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What Are the Pros and Cons of a Face Lift?

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS
Question viewed 5,656 times
Tags: pros and cons

49 answers to What Are the Pros and Cons of a Face Lift?

+2

Pros and Cons of Facelift

Facelift is the "gold standard" for facial rejuvenation. A well planned facial rejuvenation incorporates various techniques, including fillers and resurfacing, as most appropriate for each individual patient. The "pros" of Facelift, as a surgical correction include the most effective, powerful and enduring technique to remove excess skin and lift drooping skin of the face, jawline and neck. The "cons" include cost, undergoing a surgical... more
Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+2

Face lifts - my thoughts in Santa Barbara

Aging of the face affects each patient individually and therefore, consideration of any facial rejuvenation is a very personal decision. The facelift procedure, or rhytidectomy, addresses many aspects of the aging face in order to restore a refreshed, more youthful appearance. Areas of concern may be varied or specific. Commonly, the regions of the jowls and cheeks are of particular interest to patients. With age, there is a loss of the youthful volume in the mid-face region in most patients... more
Adam David Lowenstein, MD

Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon
+2

The good, the bad, and the natural facelift

Every cosmetic treatment has its pros and cons; facelift surgery is no exception. The surgery is very safe and effective in skilled hands, such as those of a board certified ( The American Board of Plastic Surgery) Plastic Surgeon. The clear advantage of facelift surgery is a longer lasting, more definitive correction of aging-related problems, often with results lasting for more than 5 to 10 years. Current techniques are extremely advance with more results for a lesser down time. The... more
Julius W. Few, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

fewinstitute.com

+1

Facelift Decision - Risk vs Benefit

Pros - Look like you feel, more self confidence, make you feel like "you're back !" Cons - Face Lifts are real surgery and as such like most things in life (like driving for example) there are real risks - The risks are too numerous to list if you want to consider the uncommon and rare ones but things like excessive bruising or hematoma (blood clot under skin that may need to be removed), damage to nerves, and wound healing problems especially if you are a smoker or... more
Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pros and Cons of Face lifts

Here are the chief pros and cons of a face lift Pro - feeling better and more confident, because you do not have the tell tale signs of aging - jowls, flat cheeks, lax neck, looking 'old' - that make us feel old and make others treat us as old. Face lifts are youth-preserving including in our jobs and relationships. Con - Cost and risk of complications. Today face lifts are affordable for most people. Risks are low, although they are higher for smokers and those with... more
Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

www.drelizabethmorgan.com

+1

The Upside and Downside of the Facelift

Starting with the cons: You will need to put your life "on hold" for about 2 weeks while you are healing. This takes some planning for most people to be out of the public eye for this period of time. Secondly, it can be expensive depending on what combination of procedures you have done. Third, you could end up with an "overdone" look, so be very careful in picking your surgeon. Now looking at the pros: The first most obvious is the feeling of a new lease on life,... more
Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

+1

Why and when to consider a facelift

Let's consider the downside first: expense and recovery time, and fear of looking overdone and fake. Advanced techniques have really minimized recovery time, and a more natural look is the norm these days. The benefits of a facelift are that it does what no nonsurgical procedure does to restore a more youthful and healthy appearance. The key is to think of it as a 3-dimensional operation, rather than simply pulled and tightened skin.
Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

baxterplasticsurgery.com

+1

Pros and Cons of a Facelift

A facelift is a significant procedure that  to some extent reverses the effect of gravity. Any procedure has its risks, and these have to be balanced against its potential benefits. The question cannot be answered well without first examining you - because every patient is different in terms of what their risks are, and what they are hoping to achieve with the operation. A surgeon who is experienced in facelift surgery would be able to turn the clock back 10 or more years, and... more
Wilfred Brown, MD

Fairfield Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pros and cons of face lifting

The facelift procedure is one of the most dramatic procedures an individual can undergo, it helps to restore the basic balance to the aging face, by softening the jowls and redefining the neck line. The cons are it needs to be performed in a fully licensed and accredited surgery center, not a back room. This is important to reduce chances of infection, and manage potential complications such as bleeding. Choose your doctor carefully, they should specialize in the face. Ask to see... more
Brian Maloney, MD

Atlanta Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Faclift is a great way to look younger, but may not be enough.

