Three common and popular procedures come to mind when contemplating cosmetic surgery targeted to the areas of the face and neck. A traditional face lift surgery corrects the signs of aging apparent on the facial skin by pulling drooping and sagging skin back and up repositioning it into a more youthful appearance. Taking 3 to 4 hours to complete, this procedure involves local anesthesia and sometimes includes sedation. An incision is taken along the hairline and around the ear. Ranging in price from $6,000 to $15,000 with an average tag of $8,000, the traditional face lift is the most expensive and involves the highest risk factors of the three procedures.
One alternative is the mini face lift. This smaller version is cheaper with a shortened recovery period, leading some to refer to it as a "weekend" face lift. It improves overall appearance by targeting one unfavorable area using smaller incisions. Good candidates are individuals in their 30s and 40s seeking to reverse the just-beginning signs of aging. Both an endoscopic and non-endoscopic approach are both available.
Newer to the cosmetic surgery scene in the U.S. is the Minimal Access Cranial Suspension facelift. MACS uses suspension sutures. The procedure lifts and holds up sagging and drooping tissues in the areas around the neck, cheeks, chin and nose. With a shorter scar and $5,000 price tag (on average), it offers a great option for patients seeking to give their faces a youthful boost without looking like a plastic doll. What can be expected with this method is to look about ten years younger with a more refreshed appearance. Extra, unwanted skin is removed as the underlying tissues of the face are tightened to achieve this rejuvenated look. Complimentary cosmetic surgeries can be combined with this to further enhance the already incredible results it provides.