The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS) released a Global Survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures, showing that the demand for both surgical and non-surgical procedures has increased since the pandemic; however, non-surgical treatments have increased by nearly 55% over the past four years.
The same report noted that 17.5 million non-surgical procedures were performed in 2021. This number outpaced surgical treatments by nearly five million, with liposuction, facelifts, and tummy tucks ranking in the top five of the 12.8 million surgical procedures requested in 2021. Is this significant increase in nonsurgical procedures an indicator of things to come? Will surgical cosmetic treatments eventually fall by the wayside?
At New Look New Life Cosmetic Surgical Arts, we offer our patients a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatments to fit their needs.
Below, we explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of both types of cosmetic procedures so that you can make a more informed decision when choosing surgical vs. non-surgical treatments.
Benefits of Non-surgical Cosmetic Procedures Continuing Advances in Technology
Like any industry, the companies that make aesthetic devices constantly innovate to improve their existing products and create newer, more effective devices. The first cosmetic skin-tightening device was approved in 2002, and since then, products utilizing several different technologies have emerged to improve upon and outpace their competitors.
This competition can only benefit you as a consumer, as there are near-constant technological advances designed to smooth wrinkles and lift and tighten your skin.
Little-to-No Recovery Time
Surgical procedures often require weeks or months of recovery time before returning to work or other routine activities. Non-surgical procedures are done in-office and typically take less than an hour. You can get back to your life immediately, and in most cases, no one will even know you’ve gotten anything done.
Most non-surgical treatments are also nearly (or relatively) painless and offer little-to-no side effects.
Reduced Cost
The cost of non-surgical cosmetic treatments is also one reason people gravitate towards less invasive procedures. Undergoing surgery often comes with a myriad of costs, including surgeon’s fees, anesthesiologist fees, and facility or hospital fees. Non-surgical procedures are performed in-office and don’t require a hospital stay, anesthesia, or other extra fees.
Benefits of Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Can Address More Severe Issues
While non-surgical procedures work to tighten, lift, and rejuvenate your skin, their effectiveness is limited.
If you have sagging or deflated breasts or a significant amount of excess skin on your stomach, non-surgical treatments can’t offer the results you desire.
In some cases, the only way to get the best possible results is by undergoing a tummy tuck to remove tissue and tighten your abdominal area or a surgical breast enhancement procedure to properly lift and augment your bustline.
Longer-Lasting Results
Surgical facial procedures are considered permanent (in that they will not naturally disappear), so any cosmetic surgery you choose will have lasting results.
Keep in mind that you will continue aging normally, so a touch-up down the road might be necessary. Additionally, while surgical body procedures are also considered permanent, weight fluctuations over time will affect your results.
Non-surgical procedures offer great results, but they typically require consistent sessions to maintain your results over time.
More Dramatic Results
Non-surgical treatments, while effective, usually take time to show results. And while the results are beautiful, they’re often more subtle than you might expect.
On the other hand, surgical procedures offer dramatic results that are visible almost immediately.
A non-surgical procedure will probably do the trick if you’re looking for a treatment to smooth wrinkles or tighten mildly lax facial skin. However, for more severe sagging and deeper wrinkles, only a surgical facelift can get the job done.
Learn More About Cosmetic Surgery in New York
While non-surgical cosmetic procedures may be outpacing surgical ones, both will continue to be in demand. Some patients want subtle results, and some want more dramatic ones, so both types of procedures are still necessary.
Whether you want a surgical or non-surgical cosmetic treatment, New Look New Life Cosmetic Surgical Arts has it all. Our highly trained and skilled staff will work with you to understand your aesthetic goals and create a customized treatment program unique to your needs.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 212-830-6830 or fill out our online contact form.