Nowadays, more and more people want to change the way they look with cosmetic procedures. But once you start exploring your options, you realize how broad the variety of appearance-enhancing treatments is out there, which makes it challenging to decide what procedure to give preference to. Not so long ago, surgery was the only solution to correct many appearance-related issues. Today, there is a growing number of scalpel-free procedures and treatments available that can help you achieve the aesthetic results you want. To determine the most suitable treatment for your situation, it is important to understand the difference between invasive and non-invasive cosmetic procedures, as well as the pros and cons of each treatment.

An invasive treatment is basically a surgery. It is performed under anesthesia and involves breaking the skin, usually with an incision, removal of tissue, placing implants, and so on, as in a traditional liposuction, face lift, body lift and breast augmentation. Invasive procedures usually provide long-lasting results. However, surgeries require extended recovery time, during which patients often experience swelling, bruising, and pain. There will also be some scarring, even though there are techniques allowing to minimize and hide scars.

There are also minimally invasive treatments, in which doctors utilize various new techniques and technologies, such as a laser, to perform a surgery through tiny openings without the need for a large incision. Such procedures usually result in less pain and scarring and require shorter recovery time and fewer risks overall, as well as have reduced health care costs when compared to traditional invasive procedures, since many minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are performed on an outpatient basis.

Although the overall popularity of cosmetic treatments has grown over the recent years, interest in invasive procedures has decreased and more and more people are turning to non-invasive options. Non-invasive cosmetic treatment is defined as any procedure that does not involve breaking of the skin. Non-invasive treatments do not leave scars and do not require general anesthesia, although a local anesthesia may still be used. Besides, they offer minimal downtime, quick recovery and they are generally much more affordable than invasive cosmetic treatments. All of this makes non-invasive procedures a better option than invasive treatments for many people, especially for patients with health issues, who may not be appropriate candidates for a plastic surgery. Non-invasive procedures include injectable treatments that eliminate folds and wrinkles; Skin resurfacing procedures that involve various forms of chemical peeling, skin abrasion and laser resurfacing to improve skin color and texture; Tissue lifting, such as Ultherapy®, that offers the refreshing effects of a face and neck lift without surgery; and many more.

Naturally, there are certain situations when surgery might be the only option. Besides, many patients benefit from a combination of surgical and non-surgical procedures. So, when choosing cosmetic treatments, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, with whom you will be able to discuss your goals and whether an invasive or a non-invasive procedure is most suitable for you to achieve your desired results.