Dr. Max Lehfeldt Discusses Plastic Surgery vs. Non-Surgical Options
Advances in the field of aesthetic enhancement have produced remarkable leaps forward in surgical techniques to renew one’s appearance, as well as for treatments that do not require surgical intervention for successful results. With this in mind, it is important for individuals considering cosmetic procedures to know some of the general distinctions between the two options (surgical and non-surgical) and what each can accomplish in order to determine whether one type of procedure may be more advantageous than the other based on individual needs and desires. Dr. Max Lehfeldt, our board-certified plastic surgeon in Pasadena, offers a comprehensive range of treatment options that encompass plastic surgery, minimally-invasive procedures, and options that can help many patients achieve their goals without any surgery whatsoever. In today’s blog post, Dr. Lehfeldt explores the differences among them:
Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery procedures require the creation of incisions in the skin, as well as potential modification of muscle and other tissues. Some treatments also may involve skin excision and skin tightening. Many treatments also require the use of general anesthesia, which renders the patient unconscious while the treatment is performed; however, this is not the case with all operations. In fact, some may only require local anesthesia along with a sedative, but these specifics will depend on the treatment, its complexity, the particular techniques utilized, individual patient needs, and other factors. A surgical procedure often provides immediate and quite significant results that can last longer than non-surgical alternatives. Surgical options can also improve concerns that non-surgical treatments are not able to sufficiently address. For instance: one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures is an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), which can tighten and repair abdominal muscles, remove excess skin, and redrape the remaining skin in the abdomen for a more fit look and a “flatter” contour. There is no non-surgical treatment that can accomplish the same goals because a tummy tuck requires surgery to remove the excess skin and tighten abdominal musculature along with the remaining skin.
Additionally, plastic surgery often requires a period of downtime so the treatment areas can heal properly. Depending on the procedure that is performed, it is not uncommon for patients to experience swelling and bruising in the treatment areas (which should fade in the days and weeks following treatment), and patients may need to refrain from work and other normal daily routines for a specified period of time after surgery. Ultimately, a surgical procedure may be recommended for aesthetic concerns that are quite severe and may benefit from a more invasive option, and/or in cases where the patient is looking for results capable of lasting many years into the future. However, whether a surgical or non-surgical procedure is the best option wholly depends on each patient’s needs and goals, which can be determined and discussed upon the initial consultation. In this meeting, Dr. Max Lehfeldt, MD can conduct an evaluation and determine one’s candidacy for certain treatments, whether surgical or non-surgical.
Non-Surgical Options
Non-surgical cosmetic enhancement options are those that do not require incisions, and often do not require general anesthesia. Many of these treatments can be performed using a local anesthetic (if necessary) applied directly to the targeted area, which can minimize the potential for discomfort while the patient is fully awake and alert during the procedure. Non-surgical treatment options include a wide array of procedures designed to rejuvenate the skin or even improve body contours. Cosmetic injectables and dermal fillers, as well as fat reduction options such as CoolSculpting®, are some examples of very popular non-surgical treatments. These options, along with many other types of non-surgical treatment, typically require little to no downtime following the procedure. In fact, many patients are able to resume their work routines and other activities the same day. While there may be some after-effects such as bruising or redness in the treatment area after certain procedures, these effects are typically mild to moderate and usually fade relatively quickly, depending on the treatment that was performed.
Non-surgical procedures can be ideal for patients who are not candidates for surgery, do not wish to undergo surgery, or simply have goals that can be accomplished successfully with a non-surgical treatment option. However, it is important to note that non-surgical treatments cannot address certain conditions and concerns, and they may not provide results that are as significant when compared to surgical options. Additionally, non-surgical treatments often do not provide outcomes that can last as long.
Minimally-Invasive Procedures
Some types of aesthetic enhancement procedures are characterized as “minimally-invasive” rather than fully non-surgical. For example: certain laser skin resurfacing procedures may not involve surgical incisions made in the skin; however, they may require deeper anesthesia and more extensive recovery times than a non-surgical alternative. In other cases, the term “minimally-invasive” may even be used to describe treatments such as dermal fillers, which involve injections in targeted areas of the skin but do not require surgery or general anesthesia, and often require no recovery time, either.
All in all, the best way to determine whether a surgical or non-surgical procedure is the most ideal treatment for your needs is to meet with Dr. Max Lehfeldt for a consultation. He can examine your skin, talk with you about your concerns, and advise you on the treatment options that may be best for your goals, expectations, and lifestyle.
If you would like additional information, or if you are ready to schedule a consultation, please contact our office today.