Types of Face Lifts
A face lift is a cosmetic procedure that rejuvenates the skin of the face to counter the effects of gravity and age. Given the advances in cosmetic surgery over the last few decades, there are now several different surgical techniques that are available to produce the desired results.
The Traditional Face Lift
A traditional face lift literally pulls the facial skin up through a series of incisions that are made in the hairline. During the procedure, the surgeon also tightens the facial muscles. In addition, he might tighten or manipulate the muscles in the neck and shoulders in order to give a better support structure for the facial muscles.
After the skin is lifted and the muscles are tightened, the doctor removes excess skin and then closes the incisions with sutures or staples.
In a traditional face lift, a patient may also elect to have facial fat removed through liposuction.
Face lifts are not necessarily recommended for everyone. Prior to receiving a face lift, a patient must have a consultation with a doctor, during which the doctor will look at the patient's bone structure and skin tone to determine whether or not a face lift is feasible.
Traditional Face Lift: Recovery and Risks
Face lift patients generally return home the same day as the procedure and spend the first 24 hours resting and avoiding movement. Patients will need to take antibiotics to prevent infection and will need to use ice packs to help reduce pain, swelling and bruising.
Generally, the doctor will remove some of the stitches or sutures on or around the fifth day following the face lift. The rest won't be removed until at least a week has passed.
There are some risks associated with traditional face lifts, including:
In a traditional face lift typically costs approximately $5,000. Results last approximately 10 years, on average.
The Mini Facelift
Sometimes called a weekend face lift, a mini face lift is a less complex procedure than a traditional face lift, but it produces many of the same results as a traditional face lift. In a mini face lift, the doctor surgically lifts the lower third of the face as well as the neck.
Some people choose a mini face lift procedure instead of a traditional face lift, while others choose to have a mini face list a few years after a traditional face lift in order to maintain results.
In a mini face lift, a doctor makes small incisions and uses sutures to take approximately five years off of a person's face. The results are more subtle than a full face lift and last about half as long (five to eight years), but the physical impact on a person is also less taxing. Patients often report that they were able to go back to work within two or three days of having a mini face lift.
The mini face lift also carries a lower price tag than the traditional face lift, costing approximately $1,500 to $2,000.
The Non-Surgical Facelift
There are some non-surgical options that may help cosmetically improve the look of the face:
Each of the procedures listed above is expensive, though much less expensive than a traditional face lift. Also, the results don't last very long. In fact, most of the procedures will produce results that last for only a few months.
No matter which type of face lift procedure you opt to pursue, be sure to research the procedure thoroughly and discuss it with your doctor.
Resources
A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Resource (2007). Non-surgical Facelift. Retrieved August 16, 2007, from the Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Resource Web site: http://www.aboardcertifiedplasticsurgeonresource.com/facelift/
nonsurgical.html.
Medical Network, Inc. (2007). Face Lift. Retrieved August 16, 2007, from the Medical Network Web site: http://www.lifesteps.com/gm/Atoz/ency/face_lift.jsp.
The Boston Channel (2002). Mini Facelift Freshens Features for Some. Retrieved August 16, 2007, from the Boston Channel Web site: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/health/1433468/detail.html.
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