Voluma vs facelift: which procedure is the most cost effective and provides the best results?

Question

Since voluma is so expensive and only lasts two years if you are lucky, wouldn't it be better to have a face lift for $10,000 and get 10 years improvement at least instead of spending approximately $2,000 every two years for a filler. Which is better - a face lift that gives a good result for 10 years or getting 2 vials of voluma every two years. I know a face lift in Albuquerque with a neck lift costs approximately $10,000. I've checked on this. So please your honest opinion, which is better.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There is no simple answer to your question because the procedures are not equal.  A facelift removes loose skin to recontour the face.  Voluma provides volume to the face.  In many cases, patients can benefit from both.  However, some people are not looking for, nor do they necessarily need a facelift.  The best advice is to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who can present the benefits/risks of both options and give you the information you need to make a decision that is best for you. Good luck!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There is really no comarison between these two procedures.  one is for volume and contouring and the other is for skin laxity and lifting.  Often you need both.  That is why I am in a practice with there surgeons do cutting/lifting and I come in and do fillers / fat grafting to revolumize.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS · Answer

Voluma and other injectable fillers should not be compared to a facelift and should not be considered a replacement for a facelift.  Voluma is designed to add volume either as a restorative (replacing) or an augmentation (adding to areas never present), specifically in the cheek area.  In replacing this volume, there is a some "lifting" effect of the nasolabial folds and jowls.  A facelift is designed to reposition skin, subcutaneous tissue and in some cases muscle and directly lifts these areas by removing and repositioning tissue.  Fillers like Voluma aren't designed for patients who need a facelift, but instead meant for patients who "aren't ready" for a facelift or only have minimal facial ptosis, or more commonly volume loss only.  One is not a perfect replacement for the other and sometimes are best used in combination.

Stephanie Beidler Teotia, MD · Answer

Discuss your facial aging with a board certified surgeon who performs both injections and facelift procedures. Often cost is a very important (but not singular) factor in deciding between the two options. A facelift will certainly last longer; however, a narrow or thin face may benefit from Voluma instead.

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

You're really treating two separate issues with Voluma vs a facelift.  Voluma, in my opinion, is perfect for people in their late 30's through early to mid 50's and perhaps even early 60's if they are looking to add volume to the mid-face in the cheek area to restore the youthful "apple cheek" appearance.  However, for people who have skin laxity in their neck, perhaps with banding and jowling along the jawline, Voluma is no replacement for a facelift and will not provide any of the effects of a facelift which would include tightening of the neck and jawline as well as potentially more fullness along the cheekbones if fat injections (or alternatively Voluma) is added.  Without knowing your age or having pictures, it is difficult to make recommendations for you, but I hope this answers your question.  An in-person consultation with a board certified plastic or facial plastic surgeon with experience in both Voluma injection and facelifting will give you your best answer.  Best of luck!

Voluma vs facelift: which procedure is the most cost effective and provides the best results?

Answers (10)