Aging is a natural process that brings wisdom and fulfillment — but it also has more tangible effects that are often less desirable. Signs of aging on the face, in particular, are a part of growing older that many people work hard to prevent or hide. If wrinkles and sagging skin have finally started to appear, you might be wondering what your options are to keep them at bay for a while longer.

For many people, the next step in anti-aging is a cosmetic procedure — the question then becomes which one might be right for you. Two of the most popular facial anti-aging procedures are facelifts and Botox. When it comes to choosing between them, there are a few significant differences to consider.

“If you are a good candidate for a facelift, investing your time now can save you more time in the long run.”

Your concerns

Many clients are drawn to Botox because it is non-surgical. Botox sessions are quick and painless, and you can return to normal activities right after your appointment. For those whose aging concerns are not too extensive, the effortlessness of the procedure makes it an easy decision. A facelift, though, is an invasive procedure that requires a week or two of downtime and a few months before swelling and scarring has diminished.

The commitment needed for a facelift can seem daunting. However, if your plastic surgeon strongly recommends a facelift over Botox, you should not let the recovery time prevent you from achieving your best results. If recovery time is truly out of the picture, you can talk to your surgeon about what a combination of Botox and dermal fillers might be able to accomplish for you.

long-term results

The other trade-off for recovery time is the permanence of each procedure. Botox and fillers can mimic the effects of a facelift in some cases, but they are temporary solutions — the average Botox client will need another treatment between 6 to 9 months following their initial session. Choosing Botox as your go-to anti-aging tactic will mean that you will need regular appointments with your plastic surgeon to prevent your wrinkles from visibly returning.

A facelift, on the other hand, will last for much longer — typically with our technique where our surgeons working around your facial structure it lasts a good 10-12 years.

If you are a good candidate for a facelift, investing your time now can save you more time in the long run. While your skin will continue to change as you grow older, with good skin care techniques you will always look years younger than your true age.