Cosmetic Facelift Surgery

Are You Considering Cosmetic Facelift Surgery?

Cosmetic facelift surgery may be the only option for some people. Anti-wrinkle creams and non-invasive face lift procedures -- like thermage facelift and contour thread lift – may not be enough to reduce the signs of facial aging or give some people the dramatic results they desire.

Often times cosmetic surgery facelifts are combined with other rejuvenating procedures like a brow lift or an eye lift to reduce puffiness and deep bags under the eyes. 

Types of Cosmetic Facelift Surgery

Fortunately, for those seeking cosmetic facelift surgery -- today we have more choices than ever.

There are many ways to lift, tighten, and reposition the skin and soft tissues of the face. 

Depending on the individual and their goals, a doctor can help select the best procedure to meet those needs.

For older patients or those with excess sagging and loose skin around the chin and neck area, most doctors would suggest a full facelift. 

However, for baby boomers around 60 years of age or younger, a mini facelift or mid facelift is usually recommended.

This procedure only rejuvenates the middle part of the face, such as lower eyes, cheeks, nasolabial fold and jowls.....and does not affect the lower part of the face like neck wrinkles.

There is a new development with cosmetic surgery facelifts that's even better than a mini facelift surgery. This procedure is called the Short Scar Facelift.

This procedure takes much less time to perform and reduces scaring and recovery time.

Basic Steps During Cosmetic Facelift Surgery

Here is what you can expect during a Cosmetic facelift surgery.

Sedation –

• Prior to surgery your doctor will administer the proper medications so that you are comfortable during surgery. Your doctor will decide whether you receive intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Some people get nauseas after general anesthesia. If you know you do or aren’t sure because you’ve never been under before, ask your anesthetist or surgeon about administering medication to help reduce nausea such as Decadron which is usually administered right after the induction of anesthesia. In addition, Zofran can be administered during the last 15 minutes of surgery, to ensure that you don’t wake up nauseated.

Incisions -

The placement of the incisions depends upon what type of facelift you and your doctor decided on.

Recovery -

• Immediately after surgery you will probably have a bandage wrapped around your face to help reduce swelling as well be fitted with a thin tube to help with drainage of fluids. Most people experience swelling and bruising -- especially the for the next few days. And most activities will be very limited for the next few weeks. Most people can go out or back to work in about 10-14 days, but final results may take as long as 6 months to see due to post-opt swelling.

Average Costs of Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery costs will vary depending on many factors …..What type of facelift was performed?

Were there additional procedures like Restylane injections, Botox, or laser resurfacing? What is the location and experience of the surgeon?

In general, cosmetic facelift surgery cots range between $6,000 and $25,000.

This cost usually includes facility fees, hospital fees, anesthesiologist fees, and more. The prices for different types of facelifts are listed below:

• A Standard face lift cost ranges between: $6,000-$15,000
• A Mid face lift cost ranges between: $4,000-$10,000
• A Lower face lift cost ranges between: $4,000-$10,000

Interestingly, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) found that cosmetic facelift surgeries were more expensive in the New England States and the least expensive were the Middle Atlantic States, north central and south central states.

Are You A Good Candidate For A Face Lift?

Do you need a facelift? Read about how Your Face Shape Tells Your Age and find out more about aging and facial structure.

Opting for a Facelift is a serious decision and should only be done to please yourself, not someone else. A good candidate should have realistic goals and a positive outlook.

It is best if you don’t smoke which can increase the risks of bad cosmetic surgery results – and you should be healthy for best results.

Finding A Qualified Surgeon

Finding the right doctor is the most important step. You should feel totally comfortable with your doctor and be able to communication with him.

And he should explain all the possible dangers of cosmetic surgery to you. If he never seems to have enough time for you or he rushes you during the consultation…….

Walk away and find another doctor.

Your doctor should give you all the time you need and not rush you. Click here to for more information and help on How To Find A Doctor. Also, make sure to read the Top Ten Interview Questions you should ask before choosing a doctor.

Finally - Before interviewing a plastic surgeon, Get The Real Facts...........

Additional Reading

Cosmetic Surgery Face Lift Alternatives

Bad Celebrity Plastic Surgery

Celebrity Face Lifts and Celeb Plastic Surgery

Plastic Surgery Complications

See Bad Plastic Surgery Results

Retrun from Cosmetic Facelift Surgery to Cosmetic Surgery Center Guide

Return from Cosmetic Facelift Surgery to Wrinkle Free Skin Tips Home


(Illustrations Courtesy of Dr. O'Connell from Plastic Surgery Of Southern Connecticut.)