With so many non-surgical treatments available these days, why would anyone choose plastic surgery over fillers or laser resurfacing? It’s a fair question, and one you might be asking yourself if you’re considering cosmetic treatments.
Non-surgical treatments can make a huge difference in a person’s appearance and confidence. With that said, they’re not the right choice for everyone. Surgery is still very popular for the simple reason that non-surgical treatments have their limitations. It’s always better to go with the least invasive option if possible, but some people need surgery to reach their goals.
With that in mind, what’s the right choice for you? Can you get the results you want from a simple filler treatment or another non-surgical option? Or should you be seeking help from a reputable plastic surgeon? Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding on a treatment.
What are my goals?
First, you should be honest with yourself about your goals. Fillers and other non-surgical treatments might be very attractive for their convenience and price, but they’ll be a waste of time and money if they won’t help you reach your goals.
Are you just looking for a subtle lift and refreshment? If so, then fillers might be the ideal solution. If you want to look years younger, however, surgery might be more appropriate. You need to be realistic about your goals and about which procedures will help you reach them.
How much have I aged?
This one can be hard to admit, but it’s essential that you consider your own aging progression when considering a treatment. If volume loss has caused your skin to sag significantly, then no amount of filler will give you firm and youthful skin again. However, if you’re only experiencing minor volume loss and static wrinkles, fillers might be the perfect solution.
View more before & after Photos*
Take a hard look in the mirror and be honest with yourself. Will a little extra volume and contouring do the trick? If not, you might want to start looking into surgical options.
How flexible is my schedule?
Surgery requires downtime, even if it’s just a few days. Even if you work from home, you should plan to take some time off after your procedure to rest up and recover, so you’ll need to factor that in if you take the surgical route.
If you can’t afford to take time off or you think it will be too hard to schedule a vacation, then fillers might be a better fit for your lifestyle. There’s no need to take any time off after a filler treatment and you can resume your everyday activities almost immediately.
Am I willing to have treatments repeated?
Fillers don’t last forever. At the very most, you can generally expect non-surgical treatments to last for up to two years. Some formulas only last 4-6 months. Surgical results, on the other hand, can last for years. Facelift results can last for more than a decade!
If you want to maintain your results (and most people do), you’ll need to be prepared to visit your medspa or plastic surgeon’s office regularly for touchup treatments. These visits won’t take long, but it’s something you should factor into your decision.
What’s my budget?
Money matters and cosmetic treatments are costly, there’s no getting around it. Obviously, surgery is more costly upfront, which is something to consider. But when you stop and think about it, you might find that getting surgery is actually more cost-effective in the long run. Filler treatments can add up over time!
You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of each option against your budget. Would you rather finance an expensive procedure now, or spend that money (and possibly more) over time? It all depends on your preferences and how long you can expect to enjoy the results for the cost.
Am I healthy enough for surgery?
Some people simply aren’t eligible for surgery, due to health conditions and other risk factors. Because plastic surgery is entirely elective, safety has to come first. A responsible surgeon will only perform surgery if they think the patient is a good candidate.
The good news is that even if you’re not a good candidate for surgery, you might be able to get fillers or another non-surgical treatment. You have options, but you need to be realistic about your health and eligibility before you decide on a treatment plan.
Look at Before and After Photos
One of the best ways to get a realistic idea of what to expect after getting fillers or plastic surgery is to browse before and after photos online. There are lots of patient forums and communities featuring real accounts and photos from people who have had plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments before you that you can browse to help you decide on the best option for your needs.
View more before & after Photos*
It’s also a good idea to look at photos on the websites of medspas and plastic surgeons in your area. That will help you choose a provider and show you what you can expect from your results. Everyone’s results will look different, but the more photos you look at, the better idea you’ll have of what’s “typical” for procedures you’re considering.
When in Doubt, Talk to an Expert
It’s okay if you’re not completely sure about which treatment is right for you. It can be challenging to decide between non-surgical treatments like fillers and surgery. Your best bet is to consult with an expert and have them assess your candidacy. During this consultation, you’ll get personalized recommendations based on your goals, lifestyle, and health history.
If you want expert help in Houston, TX, the team at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique can help. Our state-of-the-art medspa offers non-surgical treatments like injectables and Dr. Paul Vitenas, who oversees Mirror Mirror, is a renowned plastic surgeon offering a wide range of treatments. To schedule a consultation with our experts, call (281) 810-9083 today!