Not all cosmetic treatments are surgical, and despite common thought, they don’t need to be surgical to be effective. The reality is, there are a wide variety of non-surgical treatments available that provide similar results for individuals who either are not comfortable with surgery or are looking for a non-surgical option before committing to a cosmetic procedure.
Non-surgical alternatives come with fewer costs, complications, recovery and are usually less invasive. The reality is, for almost every cosmetic surgery, there is a non-surgical alternative that is designed to suit a similar purpose.
At GraceMed, we specialize in both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. You can visit a GraceMed Toronto plastic surgery clinic in the GTA or any of our med spas to learn more about your options and get help choosing the proper treatment for you.
Consider some of the most popular cosmetic surgeries and their non-surgical alternatives, and see which one best suits your needs.
Liposuction Vs Smart Lipo or CoolSculpting
The type of procedure you need will depend on your weight loss goals, overall health, and budget when it comes to removing excess fat. The three most common fat reduction methods, each with its pros and cons, are liposuction, Smart Lipo, and CoolSculpting.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat around your body and reshapes it to look more proportionate. Although it is not a complete weight loss solution, it can help adults reshape their bodies and regain confidence within 30 percent of their ideal weight.
Liposuction does come with minor side effects, such as swelling and bruising in treated areas, for a short time. The ideal candidates for liposuction include:
- Adults who aren’t trying to solve obesity with the procedure
- Healthy individuals with no severe medical illness
- Preferably non-smokers
- Bodies that don’t respond to diet or exercise
You can consult experienced Toronto liposuction specialists at GraceMed’s Burlington, Mississauga & North York clinics.
Smart Lipo
Smart Lipo is a non-surgical alternative to traditional liposuction. Smart Lipo uses an innovative laser lipolysis process that breaks down stubborn fat to create slimmer contours with minimal downtime. GraceMed was one of the first clinics in Ontario to provide this revolutionary procedure, and we continue to offer Smart Lipo in Toronto and Burlington to help people meet their weight loss goals.
Smart Lipo, also referred to as Slim Lipo, is a gentle procedure that allows you to choose between general or local anesthetic, depending on your comfort level and preferences. The laser-assisted lipolysis treatment permanently destroys fat cells and reduces post-operative swelling, bruising, and bleeding. The ideal candidates for Smart Lipo are:
- Adults with a BMI under 30
- Women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Individuals who do not have pacemakers or medical implants
- People who don’t prefer surgical procedures
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting uses a procedure known as cryolipolysis. In this non-invasive procedure, excess fatty tissue is placed into two panels to cool the fat to a freezing temperature. The frozen fat cells will leave the body within a few weeks.
A 2009 study found that non-invasive cryolipolysis reduced the treated fat layer by as much as 25 percent. Due to its effectiveness, the procedure is becoming increasingly popular globally. CoolSculpting is best suited for:
- Adults with 10 pounds to lose to meet their target weight
- People who prefer a shorter recovery period and want to avoid surgical risks
- Women who aren’t pregnant
- Individuals with good overall health
BBL & Sculptra
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and Sculptra are designed to lift the buttocks and achieve a round outlook. Although the results for the two procedures can look different, Sculptra is one of the closest alternatives to a BBL.
BBL
The BBL is a two-part procedure involving liposuction and injection. First, fat is removed from an area of your body, such as the thighs or abdomen. Then, the fat is purified and prepared to inject into the buttocks.
The entire process can take a few hours and must be performed by a qualified professional. You can get a BBL in Toronto and the GTA at GraceMed clinic locations in North York or Mississauga. The ideal candidates for BBL are:
- Adults who are okay with removing fat from other areas to inject into the buttocks
- Patients who feel that their butt lacks fullness, size, and shape
- Individuals who can avoid smoking and alcohol for two weeks before and after surgery
- Patients who do not have excess sagging skin around the buttocks
Sculptra
GraceMed also offers Sculptra in North York and Toronto locations. Sculptra is a non-surgical alternative to a BBL and a volumizing filler that works as a natural collagen stimulation. It requires no incisions or downtime, allowing you to resume your regular activities as you enjoy your new figure.
Sculptra adds more volume to the buttocks, increases skin laxity, and recontours the hips and butt for a more balanced silhouette. The results can vary for both treatments, as everyone’s body is unique. However, both treatments can help you achieve a rounder-looking butt.
The ideal candidates are Sculptra are:
- Adults between 24-45 years of age
- Individuals want more subtle enhancements compared to the BBL
- Patients who aren’t interested in liposuction
Face Lift Vs Thermage or Botox
Procedures that target facial problem areas include a facelift, Thermage, and Botox. These treatments have unique benefits that solve different skin problems, such as wrinkles and acne spots. The type of treatment best for you will depend on the level of treatment you need, your lifestyle and your comfort level.
Face Lift
A facelift is the most invasive procedure of the three as it is a surgical treatment that helps tighten underlying muscles, lifts tissues, and removes excess or loose skin. It is a complex and customizable procedure that can produce drastic results.
