Facial Cosmetic Procedures: Surgical vs. Non-Surgical - Geneo

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There is a huge variety of facial cosmetic procedures available on the market today. Which one is right for you?

To help you decide, we’ve broken them down into two distinct categories: surgical and non-surgical. This article will cover the most popular procedures for each category, as well as their benefits and drawbacks.

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is a category of elective surgical procedures intended to improve your physical appearance. The procedures are invasive, meaning they involve penetrating the skin to make changes beneath the surface, and they require anesthesia.

Cosmetic surgical procedures are popular because they offer dramatic results that can’t be achieved through non-invasive methods. Some of the most popular options are:

  • Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): Removes sagging, excess skin from the eye area to get rid of bags under the eyes and rejuvenate droopy eyelids.
  • Face lift (rhytidectomy): Involves pulling back the skin on either side of the face to remove excess skin and wrinkles to tighten the overall look of the face.
  • Cheek lift: Raises the soft tissue in the cheeks to make them look fuller.
  • Brow lift: Removes excess skin from the brow area to smooth forehead wrinkles and raise drooping brows.
  • Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty): Reshapes the nose to your desired look, often making it smaller, narrower, or straighter.
  • Chin augmentation (genioplasty): Recontours the chin to be wider or narrower, more square or more round, to make it harmonize with the rest of the face.

Benefits of Cosmetic Surgery

Many people choose cosmetic surgery because it offers the most significant results in areas of wrinkle reduction, skin rejuvenation, and facial contouring. It also offers flexibility, allowing patients to choose – to some extent – how they look. This sets it apart from non-invasive procedures, which provide limited, temporary changes in appearance.

The Downsides of Cosmetic Surgery

There are important downsides and risks to consider before getting cosmetic surgery.

  • Expensive, with procedures costing upwards of $4,000
  • Potential scarring
  • Recovery time ranging from days to weeks
  • Injuries, such as lacerations and excessive bleeding, which may require additional surgery
  • Death from complications related to infection or anesthesia

Your surgeon will discuss any health risks during your consultation so you can make an informed decision about whether cosmetic surgery is right for you.

Unlike many spa treatments, Geneo facial treatments require no downtime and are safe to use before cosmetic surgery (unless otherwise directed by your doctor). However, you should wait until your doctor gives you the ok before getting a Geneo facial after cosmetic surgery.

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures are those that are either non-invasive or minimally invasive and don’t require anesthesia. Minimally invasive options such as Botox involve injections into the skin using needles. Non-invasive procedures, like professional facial treatments, don’t breach the skin’s surface and instead use a mix of technologies and potent, skin-boosting ingredients to achieve results.

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures have exploded in popularity due to their affordability, lower risk, and little to no downtime.

Popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures for the face:

  • Facial treatments: Provide hydration and nourishment to the skin using skincare technologies. For example, the Geneo Balance Facial uses a mix of Oxygeneo, ultrasound, and massage combined with all-natural ingredients to create an effective procedure with no downtime.
  • Dermal fillers: Make the skin look fuller and more youthful.
  • Chemical peels use chemicals to remove layers of skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scarring.
  • Dermabrasion: Uses a device to remove layers of skin so that it grows back smoother and younger looking.
  • Laser treatments: Many options available, from hair removal to increasing collagen production.

Benefits of Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

Non-surgical facial treatments are extremely popular, and many people opt for less invasive procedures over surgery because:

  • They involve less risk of injury or infection.
  • There’s little to no downtime required.
  • Procedures are quick, with most ranging from 30-90 minutes.
  • They’re much more affordable, with treatment options as low as $100.
  • They can provide excellent, natural-looking results.

There is a huge variety of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and each one provides specific benefits (e.g., wrinkle reduction, hydration, hair removal, collagen production). Whatever your skincare goals, there is a non-surgical facial treatment out there for you.

The Downsides of Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

The downsides of non-surgical cosmetic procedures are that they aren’t permanent, meaning you’ll need to get regular treatments to maintain results, and the results are less dramatic than those achieved by surgery.

When compared to cosmetic surgery, there are fewer health risks involved with non-surgical options, but it’s still important to be aware of them:

  • Injectables: Dermal fillers such as Botox can cause bruising, swelling, and tenderness. The most serious risk for injectables is that the provider accidentally injects the product into a blood vessel. This can cause tissue death, stroke, or blindness.
  • Chemical peels: This treatment uses carbolic acid, which can cause irregular heartbeats and kidney or liver damage in some individuals. It can also cause hyperpigmentation and scarring.
  • Dermabrasion: The biggest risk with dermabrasion is permanent pigmentation that makes skin look blotchy. Scarring and infection are also possible, though rare.
  • Facials: Redness, irritation, and peeling are common after some facial treatments. However, gentle options such as Geneo are very low risk and require no downtime, while still providing exceptional results.

You can minimize risks associated with non-surgical cosmetic procedures by seeking out reputable, highly qualified providers.

Woman in pink shirt smiling while looking at her skin in a mirror

Facial Cosmetic Procedures FAQ

Cosmetic procedures generate many questions. Below are answers to some of the most common questions.

What is the best procedure to make your face look younger?

The best surgical procedure to make your face look younger is a face lift. The best and most gentle non-surgical option is a Geneo Revive Facial, which minimizes fine lines and wrinkles in mature skin.

What is the most popular facial surgery?

Rhinoplasty (nose job) is the most popular facial surgery, followed by face lifts.

What are the best non-surgical facial treatments?

The best non-surgical facial treatments combine advanced technologies and ingredients that are potent but not harsh. Geneo’s facial treatments feature ultrasound technology and all-natural ingredients that support the body’s natural skin processes.

What is the most effective non-surgical treatment for wrinkles?

The most effective non-surgical treatment for wrinkles is a Geneo Revive Facial, which minimizes fine lines and wrinkles in mature skin. Dermal fillers can also smooth out wrinkles, though these are more invasive than a Geneo facial.

Two women smiling and holding Geneo facial treatment wand and oxypods

A Gentle Facial Cosmetic Procedure with Amazing Results

Whether your goal is to reshape your facial features or achieve glowing, younger-looking skin, there’s a cosmetic procedure available to meet your needs. Choose cosmetic surgery for significant structural changes or excess skin removal, and opt for non-surgical cosmetic treatments to reduce wrinkles, scarring, or pigmentation and maintain healthy skin.

For the most gentle and effective facial treatment, choose Geneo. Find a provider near you to book a treatment for beautiful, supple skin.

If you’d like to offer Geneo’s innovative, all-natural facial treatments to your clients, become a Geno provider!