One of the most common questions we hear at Cosmedicare St. Ellen’s Hospitals is: “Should I choose a non-surgical treatment, or do I need surgery?”

The answer isn’t always straightforward – because the right choice depends on your goals, expectations, and individual circumstances. Both surgical and non-surgical approaches have their place. The key is understanding the differences, pros and cons, and making a decision that feels right for you.

Non Surgical Options

Non-surgical treatments include anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, polyneucleotides, skin boosters, and advanced skin therapies.

Pros

• Quick treatments & minimal downtime – often done in under an hour, with little to no recovery period.
• Lower cost upfront compared to surgery.
• Reversible or temporary – fillers and injections gradually wear off, giving you flexibility to adapt as your face changes.
• Subtle, natural enhancements without the commitment of surgery.

Cons

• Temporary results – treatments may last 3–18 months, meaning repeat appointments are needed to maintain outcomes.
• Limited impact – non-surgical options can soften lines, restore volume, and refresh skin, but they cannot remove excess skin, reposition tissue, or achieve the long-lasting structural changes surgery can.
• Cumulative cost – while cheaper at first, repeated non-surgical treatments can add up over time.

Best Suited For:

• Early signs of ageing (fine lines, mild volume loss).
• Patients wanting subtle or preventative improvements.
• Those not ready or suitable for surgery.

Surgical Options

Surgical procedures include facelifts, eyelid surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, and reconstructive procedures – performed by our GMC-registered specialist surgeons at Cosmedicare St. Ellen’s.

Pros

• Long-lasting, often permanent results – once tissue or skin is repositioned or removed, the effect is enduring.
• Dramatic improvements – surgery can achieve results non-surgical treatments cannot (such as tightening loose skin or reshaping anatomy).
• One-off cost – while more expensive initially, surgery can be more cost-effective long-term compared to repeated non-surgical treatments.

Cons

• Downtime & recovery – surgery requires healing time, with restrictions on activity for several weeks.
• Higher upfront cost compared to non-surgical treatments.
• Risks of surgery – as with any operation, there are risks (anaesthetic, infection, scarring), which must be weighed carefully.

Best Suited For:

• Moderate to significant signs of ageing or change in body shape.
• Patients seeking dramatic or long-lasting results.
• Those comfortable with recovery time and surgical commitment.

What To Consider When Deciding

1. Your Goals – Are you looking for subtle refreshment or transformative change?
2. Your Timeline – Do you want quick results with minimal downtime, or are you prepared for a recovery period?
3. Your Budget – Are you looking for a lower upfront cost, or do you prefer investing once for longer-lasting results?
4. Your Health – Medical suitability may guide whether surgery is an option for you.
5. Your Tolerance for Risk – All procedures carry some level of risk – consider what feels comfortable for you.

The Cosmedicare Approach

At Cosmedicare St. Ellen’s Hospitals, we don’t just offer treatments – we provide honest advice, guided by specialist knowledge and hospital-level standards. All non-surgical treatments are delivered by registered aesthetic nurse prescribers using premium products, within HIS-accredited hospital premises. All surgical procedures are carried out by specialist GMC-registered surgeons with full aftercare. Every patient receives a bespoke consultation, where we explore both surgical and non-surgical pathways before you decide.

• Non-surgical treatments are ideal for subtle, temporary, or preventative results with little downtime.
• Surgery offers more dramatic, long-lasting solutions but requires greater recovery and commitment.
• The best choice depends on YOU – your goals, lifestyle, and what matters most to you.

At Cosmedicare, our role is to educate, inform, and empower you to make the right decision for your journey – with the reassurance that, whatever path you choose, your safety and results are our priority.