When it comes to plastic surgery, one of the most difficult decisions to make is which procedure to choose. This is especially true when you are considering an in-depth and intensive surgical procedure, such as a facelift. A facelift is a great way to lift and tighten the face for a more youthful appearance, and can be a great choice for many patients. But is this the best option for you? Before you move forward with the procedure, it’s a good idea to consider if you would be better served by a less invasive procedure.

The Important Questions

Before you make a decision regarding your treatment, there are some questions you should ask yourself. A plastic surgeon can give you personalized advice about your options, but it doesn’t hurt to do some preliminary exploration into whether a facelift is right for you. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

What Is Your Age?

While age is not the most important factor in facelift candidacy, since facial aging is such an individual process, there are some age-related factors to consider. First, the results of a facelift can last up to a decade, so if you have the procedure at the average age of 50, you could reap the benefits until you are 60 or so. Older patients may have difficulty healing and may have too much skin sagging to see significant results from the procedure, especially in the long term. That’s not to say that older patients do not see good results, they just tend to be shorter lived and less dramatic.

What Areas Are Aging Fastest?

Everyone ages at a different rate, and in different areas of the face. A facelift is a customizable procedure, but the traditional lift involves the rejuvenation of the lower face and neck. If you have more aging in the forehead or eye areas, you might want to consider an alternative surgery focused on the areas of concern.

What Are Your Goals?

Though everyone seeking anti-aging treatments wants to look younger, there is some amount of variation in the priorities and goals for each patient, and it’s important to define your own goals when considering facelift surgery. Which signs of aging are you most focused on fixing? Is there a specific area that is causing you more concern, or are you displeased with the overall appearance of your skin?

How Are Your Lifestyle and Habits?

Lifestyle is a huge factor in how quickly you age, as well as how long the results of certain procedures will last. Activities like tanning, sunbathing, smoking, and eating junk food can have an impact on both your personal aging process and the longevity of your results from plastic surgery. Smoking can carry serious risks for your surgery and recovery, and must be stopped prior to and after the procedure. Patients are advised to quit for good to preserve their results. If you are unwilling to make adjustments in your lifestyle, however, you may be better off going for modest improvement with a non-invasive treatment. Many people do use plastic surgery as motivation to lead a healthier life overall, but surgery isn’t the answer for everyone.

What Is Your Investment Level?

Unfortunately, facelift surgery is very expensive and is not covered by insurance. It is a long-term investment, and choosing to move forward with the surgery is a big decision. However, if you are considering less invasive treatments as an alternative, you should consider the cost of these treatments over time compared to the up-front cost, as many gentler treatments can add up over time. Depending on your plans, a facelift could ultimately be a more economical option.

Considering Alternatives

There are many options for people who want facial rejuvenation without the invasive facelift procedure, both surgical and non-surgical. Here are just some of the treatments and procedures that can help restore youth to the face:

  • Facial fillers, including new Juvederm Voluma for facial volume loss
  • Botox
  • Laser resurfacing
  • Chemical peels
  • Browlift
  • Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
  • Midface/cheek lift

Only you and your facial plastic surgeon can determine which procedure is right for you. Your level of aging, goals, candidacy, and budget are all factors in the appropriate treatment that should be pursued. Not sure what you want? All the more reason to speak to an expert.

Unparalleled Results

The facelift is nearly unparalleled in offering long-term facial rejuvenation, due to the muscle tightening, fat repositioning, and other changes that are made to the underlying facial structures during surgery. Whether you think a facelift might be right for you or you are considering a less invasive procedure, it is strongly advised to seek the help of a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial procedures.

Dr. Rami K. Batniji is one of the few plastic surgeons in the Newport Beach area focusing solely on facial procedures, and specializing in anti-aging treatments. If you would like to discuss the possibility of facelift or other procedure, call Dr. Batniji’s Newport Beach (949-650-8882) or Beverly Hills (310-467-2180) locations today to schedule your consultation.