May 20th, 2025
Dr. Mulholland, Md
Do you feel like there are actually too many anti-aging procedures to choose from these days? How do you know which one will work for you?
When you first start looking for a facelift in Toronto, your research will probably show you that there are basically three types. Which one of them would be best for you? And how do they stack up to a Botox procedure?
We’re in the business of helping people look like the best versions of themselves and showing them how to shave a few years off their appearance. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. If a would-be client is debating Botox vs a facelift, we will walk them through both procedures in great detail.
However, we also know that a lot of our clients like to do a bit of research before they come to see us at The Toronto Plastic Surgeons Wellness Centre clinic in person, or schedule a video consultation.
With that in mind, this blog will walk you through the basics of each respective procedure.
What is Botox?
On a technical level, Botox is an injectable purified non-animal protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is widely used by plastic surgeons to reduce aging in the face and neck muscles by temporarily relaxing the muscles in the injected area. The results will soften unwanted lines and minimize signs of aging, such as wrinkles and deep lines.
On a more practical level, Botox is a household name and one of the first things the average person thinks of when considering anti-aging treatments. It is widely popular and administered to over 7,000,000 patients in North America every year.
You may see an 80%+ softening of the animation lines in the treated areas. The key term there is softening. The injections cannot make lines disappear completely, but they can certainly make them considerably less noticeable, giving you a more rested and youthful appearance.
Botox has traditionally been used to treat:
- Lip lines
- Cheeks
- Jowls
- Crow’s feet
- Frown-lines across the forehead
- Some chest lines
Botox is effective and has a name trusted by millions, making it a great choice.
What is a Facelift?
The facelift is also synonymous with anti-aging treatments and has been for some time. Toronto Plastic Surgeons Wellness Centre offers both women’s and men’s facelifts, so everyone has the opportunity to look their best.
The tricky part of defining a facelift is that there are several types to choose from.
A Traditional Facelift: The most comprehensive and invasive of the facelift procedures. It treats loose muscles and sagging skin in the face and neck areas.
These can take the form of:
- Traditional deep plane facelifts
- SMAS facelifts
SMAS facelifts are widely considered the gold standard in plastic surgery today. Your surgeon will focus on a sheet of tissue below your cheek skin called the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS). Once the tissue is lifted, they will address age-related sagging and lines.
A Mid Facelift: A more targeted procedure for those looking to address the signs of aging on their cheeks and below their eyes. It’s less invasive with less recovery time.
The Mini Facelift: This is the least invasive type, and perfect for people in their 30s and early 40s that are looking to tighten things up and stay ahead of the aging process. Broadly speaking, this is the most significant procedure, and it yields the most significant results.
Botox or Facelift: Which is More Popular?
There is no question which one is more widely performed. It’s not even close. The simplicity, effectiveness, and lack of downtime make Botox the go-to choice for millions of people every year.
There were over 7.7 million Botox procedures in 2019, which made it the most popular cosmetic minimally-invasive procedure in North America. On the other hand, over 123,000 facelift procedures were performed in 2019, making it the 5th most popular surgical procedure. Both procedures increased from the previous year.
The number of Botox treatments has absolutely exploded over the last 20 years. The 7.7 million treatments represent an 878% increase from the year 2000. The number of facelifts has remained steadier year-over-year.
In terms of the split between the two sexes, men accounted for about 6% of all Botox treatments and 8% of all facelifts in 2020. That being said, the number of males that got Botox injections is almost 4 x higher than the total number of facelifts for both sexes last year.
Keep in mind: Botox is certainly more widely used, but that doesn’t always make it the best choice for you. Try to avoid getting tunnel vision and focusing on just one possible procedure. Always speak to a qualified expert and keep your options open.
Both Procedures Increase During the Zoom Boom
The entire plastic surgery industry is actually experiencing a mini-boom during the pandemic lockdown. Millions of people are now forced to work from home, and many are starting to notice the signs of aging on their faces on video calls. This has been dubbed The Zoom Boom, as plastic surgery clinics around the world are now flooded with people seeking both facelifts and injectables like Botox so they can look better on Zoom calls.
According to a recent survey of plastic surgeons across North America, 83% attributed their increase in business to the so-called Zoom Effect, while 69% reported an increase in facelifts during the pandemic lockdown.
At the same time, some surgeons are reporting Botox treatments being up by 30% during the lockdown.
