When to Consider a Facelift

Aging happens to everyone, but not everyone wants to accept the signs on the face, and they choose to do something about them. A facelift is the most comprehensive approach to eliminating facial wrinkles and sagging skin. A facelift is designed to remove excess skin, tighten underlying muscles and tissues, and re-drape the skin on the face and neck. Facelift surgery is used to correct mid-face sagging, jowls, marionette lines, and double chins. This pricy procedure is known as the “gold standard” for facial rejuvenation because of the positive results that patients walk away with. 

Deciding whether or not a facelift is right for you is a huge step. Before you begin to think about how you feel about your face, you need to know that a facelift typically runs $7,000 to $10,000. The price tag alone makes it impossible for many people. However, if money is not an issue, then it is time to really examine the whys behind your desire for a facelift. If you feel that your face does not reflect how old (or young!) you feel, or if you feel that your sagging facial skin is a social or career obstacle then it is time to talk to a trusted plastic surgeon. 

Many people say that they just don’t “feel like themselves” any more when they look in the mirror. A facelift will not create a new you, but it will help you rewind the hands of time to a younger version of yourself. You also need to consider the down time that is associated with a facelift surgery. Taking time off work and hiding away while you recover will be necessary for at least two weeks. After that, bruising will still be noticeable, so that must be taken into consideration. 

If you feel that you have considered all areas concerning a facelift procedure and you wish to continue, contact a reputable surgeon for a consultation. S/he will be able to use her/his expertise to help you achieve the youthful appearance you desire.

Posted on behalf of Benjamin Stong, MD, Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC 

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Liquid Face Lifts

The term liquid face lift refers to non-surgical facial rejuvenation using a combination of injectable facial fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Perlane in conjunction with a muscle paralytic like Botox or Dysport.  A liquid face lift is not a really a face lift at all in the traditional sense.  A true face lift is a surgical procedure that achieves permanent results by lifting and repositioning aging, sagging skin and soft tissue.

Instead of surgery, a liquid face lift uses injectables to achieve a more youthful appearance.  Botox or Dysport are used to reduce dynamic wrinkles and fillers are injected to reduce static wrinkles and to add volume.  Since it is a non-surgical procedure, a liquid face lift avoids the risk associated with a true surgical face lift.

A liquid face lift can achieve excellent results in the right patients.  It is especially well suited for younger patients who have only minor to moderate skin laxity and wrinkles.  These patients generally don’t need a surgical face lift.  Patients who need more extensive rejuvenation and skin tightening are likely to be disappointed in the results of a liquid face lift.

A liquid face lift is less expensive than a surgical face lift, has minimal downtime, and the patient will see immediate results.  However, unlike a surgical face lift, the results are only temporary and regular follow up treatments will be needed to maintain the results.  A surgical face lift will achieve more permanent results.

Your plastic surgeon can help you decide whether you are a good candidate for a liquid face lift or whether another procedure such as a surgical face lift would be more appropriate.