Facelift vs. Fillers: Which Option Is Right for You?

Have you only recently begun to notice all the wrinkles, sagging skin, crows feet, fine lines and all the other worrisome features on your face? We are pretty sure that it is NOT a recent phenomenon, as you would have done a good job of ignoring it for more pressing matters of life. Though this approach may work in the short term, you should remember that those wrinkles, fine lines and saggy skin won’t go away magically on their own and will need some kind of help. We are here to help you decide between a surgical face lift and a non-invasive filler. Let’s go!

Facelift vs. Fillers: Differences and Benefits Explained-

A facelift  is literally that- an experienced plastic surgeon will pull your facial features up, with a few magically deft cuts normally behind the ears or in your hairline to conceal them and then remove any surplus skin they think is unnecessary. The final result is equally subtle and natural- you won’t have wrinkles, sagging skin around your jowl or cheeks, your skin will look fresh, dewy and elastic and you can look forward to having a more youthful feeling all around! This way your jawbone will look more pronounced, your cheeks may look better and your face won’t look as droopy as before. It is hence very important to remember that it is surgery and pre-op and appropriate post-op measures need to be followed for best results.

Fillers are however NOT invasive and are simple, strategically placed hyaluronic acid or fat deposits that are injected just below your skin. They basically act like ‘plumping’ agents and are great for people who have hollow looking facial features like cheeks. These will not stay forever and hence you will need to keep getting them every few couple years or so. If you do not want to try something super dramatic, then we think fillers are a great first step in this direction. But remember, it is not like the results will be perfect for two years completely. You will still need to get some touch-up done periodically.

Cost Comparison: Facelift vs. Dermal Fillers-

Now, you know that a facelift means surgery, which also means longer recovery periods but the result is pretty much maintenance free. A facelift will cost you anywhere between 1.5 lakh-5 lakh or even higher, depending on all the issues you’d like to address. It also definitely depends on the expertise of the surgeon, the complexity of the procedure and what your budget and expectations are going to be. Generally speaking, it will include the anaesthesia charges, operating room fees, the doctor fees and after care needed. Unfortunately, insurance coverage won’t be available as facelifts are considered aesthetic enhancements that are medically unnecessary.

With respect to dermal fillers, these injections should set you back anywhere between 20,000-70,000 INR. Some examples include lip fillers, cheek augmentation, non-surgical rhinoplasty, jawline and chin fillers or even under eye fillers respectively.

Facelift Or Fillers: Which Lasts Longer?

A general rule of thumb is that a facelift is like a one-time investment as results remain for even a decade or longer, while fillers mean constant maintenance sessions. You should consider getting a facelift when you are in your late 40s-early 50s for the best results.

Conclusion

Facelifts are also called rhytidectomy, if you’d like to get technical and the plastic surgeon will help by removing excessive or adding tissue wherever necessary. They are expensive but last for a really long time. Fillers on the other hand are also called skin tightening treatments as they just try to replace lost collagen reserves and elasticity. If you want a very natural finish with just a touch of character, then fillers are a great choice. But, if you are someone who wants solid results from the get go and don’t mind a hefty initial investment, then facelifts should be good. Whatever you’d choose, just bear in mind these three factors- your aim, budget and how you’d like to get it done and you are sorted!