While injectables are in high demand during the lockdown, a lot of other people are swinging for the fences, so to speak, and going with more invasive surgeries because they now have the opportunity to recover discreetly while working from home. They see this as their big chance and a unique opportunity to finally get the facelift or rhinoplasty procedures they have always wanted.
They’re locked down, they’re stressed, and this procedure can have major mental health benefits for years to come—particularly if they’ve had longstanding insecurity about a part of their appearance.
Facelift or Botox: Which is More Impactful?
If you’re looking to address more pronounced wrinkles and sagging, your best bet is often a facelift. Injectables are more for people looking to address subtle signs of aging or stay ahead of the aging process.
A facelift is a surgical procedure, which means the results are almost always more noticeable and last longer than a Botox injection—up to 10 years longer in many cases. At the same time, Botox can’t really help you if you’re dealing with more serious skin sagging.
However, you will always want to speak with an accredited, experienced plastic surgeon to explore all your options. They may suggest something that you haven’t even considered. Maybe a brow lift would be the best option for your specific complaints? If you’re dealing with a bothersome double chin or a sagging turkey neck, your surgeon may recommend a chin lift.
Botox vs Facelift: Which is More Expensive?
The costs of either procedure can vary based on several factors. Botox injections start at roughly $8 to $12 per unit when injected by a registered nurse, or $14 to $18 when injected by a physician. Most patients pay between $400-$1500 for their Botox injections.
At the same time, our facelift procedures start at $14,999, depending on your goals.
As you can see, Botox is less costly. However, keep in mind that a facelift is more of a long-term investment, and the benefits will last for years instead of months. If you’re looking to make a significant impact, the facelift could be the more affordable choice.
Never Cut Corners to Cut Costs
It’s absolutely crucial that you always get your Botox injections from an accredited professional in a controlled environment. Don’t be lured by the perceived bargain of cheap Botox injections.
We’re seeing a new and disturbing trend, as people are hosting Botox parties across North America. These parties are exactly what they sound like: People gather in a social setting, often someone’s home, and receive Botox injections from someone who claims that doing so is completely safe. Just to be clear, this is not safe! And it is also illegal in many regions! This is happening here in Canada, and the people who are caught administering these injections are being criminally charged.
You always want to make sure you’re working with a skilled, experienced plastic surgeon when getting any kind of facelift. Be picky! If you’re looking for a rhinoplasty procedure, take a look at their nose job before-and-after pictures. Read their testimonials and reviews to ensure they have a track record of success.
Our team includes some of Canada’s most respected plastic surgeons, with decades of combined experience performing world-class facelifts for thousands of satisfied patients.
Facelift vs. Botox: Which Has less Downtime?
One reason the Botox procedure is so popular is that it can be done in 15 minutes with virtually no downtime. You are in and out, then right back to your normal life. Many of our patients schedule their appointments over their lunch hours or when they’re out and about. They can keep running their errands after their injections.
The facelift, on the other hand, is a surgical procedure and there is considerably more work to be done. The body will need time to heal after the fact.
The full recovery process is usually about 3 weeks, but most of your discoloration and swelling will subside after the first week. But we typically recommend patients wait 3 weeks before returning to strenuous activity or going back to work. This is why so many people are choosing to get this procedure now. They can recover while working from home and save their vacation days.
The Verdict
As you can see, there is no simple answer. One procedure is not better than the other. It’s all about matching the best procedure with a given patient’s needs and expectations.
Broadly speaking, if you’re just looking to tighten things up a little bit or looking to stay ahead of the aging process, Botox could be the best choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more dramatic or long-lasting results, a facelift would probably be a better fit and help you achieve your goals.
Once again, we need to stress the importance of finding the right surgeon. You also need to have detailed and transparent conversations about your goals. They should be able to lay out all of your options, and maybe even point you in a new direction.
Let Us Show You How The New You Can Look
The best results come when the surgeon and the patient communicate well. Our surgeons listen attentively to our clients’ goals before making recommendations and we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions.
Our team includes experts in today’s most advanced techniques and technology. They can help you diminish the signs of aging and restore a youthful vitality.
If you’re ready to see what’s possible, we’re ready to show it to you. Call us at 647-723-3739 or click the blue “Schedule a Consultation” box at the top of the page.
Dr. Stephen Mulholland, Md
Dr. Stephen Mulholland has been practicing plastic surgery for over 20 years. He is one of Canada’s most renowned and best plastic surgeons in Toronto with his wealth of experience, artistry, and humbleness towards his patients.
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