The easiest way to answer this question is to give a short version of a typical infommercial. The punch line would be to turn the clock back, look ten years younger, reverse the signs of aging and so on.... The problem is that most patients come in and their main concerns are not necessarily very specific. People live longer, they have more productive lifestyles, eat healthier, and our energy levels are maintained better then our appearance. People look in the mirror and see thier father, more
Boris Volshteyn, MD, MS

Reno Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift pro's and con's

A facelift is designed to turn back the hands of time. With a facelift, you can look years younger, more alert, and healthier. A facelift can refine your natural attributes, remove wrinkles and frown lines, and counter the effects of gravity and aging.   In addition to tightening skin and removing wrinkles, facelift procedures also address adding volume to areas that aging has hollowed out.  Attention may also be needed to the eyes and neck.  Any cosmetic surgery has... more
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pro's and Con's of a Face Lift

Pros: Provides excellent rejuvenation of the lower part of the face and upper neck, shaving 10+ years off one's appearance Incisions can be well disguised and almost invisible Safe when done by the right person with the right training and in the right situation Healing time that is not too too long, 7-14 days Not painful Totally natural appearance when done by the right surgeon (look at lots of before and after photos to make sure your goal for... more
John Bitner, MD

Salt Lake City Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drjohnbitner.com

+1

Facelift

When performed well, this procedure can address so many of the stigmata of aging with lasting results.  I feel it is a better rejuvenation tool and investment than repeated fillers.  The down side is that it requires a skilled physician to deliver natural looking results.  No one ever want to see a broad scar in front of the ear and a pulled tight look.  The obvious downside also is that this is your face. Every millimeter counts.  It's also not unusual to... more
Jason R. Hess, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Benefits depend upon you

The benefits,risks and limitations depend upn the type of procedure.for instance,quick,segemental lifts have essentially no complications. lifts of larger areas involve more risks but with greater benefits-ask your surgeon
Cap Lesesne, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pros and Cons of A Facelift

The pros of a facelift (with the caveat of a being performed by a well trained surgeon): Improved neckline and jawline Improved jowl formation More youthful configuration to face Provide long lasting rejuvenation to neck and face Cons of a facelift: Incisions can result in poor scarring (can be minimized with a well trained surgeon) Downtime (different techniques can offer different amounts of downtime) Risks (although significantly less in... more
Anil R. Shah, MD

Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Face Lift

  The pros for the surgery is that this surgery will provided with the most dramatic results for rejuvenation in your  face, more tha any othe procedure.  The Cons is that all the complication for a surgery shoud be consider.  the Cons will also vary with the experience of the surgeon, your helath etc...      I hope this information help you...Than You
Alejandro J. Quiroz, M.D.

Mexico Plastic Surgeon
+1

Face lift Pros and Cons

Generally speaking the pros of a face lift are a more dramatic and complete rejuvenation of the the cheeks, jowls, and neck encompassed in a single procedure that if done well makes the patient look younger without the "windblown," artificial look.  Among the cons are it is an invasive surgical procedure that takes time to perform and usually requires a deeper level of anesthesia.  These factors usually incur a greater financial investment on the part of the patient.... more
Christopher J. Schaffer, MD

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon
+1

The Pros outweigh the Cons - if you want to lift sagging tissue and rejuvenate your neck/jawline

A facelift or rhytidectomy can be a great option for someone who wants to rejuvenate their neck and jawline.  Pros: It is a surgical procedure that "lifts" the sagging tissues of the neck and can change ones appearance. When preformed by a highly trained surgeon, it can refresh and rejuvenate the face. Cons: As with all surgical procedures, there are risks involved. The most common risk is a collection of blood under the skin that is easily treated. A full... more
Babak Azizzadeh, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Upside and Downside

The upside of facelifts:     Youthful rejuvenation of the jawline and neck.      More longterm correction The downside of facelifts      It is  surgery     Unacceptable result
Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

In the right patient, a facelift is an excellent option!

