate signs of skin aging.

Cost

The average cost of a liquid facelift can range from $2,000 to $5,000, however, given that the results are temporary, the costs can add up over time with ongoing touch up treatments.

Traditional Facelift

Procedure

A traditional facelift is an invasive surgical procedure that involves the tightening and often removal of excess skin and muscles under local or general anesthesia. The process requires incisions and sutures, and while incision scars are permanent, the incisions are generally small and strategically placed.

With a surgical facelift, the recovery period is more significant and typically takes about 2 weeks before you can return to your normal routine.

Results

It can take 2 to 8 weeks to see the full results of a facelift, depending on the degree of swelling and bruising. This timing will vary by individual.

The results from a traditional facelift are essentially permanent.  However, it is common for patients to seek another minor tuck after an average period of 8 to 12 years.

A surgical facelift may be best option for patients with more advanced signs of aging or a significant amount of loose, sagging skin. The surgical approach is the only way to truly correct these concerns.

Cost

The average cost of facelift surgery ranges from $15,000 to $20,000, however, for some patients it may actually be a more cost effective in the long-term.   

If you’d like to learn more about either procedure, contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We can help you identify the best options and develop a treatment plan that’s the right individual fit for you.