Guide to Facelifts
Unfortunately, Mother Nature and gravity are not kind to us as we age. Our bodies slow down and parts that were once perky and youthful are now droopy and old. This unavoidable aspect of aging has led to a surge in cosmetic surgery. More and more people are turning to medicine to turn back the clock in hopes of maintaining their youth. One extremely popular cosmetic procedure that can accomplish this is a face lift.
Not only does this cosmetic procedure provide great results, it is affordable for a majority of the general public. However, as with any large purchase, it is important to shop around to get the best price without compromising quality. FaceLiftQuotes.com is the leading online source for quick, reliable quotes relating to all things associated with face lifts. Simply fill out our short form with your name, phone number and/or email address or call our toll free number and we will provide you with a quote!
The most basic concept behind a face lift is that the skin on the face is lifted and tightened in order to provide the patient with a rejuvenated, youthful looking face. A Rhytidectomy, or face lift is generally used to remove wrinkles, excess skin and other signs of aging.
As with any type of medical procedure, there are many options to consider.
Types of Face Lifts
There are four different types of face lifts that can be performed depending on what a patient wants. They are:
- Standard Face Lift — This type of face lift is utilized to improve the entire facial area.
- Mid Face Lift — This particular type of face lift focuses on the middle of the face, specifically a triangular area between the eyes and mouth.
- Mini or Weekend Face Lift — This procedure is similar to the mid face lift in that it targets a specific area of the face. Unlike the other two types of face lifts, the mini face lift is much less invasive and the recovery time is very short.
- Endoscopic Face Lift — This is a rather new type of face lift that utilizes a small camera on the end of a long tube, known as an endoscope. This surgical tool is inserted into small incisions and is used to reshape the soft tissues in the face. Like the Mini Face Lift, this type of procedure is usually less invasive.
Standard and Mid face lifts usually take between three and four hours to complete, while the mini face lift may only take one to two hours. Often times people will opt to have other procedures done at the same time such as rhinoplasty (nose job) or mammoplasty (breast augmentation). Choosing to do this can result in the entire procedure taking much longer than just a few hours.
Risks Associated with Face Lifts
Regardless of what type of face lift you choose to have performed, there are always risks associated with surgery. Some of the most common risks associated with face lift procedures include infection, skin discoloration and hair loss around the surgical scars, scarring, numbness, bleeding, and nerve damage in the facial area.
Benefits Associated with Face Lifts
Despite the limited risks associated with this type of surgery, there are many more benefits. The single most important benefit is the improved self-confidence that you will have. Additionally, your face will appear younger, firmer, and more vibrant. Most face lift results will last for up to ten years.
Cost
In 2009 the national average cost of a face lift procedure was $6,396.00. (www.plasticsurgery.org) Although this may seem costly to some, it is one of the cheaper procedures on the market.
Choosing a Surgeon
Even though cost is one of the most important determining factors for a majority of people, it shouldn’t be the only factor. Choosing a reputable, qualified plastic surgeon is just as important. The best place to start your search is with family and friends. Ask someone who has had cosmetic surgery about their surgeon and ask for recommendations. It is also a good idea to talk to your primary care doctor for referrals. The second step is to hit the internet. There are so many good websites that offer listings of plastic surgeons. Often times these lists will also include their credentials and affiliations with licensing boards. Finally, don’t be afraid to schedule consultations with three or four plastic surgeons and use the appointment to interview them. Whoever you choose, will after all be cutting your face open. You need to like them and trust them. Your life will literally be in their hands.
Statistics
Rhytidectomy surgery was the third most popular surgery in 2009 with Mammoplasty (breast augmentation) and Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) taking the top two spots. As a matter of fact, in 2009 there were a total of 103,625 face lift procedures performed. Of these procedures, people age 40-54 were responsible for 32% of the total face lifts done in 2009. A majority were women. Despite these relatively low numbers compared to other cosmetic surgeries, 17% of women and 8% of men polled during a March 2010 RealSelf.com survey said they would have face lift surgery. This leaves no doubt that this type of surgery is becoming increasingly popular and more widely accepted.
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