Roughly 28,000 cosmetic procedures are performed each year in the UK. These include surgical and minimally-invasive procedures like injectables. Many of them aim to alter the face in some way.
People concerned with wrinkles, sagging skin, and signs of ageing are often interested in facelifts and Botox. But what’s the difference, and which one is right for you? Make an educated decision by learning about the pros and cons of a facelift vs Botox.
Facelift vs Botox: Which Is Right for You?
A little over 2,300 facelifts are performed each year in the UK. Among the different cosmetic procedures, they remain one of the most popular in the country. But injectables, like Botox, are quickly rising in fame as well!
Botox is a quick fix, but it doesn’t tackle the same issues as a facelift. While they’re often lumped into the same category, they actually address different issues. The choice depends on your goals, budget, and time.
How Does a Facelift Work?
A facelift is a surgical procedure, meaning you’ll be under anaesthesia. You’ll also have about one month of recovery time until things are back to normal. During the operation, your doctor will make incisions to tighten the skin and remove excess.
A facelift might be the right option for you if you’re concerned about skin laxity. Skin laxity refers to elasticity which describes how tight or loose your skin is. As people age, the two main components of elasticity, collagen and elastin, decrease.
You might have noticed loose skin around your chin, cheeks, or jaw. You might also have folds around the nose, cheeks, and mouth. A facelift targets these areas, aiming to:
- Fill out the cheeks
- Create a smooth jawline
- Tighten the face
- Smooth down the neck
Choosing the right surgeon is crucial in avoiding the tell-tale facelift look. A competent cosmetic surgeon will always aim to create a natural, youthful appearance.
How Does Botox Work?
In 2019, over 900,000 people tried Botox injections. Unlike facelifts, Botox injections are quick, painless, and don’t require any recovery time. There’s no anaesthesia other than some optional numbing cream.
A doctor will identify which areas need treatment and make a couple of quick injections. But this easy procedure still has risks and possibly severe side effects. If you’re considering injectables, make sure you choose a qualified doctor!
Botox is an excellent resource for targeting fine lines and surface wrinkles. But it doesn’t have the same effect as a facelift. You won’t get that all-over smooth look or remove excess skin with injectables.
Botox injections might be the right choice if you’re concerned about specific wrinkles. The most common areas for these wrinkles are:
- Between the eyebrows
- Across the forehead
- Around the eyes
- Smile lines near the mouth
Remember that Botox is temporary, and you’ll need to repeat the process every three months or so. As with the facelift, take the time to find a reputable doctor to perform the procedure. Overinjecting Botox can result in a “frozen” look, which isn’t natural or helpful to your goals.
Pros and Cons of a Facelift
Every cosmetic procedure has pros and cons. Making a visible change to your face or body needs careful consideration and planning. The benefits of a facelift include:
- Significant and visible results
- Long-lasting results (often ten years or more!)
- Targeting many signs of ageing at once
- Invisible scars (no signs of surgery)
- Natural-looking youthful skin
A facelift can even get rid of the stubborn fat beneath the chin. Double chins are near impossible to get rid of, even with diet and exercise. But because facelifts include the neck, your double chin will also disappear!
Some drawbacks do exist, mostly centred around the facelift recovery time. These include:
- Dealing with stitches, bruising, and swelling
- Undergoing anaesthesia
- Having to take time off work and social events
The upfront cost of getting a facelift is also higher than a few Botox injections. But when you factor in the long-lasting results, it likely evens out in the long run. Instead of paying for injections every three months, you make a one-time payment for the surgery.
Pros and Cons of Botox
Botox injections are widely available and routinely performed by dermatologists. But just because they seem harmless doesn’t mean you should jump into it without consideration. They’re perfect if you have a deep forehead wrinkle that bothers you.
But if you want an overall transformation, Botox won’t get you there. Other drawbacks of Botox include:
- Temporary results
- Needs regular upkeep (every three months)
- Mild side effects like swelling and bruising
- Can’t target significant problems like sagging skin or deep folds
Some research indicates that regular Botox users can build up a resistance to the toxin. You might need higher doses or more frequent injections to work around the resistance. Some people alternate different brand names to avoid this issue.
Regardless, the risk is there, and the costs can quickly soar. If you need injectables more often, your wallet will take a big hit, and the results can look unnatural.
Something that’s rarely talked about is that Botox simply doesn’t work for some people! Several studies review cases where patients had several rounds of injections with zero results. Unlike a carefully planned facelift, injectables are at the mercy of your body.
But Botox injections do have several benefits, otherwise, they wouldn’t be so popular! Benefits include:
- Quick recovery time
- Minimally invasive
- Cost-effective for first-time users
- Can target specific areas
Injectables are a solid option if you want something quick to target a specific spot. Botox is also perfect for those who want to try a cosmetic procedure for the first time since the results are short-term.
Can’t Decide Between Botox or a Facelift? We Can Help
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to spruce up your look! People of all ages and genders struggle with the appearance of their faces. Wrinkles, sagging skin, double chins, and jowls can affect your self-esteem.
Consider which option is best for you, a facelift vs Botox, and take the plunge! If you’re ready to take control of your appearance, schedule a consultation with Dr Aslam. With over 20 years of experience and 12,000 happy patients, you’ll be in good hands.