As we age, our skin naturally produces less collagen and loses some of its elasticity. The first signs of aging usually appear around the age of 30, but it can happen more rapidly for some people depending on lifestyle, diet, UV exposure, and exposure to pollution.
If deep wrinkles and sagging skin on your face are having a negative effect on your self-esteem, you might want to consider a cosmetic procedure to correct the issue.
A board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Applebaum can help you discover the right option to achieve a natural and refreshed look for your face.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost Today?
The cost of a facelift will vary in different areas of the country and according to the level of experience of the surgeon.
That said, you can generally expect to pay several thousand dollars for any type of cosmetic surgery, including a facelift.
Depending on the severity of aging to the skin, additional procedures such as a neck lift or non-surgical skin tightening may be suggested to deliver the best results.
After your consultation, you’ll be provided with a breakdown of costs so you know exactly what to expect. Most insurance carriers do not cover cosmetic procedures like a facelift, however, patient financing is available so be sure to ask.
Additional fees to account for may include:
- Hospital fees
- Medical tests
- Pain prescriptions
- Post-surgery garments
Are There Different Types of Facelift Procedures?
Dr. Applebaum specializes in Beverly Hills facelift surgery, which is tailored to meet your specific needs.
Some patients experience more signs of aging around the eyes, while others are more concerned with sagging skin around the lower face and neck.
Once you speak with Dr. Applebaum about the areas you want to treat, he will be able to determine the best approach to achieve your aesthetic goals.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift is a little less invasive than a traditional facelift and targets jowling or sagging skin on the lower face and jawline. This procedure is ideal for mild signs of aging that can be corrected with smaller incisions.
Standard Facelift
A standard or traditional facelift will correct moderate to advanced signs of aging by removing excess skin and smoothing wrinkles on the face and neck. Through incisions just behind the hairline, the skin will be lifted to restore a natural and rejuvenated appearance.
What Can I Expect From Facelift Surgery?
After having a facelift, you can expect to feel rejuvenated with a more youthful and toned look.
Facelift surgery is an outpatient procedure so you will be able to return home the same day. If possible, try to arrange a support person that can stay with you for the first 24-48 hours.
Dr. Applebaum will make a small incision to remove excess skin or fat around the face, reposition the facial tissue, and eliminate jowls or sagging in the facial area.
It’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and numbness after surgery that will continue to subside over the next 10 days. You will receive a prescription for pain medication to make you more comfortable, but most patients are able to switch to over-the-counter medication within three days.
The result after facelift surgery will be a firmer, smoother contour to the face that will never look pulled too tight or “overdone”.
Am I the Right Age for a Facelift?
Choosing to have plastic surgery is a completely personal decision. Only you can decide when the time is right.
There is no magic number or age to say you’re a good candidate for a facelift. However, it’s one of the top five plastic surgeries among people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.
It’s less about age and more about the condition of your skin. If you have wrinkles on your face or sagging skin under your eyes, on your cheeks, or around the neck area, you might be a good candidate for a facelift. This would include loose skin from weight loss as well.
The skin should still have some degree of elasticity. During your consultation, Dr. Applebaum will be able to determine if facelift surgery is the best option for you.
Are There Less Invasive Options Than a Facelift?
If you’re not ready for a traditional surgical facelift or mini-lift, there are less invasive options to consider.
Non-surgical treatments may have less of a significant rejuvenation, but they can deliver similar results in most cases.
Dr. Applebaum typically recommends that patients begin to consider non-surgical face tightening procedures as early as their 40s. By being proactive and addressing the skin at an earlier age, you can minimize the need for surgical procedures later on.
Radiofrequency Skin Tightening
Radiofrequency skin tightening is a non-surgical face tightening procedure to tighten loose or crepey skin that appears on the face and neck as we age.
Dr. Applebaum uses targeted laser energy to tighten the skin without incisions or scars and very little downtime.
This procedure can also help with other signs of premature aging, such as sunspots, fine lines, and discoloration on the face.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is another non-surgical treatment to help reduce aging pigmentations, fine lines, wrinkles, and creases on the face.
For decades now, laser skin resurfacing has replaced other more abrasive treatments such as chemical peels or dermabrasion as the preferred method for rejuvenating aging or sun-damaged skin.
Dr. Applebaum was one of the first plastic surgeons in Southern California to adopt this method and start using the Dot CO2 Fractional Laser to address the signs of aging and remove scarring discreetly.
The Takeaway
If you’re not happy with the look of the skin on your face, you have a lot of treatment options to choose from.
Dr. Applebaum will happily answer your questions and guide you through selecting a procedure you can feel confident about.
Source:
Facelift and Mini-Facelift | Johns Hopkins Facial Plastic Surgery
Are Radiofrequency Treatments Safe? | American Board of Cosmetic Surgery