There are many components to facial aging. This includes descent of the skin and underlying tissues along with some skin excess. Additionally, volume loss may be a key component as well as photoaging of the skin. Full facial rejuvenation may address all of these components. A facelift is only one component. You should seek a consultation with an ASAPS member to help determine which path or paths is best for you to take.
Sanjay Grover MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.doctorgrover.com

+1

Facelift pros and cons

Excellent question, but the answer is variable, and highly dependent upon patient and surgeon.  From the patient standpoint, your age, your lifestyle, components of facial aging (skin textural vs. soft tissue contours), and how you feel about individual features of your aging affect YOUR pros and cons.  From the surgeon standpoint, his or her aesthetic sense, technical ability, knowledge, judgement, and surgical suite/operating facility affect the pros and cons.  Pros and Cons... more
Steve Laverson, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

feelbeautiful.com

+1

Advantages and disadvantages of facelift

Facelift procedures are designed to rejuvenate the face and correct or reverse the signs of facial aging. A thorough understanding of all the pros and cons requires in depth consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon, who will advise you on the best course of treatment for you.
Olivia Hutchinson, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

A good facelift lifts the spirit!!

When a patient inquires about facial rejuvenation, facelifting is one possible option.  To understand one's needs better it is wise to understand that aging of the face takes it's toll on the skin, the muscle, the fat, and the bone of the face.  The best facelift is one that addresses all four areas adequately.  A good preoperative analysis by an experienced facelift surgeon will help you make a good decision regarding a facelift and other possible interventions (lase... more
Manish H. Shah, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+1

Why is a facelift right for me? #fb

A facelift is a wonderful surgical procedure to enhance the appearance of the lower face and neck.  Patients with droopy jowls, loose neck skin, bands in their neck, and fullness under the chin are excellent candidates for a facelift.  The key to providing a youthful, rejuvenated appearance is to keep things looking natural and unoperated.  The recovery after a facelift is approximately 2 weeks and most patients are social at this point. 
Etai Funk, MD

Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pros & Cons to Facelift Surgery

As a Cosmetic Oculofacial (Speciaizing in Eyelid and Facelift Surgery) Plastic Surgeon practicing for 15 years, this question requires time and detailed understanding. In th right candidate, a facelift procedure is the ideal procedure to lift sagging skin, loose neck and improve the apearance of jowls. I will provide a video response to help you understand the answer to your question. see video
Amiya Prasad, MD

New York Oculoplastic Surgeon

www.prasadcosmeticsurgery.com

+1

Facelift addresses the jawline and neck

Facelifts are the option for patients with significant jowls and neck issues. Lasers and fillers are all great alternatives to improve the skin and restore facial volume. But for significant improvement in the jawline and excess redundant neck skin, facelift can give a noticeable but natural-looking result. Very few alternatives to facelift exist to dramatically make a difference with loose neck skin & muscle. Prior to moving forward with a facelift... more
Yael Halaas, MD

Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift in the right person is all Pro's!! The cons are worth it!

Facelift is a wonderful procedure to establish a younger loooking person at many ages.  The results are excellent and they typically last for 8-20 years depending on the skin quality of the patient. The younger individual will typically start to see jowls and fullness or looseness of the skin of the neck below the chin and increase depression of the nasolabial folds.  In the older individual the skin excess and descent of the soft tissue is more extreme all over. ... more
Kimberley O'Sullivan, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon
+1

The pro of a facelift is the natural refreshed look

Natural refreshed look of a well done facelift is an art. Part of the art of acheiving a natural look is choosing the right patient. If you have a sagging jaw line > a facelift restores the natural heart shaped appearance of the jaw line. If you have a sagging neck > a SMAS facelift can restore the neck line. Deep nasolabial folds can be treated with a filler or significantly improved with a quick recovery facelift. The cons you should plan on being incognito for 5 to 10 days. more
Larry Weinstein, MD

Morristown Plastic Surgeon
+1

Benefits of a facelift

Face Lifts can dramatically refresh and rejuvenate the face by removing excess fat, suspending layers of relaxed tissue and removing surplus of facial skin. While a Face Lift usually makes patients look younger and less tired, softer and more youthful result. Speak with a board certified Plastic surgeon specializing in facelift procedures to minimize any risk of complications.
Vivian Hernandez, MD

Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift - Think about the results you are looking for

The most important think to first understand is what you are looking to achieve from a facelift. Facelifts are ONLY performed to imporve the appearance of the jowel and neck. Deep plane facelifts will also lift the cheeks (midface) to give the most natural appearing results. I have patients that come to me for cinsultation daily thinking they need a facelift to improve there appearance when a different procedure may be much better for them. With any procedure there are always pros and... more
Jacob D. Steiger, MD

Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift: Pro and con

Pro: You should look younger, not done. Con: You should not look unnatural and very "done" The medical risks such as scarring or nerve damage can be avoided by proper technique. Check out the video below for what makes you look younger versus tightened. see video
Ricardo Rodriguez, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelifts are gold standard procedure for facial rejuvenation

A Facelift is still the best overall procedure for giving a patient a long lasting youthful appearance (7 - 10 years) with minimal risk. When performed by a board certified plastic surgeon this is a very safe procedure. Recovery takes about two weeks which means after this period of time others would not notice any swelling or bruising from surgery. When you combine a Facelift with procedures to reduce wrinkling such as fractional CO2 laser and procedures to add back facial volume such as... more
David L. Mobley, MD

Sarasota Plastic Surgeon

sarasotaplasticsurgery.com

+1

Pros and cons of facelift procedure(s)

The possible benefits of a facelift procedure are a natural rejuvenation of the face. Specifically, this procedure targets the lower 1/2 of the face and upper neck, where reduction of the jowls, improvement of the jawline, reduction of neck bands and improvement of marionnette lines may be seen. The downside is that it may look unnatural and 'windswept'--a look that an experienced surgeon may be able to avoid. And like any surgery, there are risks--these issues will vary with the specific... more
Sam Most, MD

Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

A facelift is the best way to tighten the neck and jawline

The pros of a Facelift are that you can get a great neck and jawline tightening and correction of the jowl and the elevation of the cheek. The cons are that it is one of the most expensive surgeries you can have, and it also has an associated downtime. There are few procedures that can be as rewarding for patients as well performed Facelift.
Jason B. Diamond, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pros and cons of facelift

The pros are clearly the dramatic long term improvements that can be achieved. The cons are the downtime, costs, and incisions. However, very few non-surgical procedures can achieve these results. see video
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Face Lift

Provided you chose the right surgeon with the experience and credentials. Face lift can be very rewarding, and patients are very happy. The cons are when complications occur, this is minimized by chosing the right surgeon.
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pros and cons of a facelift

If you do your research and go to a great plastic surgeon (not basing your decision primarily on price as many seem to want to do), the pros of a facelift are huge. A great refreshed, rejuvenated look without signs of surgery, and an easy, relatively painless 2 week recovery to full visibility and activity. The risks are few in the hands of a top surgeon with a healthy patient. The con is that a great facelift is going to cost you some money but if you look at it as an investment in... more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Benefits and Complications of Facelift Surgery

Not all Face lifts are equal. The EFFECTIVENESS of a Facelift depends on WHAT skin layers are lifted, in WHICH DIRECTION they are lifted and how is the skin excess removed and scars placed. Usually, the more the pull is placed on the deeper layers UNDER the skin - the more a pull can be placed without damaging the skin or getting the dreaded "wind Blown Face" look. The direction of the pull will greatly influence persistent jowls and unnatural appearing direction of facial lines.... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift pros and cons

When having a great facelift, there really are not any cons per se. The pros are looking great and feeling great. The only down side is the first week or two after surgery when you have to recuperate, but the recuperation from a facelift is really nothing. Just the down time can be a bit boring.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Well executed facelift yields excellent results

A facelift has the potential to yield remarkable changes when properly performed. These, although extensive, are very safe operations the are well-tolerated. There is not one "facelift", but a comprehensive analysis of what bothers the patient married to the surgical procedures that will correct them. Beware of "miniaturized" operations. We all want short cuts but too often patients are disappointed by improper treatment for their issues. Interview several good... more
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Well done facelift makes you look fresher and younger.

