Surgical vs. Non-Surgical: The Right Procedure for You

With so many great options available, narrowing down the right cosmetic procedure for your needs and lifestyle can be a challenge. To make the process a little easier, we suggest first considering some of the pros and cons of surgical verses non-surgical cosmetic enhancement.

Recovery Time

Generally speaking, most surgical options require a longer period of recovery than non-surgical. If you simply aren’t in a place to take several days off from work, then you’ll probably fare better with a non-surgical procedure that offers minimal recovery time (e.g., Botox injections, dermal fillers or laser skin resurfacing).

Longevity of Results

One of the biggest benefits of cosmetic surgery procedures is that they offer long-term (even somewhat permanent) results. Most patients may never have to go under the knife again – or only several years later to address new age-related changes to their face or body. When it comes to non-surgical procedures, most require regular upkeep (whether it be every few months or every few years) to maintain results long-term.

Type of Results

Are you hoping for a big unveiling of your new look, or would you like improvements to be a little more subtle? Most surgical procedures produce noticeable results, which will most likely be visible to friends, family members and co-workers. If that sounds like too much attention, you might want to consider a non-surgical option that produces gradual results instead.

Total Cost

With its widespread popularity, cosmetic enhancement has become more affordable over the past several years – but that doesn’t mean it’s cheap. In most cases, the more invasive a procedure is, the more expensive it will be. The total cost of cosmetic surgery will account for not only the surgeon fees, but also the anesthesia and surgical facility.

It’s important to keep in mind that most non-surgical procedures like Botox are less expensive upfront, but they may actually cost more in the long run as you continue with routine maintenance. It’s best to ask your cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist for advice if you aren’t sure which is best.