GraceMed offers various facelifts, such as the traditional facelift, 3-Day facelift, and mini or micro facelifts. To determine which procedure best suits you, you can discuss your expectations with a facelift surgeon at GraceMed in Mississauga or North York. Facelifts would best suit:
- Individuals with no extreme medical conditions
- Non-smokers
- Adults with realistic expectations
Thermage
You can get the Thermage treatment at our Mississauga clinic to address the visible signs of ageing within a few minutes. It is a non-invasive radiofrequency (RF) therapy that can improve the skin by smoothening, tightening, and contouring it. It is a painless procedure, and its results continue to improve for several months following the treatment.
You can use the Thermage treatment on your eyelids, lips, neck, hands, and arms. Since there is no downtime associated with the procedure, you can resume your normal activities immediately. The ideal candidates for Thermage are:
- People who don’t prefer invasive skin treatments
- Individuals who are patient and can wait for results to fully appear
- Ageing adults who noticed their skin become loose or saggy
Read and learn more about Thermage on our blog!
Botox
Due to its visible benefits, the demand for Botox is booming all over the world. Botox is also referred to as Botulinum Toxin Type A, and it was one of the top five minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in 2020. Botox blocks signal from the nerves to the muscles, allowing the wrinkles to soften. The procedure is best known for reversing the signs of ageing and helping its users achieve a more youthful look.
Botox can reduce forehead lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eyes), and frown lines. GraceMed offers Botox in North York, Burlington, and Mississauga, among other cities in the GTA. Since Botox isn’t invasive, it is a top choice for reducing signs of ageing without high risks. The ideal candidates for Botox are:
- Individuals between ages 30 and 65
- People with no history of neuromuscular disease
- Women who are not pregnant or nursing
Chin Liposuction Vs Fat Dissolve Injections
Often, chin fat is associated with being overweight. However, sometimes, people who are not overweight may also experience fullness in the chin area. When an individual wants to eliminate chin fat or fullness in the chin, liposuction and fat dissolve injections are viable options.
A few factors contributing to the double chin include age, diet, and genetics. Luckily, treatments targeting the chin do an efficient job at reducing the fat.
Chin Liposuction
A combination of treatments can help reduce excess fat around the chin and tighten the skin on the neck. The surgeon will insert a small tube into different areas of the skin, and the gentle suction will remove fat from each location.
Since the surgery is intended for those with excessive fat, wrinkles, or a lack of jawline, the procedure might not be suitable for everyone. Chin liposuction is best suited for:
- Individuals within the ideal weight range
- People that are generally healthy with no severe medical problems
- Those who have bulky fat on the chin and jawline
Fat Dissolve Injections
GraceMed clinics offer fat dissolve injections, also known as Kybella in the U.S. It is an injectable treatment that permanently eliminates fat cells below the chin without surgical procedures. The non-invasive treatment allows users to receive a youthful chin profile.
A double chin can occur due to various reasons, such as genetics, age, bad posture, and weight gain. Luckily the fat dissolve injections work on the chin despite the cause of the double chin. The ideal candidates for the treatment are:
- Adults who don’t prefer surgery
- Individuals that are bothered by their double chin
- People work hard to stay fit, but their genetics involve double chins
Benefits of Non-Surgical Treatment
Both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments come with their unique pros and cons. Some treatments provide similar results; however, the procedure you choose depends on your personal preferences.
Many people like to dip their toes in cosmetic treatment by starting with non-surgical options. Here are some benefits of trying non-surgical treatments before opting for surgical procedures.
Minimal Recovery & Downtime
Non-surgical treatments generally require less recovery time. You can resume your normal activities the next day or week after the surgery with most treatment without sacrificing results. You can still attain long-lasting results within a short period.
No Incisions or Scars
Since non-surgical treatments aren’t invasive, most treatments don’t require incisions or leave any scars. However, you may experience some swelling or bruises with procedures. Fortunately, these effects are temporary and unlikely to be uncomfortable.
Lower Chances of Complications
Non-surgical treatments come with lower complications compared to surgical treatments. Surgical treatments are invasive, so they usually require anesthesia.
More Affordable Costs
If price is a factor, you can choose the non-surgical treatment to achieve similar results at a lower cost. Since non-surgical treatments require less time and effort, they are generally more affordable than surgical treatments. The pricing also makes getting a few treatments at once more feasible, if needed.
Less Risk of Pain & Discomfort
Many people are afraid of the pain and discomfort associated with surgery. Luckily, non-surgical treatments are usually not painful or uncomfortable. Although you may experience temporary side effects such as bruising or swelling, these effects are likely to disappear within a few days. In some cases, doctors may prescribe you medication to relieve the temporary pain, making the experience smoother.
Results Are Often Customizable
Although preferences can vary, some people want to achieve a subtle look after their treatment. Since many of the non-surgical treatments are customizable, you can discuss your preferences with our specialists at GraceMed to find the perfect balance for you.
If you prefer a more drastic change that helps you get an “Instagram Face,” you can also discuss that with your surgeon.
Selecting a Non-Invasive Treatment
Although both treatments have their pros and cons, the decision to choose either surgical or non-surgical depends on your lifestyle and result expectations. If you’re looking for something to get familiar with cosmetic treatments, want to take fewer risks, or have a budget constraint, non-surgical treatments are perfect for you.
Both cosmetic treatments are a commitment because you have to maintain them by taking care of yourself and making wise lifestyle choices. Please do your research and discuss your expectations with our GraceMed consultants before proceeding. Book your appointment today!
