With lots of quick spot treatments available like Botox and injectable fillers, a cosmetic surgery facelift might seem like a thing of the past. So, are they worth it? You should always discuss whether or not you're a good candidate for the procedure with a cosmetic surgeon you trust, but here are a few things to think about.
A facelift is literally just that-a cosmetic surgeon lifts the skin from the face and repositions it smoothly, tightening the skin and tissues below. An incision is made along the hairline, starting at the temple and around the ear. After the skin is replaced, the doctor will suture it, taking care to find a place that won't show after surgery. The procedure takes several hours and sometimes requires an overnight hospital stay. Afterwards, your face will be bandaged for a day or two, and may include a drainage tube behind the ear. The stitches will be removed in 5 to 10 days. You can expect to experience bruising and swelling, and, though many patients don't experience a lot of pain, you may have some and your doctor can prescribe you medicine. Your face may feel stiff, and you might have dry skin. You could also have numbness for weeks or even months after the procedure.
You probably realize that there isn't a perfect solution for youthful skin. Facelifts can do a lot, but don't expect to see every wrinkle disappear around your eyes and lips or below your nose. Face lifts also leave you at greater risk for more severe side effects than simple needle-based procedures. And you'll have to wait 2 to 3 weeks before returning to normal activities. The effects should last for 5 to 10 years, but every patient is different. You might even need a touch-up after a year.
All in all, injectables, including Botox, Restylane, Juvederm and the like, are much quicker and easier procedures to endure. You can be in and out of the office in an hour, you may be able to return to regular activities virtually right away and you may be completely recovered within a day or two. However, injectables aren't a permanent solution (many last only six months), and they affect only a small area at a time. So, if you want a more drastic, overall solution and are willing to undergo a longer and more painful procedure and recovery time, it may be a good option to discuss with your doctor.
 | A facelift won't work miracles, but it can help your skin look tighter, firmer and younger. Learn how to find a qualified surgeon who is board-certified and can provide references. |
 | Lip augmentation has become a popular way to tailor a patient's face into one that she finds more aesthetically pleasing. |
 | A nose job provides a chance to reshape a nose into one that better fits the overall look of a person's face. Such a serious change, however, requires a serious procedure. |
 | Cosmetic surgery can alleviate many problems, but can also serve as a red flag to people suggesting a serious mental illness. |
Consider the mini facelift a little pick me up, a way to erase a few years from your face without serious recovery time. |