Hi. Any woman over 50 will look fresher and younger after a skillfull facelift.  You have to be motivated, and you have to find a good surgeon.  Ask to see a lot of before and after pictures.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

A well-done facelift can produce dramatic results safely

With modern techniques, a well done face and neck lift can produce a youthful, natural result, eliminating jowls, and restoring a beautiful contour for the neck. When combined with other procedures such as browlift, eyelid surgery, cheeklift, fat grafting, and laser resurfacing, there is a balanced rejuvenation of the entire face. Those are the pros. The cons...downtime of 2-3 weeks, the cost, and surgical risks such as bleeding, infection. healing problems, nerve injury, a result you don't... more
Michael D. Yates, MD

Huntsville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pros and Cons of Facelift

The facelift or cheek/jaw line/neck lift can be an effective procedure to improve facial aging. If done properly the results can be long lasting and dramatic. If done improperly, you can look win swept or pulled for many years. The pros include a fresher look to the face, elimination or improvement of jowling along the neck and jaw line, tightening of a sagging neck or improvement of a turkey wattle and lessening of the deep folds near the sides of the nose. The cons include a... more
Scott Trimas, MD

Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift Pros and Cons

The reason a patient generally asks this question is related to an emotional response to a glance in the mirror or a recent photograph. The inevitable aging process is inextricably tied to our genetic code. The aging changes we see in the face can be difficult psychologically because it is very common for an individual to have an internal self image based on appearances in the mid 30's to 40's. Since our appearance and our self esteem are tightly linked, his response leads to a desire to... more
Stephen Prendiville, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drprendiville.com

+1

What are the pros and cons of a face lift?

When done correctly, the "pros" are what you wanted - to look naturally younger. The cons, well they can be many. The most frequent concern I hear is that the patients do not want to looked pulled. The next, visible scars. Then post surgical pain can be an issue and then patients fear nerve injury. In my experience, none of these concerns have even a 2 % occurrence. That means, 98% of the patients are happy with the laser vertical Facelift I perform The same may be true for... more
Michael Kulick, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift is a procedure to reposition and shape facial skin and soft tissue

The decision to undergo a facelift is a major one. Rhytidectomy (facelift0 can improve the facial appearance and enhance a sense of well being in some patients. The advantages of the procedure are that in the carefully selected patient, a natural enhancement of appearance can be achieved with longlasting results. The disadvantages are mainly the risk of complications and the cost. In the carefully selected patient the risk of complications can be minimized, but not eliminated. The best way... more
Robert Mounsey, MD

Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pros and Cos of a Facelift

There are many pros and cons, but I'd like to highlight several of them. Pros: improved appearance, restorted volume to your cheeks, decreased wrinkles and jowling, improved neck line, results can last 10-15 years. Cons: recovery takes about 1 week, swelling, bruising, risk of bleeding, pain, and infection, possible wound healing problems associated with smoking. For a more extensive list as well as before and after photos, please visit http://www.DrSchreiberPlasticSurgery.com. more
Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Face lift & plastic surgery risks

Every decision has its risks and benefits. While cosmetic surgery is generally very safe, do not forget that plastic surgery has its inherent risks. A long lasting and natural youthful appearance is the goal of modern face lift surgery. Current minimally invasive techniques have advanced these aesthetic benefits with less down time. Recovery is usually within a couple weeks. While risks of facial surgery are minimal, they still exist and you should be aware of them. The risk of facelifting... more
Houtan Chaboki, MD

Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.potomacplasticsurgery.com

+1

The pros and cons of a face-lift really depend upon what...

The pros and cons of a face-lift really depend upon what type of face-lift is being performed. As with any other surgical procedure, there are real but very rare risks associated with surgery and anesthesia. Complications seldom arise; however, in smokers, infection and poor healing may occur. In the hands of an experienced facial plastic surgeon these risks are minimized to achieve an excellent cosmetic outcome. Most patients are by far and away exceedingly pleased with their new refreshed... more
William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

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