You've been noticing the changes. A little sagging along your jawline, deeper lines around your mouth, or maybe your neck just doesn't look as firm as it used to. The question isn't whether you want to do something about it, but rather which approach is right for you: a surgical facelift or non-surgical alternatives?
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dallas Buchanan, MD, FACS, and certified master injector Michelle Buchanan, NP, APRN-C, have guided thousands of Tampa patients through this exact decision.
In this blog, we'll explore the key differences between surgical and non-surgical facelifts, help you understand which approach aligns with your needs, and give you the insights you need to make a confident decision about your aesthetic journey.
Understanding Facial Aging and Your Options
As we age, our faces undergo several natural changes that can leave us looking tired or older than we feel. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, these changes include:
- Loss of volume in the cheeks and temples, creating a hollowed appearance
- Sagging skin along the jawline and neck, often called jowls
- Deep creases around the nose and mouth, including nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Loose skin and banding in the neck area
- Loss of definition in the facial contours and jawline
What Is a Surgical Facelift?
A surgical facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a comprehensive procedure that addresses moderate to severe signs of facial aging by repositioning underlying tissues, removing excess skin, and restoring youthful contours.
The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery notes that facelift surgery remains the gold standard for achieving long-lasting, dramatic rejuvenation of the lower face and neck.
Surgical facelift benefits include:
- Long-lasting results: Most patients enjoy their facelift results for 10-15 years or more.
- Comprehensive rejuvenation: Addresses multiple concerns simultaneously, including jowls, deep folds, loose neck skin, and loss of definition.
- Natural-looking outcomes: Modern techniques create subtle, refreshed results rather than the "overdone" look.
- Customizable approach: Can be combined with other procedures, such as eyelid surgery or a brow lift.
- Dramatic improvement: Provides the most significant transformation for those with moderate to severe aging concerns.
What Are Non-Surgical Facelift Alternatives?
Non-surgical facelift alternatives encompass a range of injectable treatments and advanced technologies that address mild to moderate signs of aging without incisions or downtime.
Michelle Buchanan, our certified master injector with over 20 years of experience, specializes in creating natural-looking results through strategic placement of neuromodulators, dermal fillers, and other minimally invasive treatments.
Popular non-surgical facelift options include:
- BOTOX and other neuromodulators: Relax facial muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles and lift the brows.
- Dermal fillers: Restore lost volume in the cheeks and temples, and fill deep folds.
- Morpheus8 microneedling: Combines radiofrequency energy with microneedling to tighten skin and stimulate collagen.
- Laser treatments: Our Sciton laser technology addresses skin texture, tone, and laxity.
- Combination treatments: Strategic layering of multiple modalities for comprehensive rejuvenation without surgery.
Comparing Results: What Can You Expect?
Surgical facelift results:
- Dramatic improvement in facial and neck contours with visible transformation
- Results last 10-15 years or longer, though natural aging continues
- Addresses deep structural concerns that non-surgical treatments cannot correct
- Requires 2-3 weeks of downtime with gradual improvement over several months
- Final results are visible at approximately 3-6 months when swelling fully subsides
Non-surgical results:
- Subtle to moderate improvement with natural-looking enhancement
- Results typically last 6-18 months, depending on the treatment used
- Best for early signs of aging or maintaining surgical results
- Minimal to no downtime with immediate return to normal activities
- Requires ongoing maintenance treatments to sustain results
Who Is the Right Candidate for Each Approach?
Determining candidacy involves evaluating several factors beyond just your age or the severity of your concerns. Dr. Buchanan considers your overall health, skin quality, facial anatomy, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle when recommending the most appropriate treatment.
Ideal candidates for surgical facelift:
- Adults with moderate to severe facial aging, including significant jowling and neck laxity
- Those in good overall health with realistic expectations about outcomes
- Non-smokers or those willing to quit several weeks before and after surgery
- Patients seeking long-lasting, dramatic improvement in facial appearance
- Individuals ready to commit to 2-3 weeks of downtime
Ideal candidates for non-surgical treatments:
- Adults with mild to moderate signs of aging who want to delay surgery
- Those seeking subtle enhancement without surgical recovery
- Patients interested in gradual improvement with ongoing maintenance
- Individuals with good skin elasticity who respond well to volume restoration
- Anyone looking to maintain previous surgical results or address specific concerns
Recovery and Downtime
Recovery time is often a deciding factor for many patients. A surgical facelift requires a more substantial recovery period, while non-surgical treatments typically allow you to return to your daily activities almost immediately.
Surgical facelift recovery timeline:
- First week: Swelling and bruising are most prominent, with bandages removed after a few days.
- Weeks 2-3: Most patients return to work and light social activities.
- Months 3-6: Final results become apparent as all residual swelling resolves.
- Long-term: Incision lines fade over 12-18 months, becoming virtually imperceptible.
Non-surgical treatment recovery:
- Immediate: Most treatments require no downtime.
- First 24-48 hours: Minor swelling or redness may occur, easily covered with makeup.
- First week: Dermal filler swelling typically resolves within 3-7 days.
- Maintenance: Regular appointments every 6-18 months maintain your results.
Factors to Consider
Important factors to consider when deciding between surgical and non-surgical treatments:
- Your age and the severity of aging signs
- Available downtime and recovery tolerance
- Budget and long-term value of results
- Long-term aesthetic goals
- Overall health status and medical history
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Whether you're ready for the dramatic, long-lasting results of facelift surgery or prefer to start with non-surgical treatments like BOTOX, dermal fillers, or Morpheus8, our team at VIVIFY Plastic Surgery will create a customized plan that aligns with your goals.
Contact VIVIFY today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
