Facelift or Botox? Choosing Your Ideal Option

Looking your best sometimes means taking the extra step as you age; Botox injections, fillers, and even surgery are options to tighten skin and eliminate embarrassing lines and wrinkles.

But injections and a facelift are very different. However, they yield similar results – so which one is best for your needs? The answer may vary depending on specific skin changes and how long you want the results to last.

Dr. Lee K. Thornton and Dr. Mark S. Elliott provide surgical and nonsurgical facial enhancement options at Meridian Plastic Surgery in Meridian, Mississippi.

Dr. Thornton and Dr. Elliott are both esteemed plastic surgeons who assist their patients in deciding on what aesthetic option is best for their specific goals.

The facts on Botox

Botox is a cosmetic injection we use to reduce the signs of wrinkles and fine lines on your face and neck. It's a controlled form of botulinum toxin, which is the same toxin found in food poisoning botulism.

We use Botox because it's a potent neurotoxin – but don't worry, it's a small dose that we control to get the desired results without dangerous effects.

Botox works by blocking the nerve signals to a specific muscle to prevent it from contracting. Although temporary, Botox yields immediate results as the muscles relax, revealing smoother skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

The amount of Botox you need depends on the severity of the wrinkles and fine lines and how many areas we treat.

Benefits of Botox

Botox is a cosmetic injection, but it's minimally invasive, only requiring a few needle sticks in the face or neck. It's a fast and efficient way to reduce wrinkles and reveal the youthful glow you want as you age.

There are various benefits to Botox injections, including how long it lasts. Depending on how your body metabolizes the toxin, you may get anywhere from three to six months per treatment.

Botox is also a speedy procedure, lasting about 15 minutes to half an hour. An added benefit is no downtime; you can return to normal activities after the appointment.

It's also relatively cost-effective compared to cosmetic surgery. As you can see, Botox is an excellent option to reduce wrinkles and regain confidence in your appearance.

What is a facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that corrects signs of aging around the neck and face. It's a great option if you're able to undergo surgery and have any of the following issues:

• Jowls in your jaws and cheeks
• Double chin or excess fat in your neck
• Disappearance of fat on your face
• Deep fold lines following the nose or mouth
• Sagging facial skin

Facial and neck skin changes happen due to age and other factors, including smoking, sun damage, and stress. Genetics and thinning skin also lead to changes in how you look.

Facelift advantages

A facelift is an excellent option if you want to go under the knife for long-lasting results. A significant advantage of the facelift is that it addresses more serious cosmetic issues than injectables like Botox.

Although the results may not be visible immediately after surgery, there's an undeniable difference when the swelling goes down. A facelift provides unrivaled results regarding sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls.

One of the most significant benefits of a facelift is how long it lasts. Most people get at least ten years of visible results from a facelift, while others get far longer results.

Which is right for me?

Choosing between Botox and a facelift may take time, especially if you're unhappy with how you look. However, weighing the risks and benefits before settling on a decision is essential.

Dr. Elliott and Dr. Thornton offer advice when choosing the best treatment for your needs. They evaluate your goals and skin to determine the best option.

Botox may be better if you have mild to moderate wrinkles or fine lines without sagging skin or jowls. It may also be the option for you if you want to avoid surgery and are willing to come in every few months for touch-up injections.

But if you're looking to fix major skin laxity issues in your face and neck and are okay with recovering from surgery, a facelift might be better for your needs. It's also a great choice if you want your results to last a long time.

Ultimately, you and our team decide which treatment you need. We give you the pros and cons of each treatment to give you the information you need to make the best decision for your skin.

To discuss a facelift and Botox with Dr. Thornton or Dr. Elliott, don't hesitate to call Meridian Plastic Surgery today at 601-693-7742 or request a consultation on the website.