Lunchtime Face Procedures Worth It?

Question

How much facial rejuvenation can I really hope to achieve in an hour or two before going back to work?  Are these so-called "lunchtime" min-lift procedures effective?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

A true mini facelift, at least as performed at my practice, is a surgical procedure requiring downtime. The results are long-lasting and better than what you can get with non-surgical “lunchtime” procedures, however, you will not be able to go straight back to work. If you are looking for minor facial rejuvenation, non-surgical procedures such as Botox, fillers, and laser resurfacing can provide some benefit. However, if you have significant sagging of the skin, a surgical procedure will always give you better and longer-lasting results. I suggest visiting a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for a consultation where you can discuss your goals and concerns and come up with a custom treatment plan. I hope this helps.

Anand D. Patel, MD · Answer

Any lift that can be performed in under an hour and with no noticeable swelling is probably just a slap in the face. Any real procedure that provides a significant and long-lasting result will take more time and require some recovery.
Our mini-lift takes about 2.5 hours and is performed under local anesthesia in the office. A major portion of time is also dedicated to slowly providing effective anesthesia. We perform a deep plane lift that targets the jowls and upper neck. Patients go home wearing a chin strap with an expectation of a 1 week at-home recovery.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

The use of Botox and Facial Filler in appropriate hands can make a face look younger in minutes with little to no downtime. The key here is an injector who understands facial aesthetics and can reshape your face in a more attractive and youthful manner.

Adam Rubinstein, MD · Answer

There are a lot of procedures that can safely and effectively be done to improve your facial appearance over your lunchtime. You might choose Botox/Dysport injections, fillers such as Restylane, Perlane or Juvederm, or possibly a light or laser treatment. All of these options may be completed during a short visit over your lunchtime. The right combination of procedures chosen to address your concerns can make a very big difference in your appearance.

	The surgical options that are worth having are not able to be completed during your lunch hour. There are some of the franchised mini-facelift advertisements that promise surgery will be done in one hour though this is usually not truly the case. Be careful about the hype of advertising. Choose the best procedures to match your needs and concerns. Always consult with doctors that are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery  to ensure that you are in good hands.

	I hope this info helps!

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Facial rejuvenation is something everyone should do. It may be fillers for lines or lips or botox for dynamic crease or it may be IPL's for age spots or broken capillaries on the face. It can even be light chemical peels to refresh the skin or even threadlifts to pull up that sagging skin a little. Even lip implants are quick, easy, permanent and reversible.
We offer a package that consists of 5 sessions usually 2-4 weeks apart and consists of 3 procedures at each session. You get a vibraderm (microdermabrasion), IPL treatment and also a light chemical peel at each session.  Cost is $3000 for the face or $4500 for face, neck and chest. All accompanying creams needed are included.
Other Costs: Juvederm        $550/syringe, Elevess          550/syringe, Restylane        550/syringe, Cosmoderm        450/syringe,        Radiesse         850/syringe, Artefill         1250/syringe,        Botox            $350 for 1 area/$600 for 2 areas/$800 for 3 areas,        Light chemical peels  $250-350 each-face, Medium chemical peels $750-1500 each-face, Threadlifts $3500 cheeks/jowls, Lip implants $1500/lip.
Enjoy the REFRESHED NEW YOU.

Lorrie Klein, MD · Answer

While BOTOX and most laser procedures take days to weeks to see results immediate gratification can be achieved with fillers, with little to no down-time.  Most procedures involving fillers can be performed in 10 minutes or less by an experienced physician.  Some procedures can even produce results that mimic a surgical procedure.
Most notable is the "lunch-time nose job".  With Radiesse, Juvederm or Artefill I make patient's noses look straight and symmetrical.  If bruising occurs it can be covered immediately with makeup.  Also, a "Liquid Face Lift" can be performed in approximately 30 minutes during a patient's lunch hour.  Fillers are used to enhance cheeks, lips, fill in wrinkles and are also combined with BOTOX to achieve results that look like a surgical face lift.
Other than bruising and a little swelling, there should be nothing that would produce "down time."  As always, make sure you choose a physician who is also an artist with fillers.  Ninety percent of your results with fillers depends on the injector's technique and artistry.

John L. LeRoy, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a situation in which “if it seems too good to be
true, it probably is” certainly applies. You’re correct that there are facial
rejuvenation treatments you can receive during your lunch hour, and you’re
correct that mini facelifts can be a highly effective way to help you look
younger. However, these are two different options.

A mini facelift can strike a perfect balance for patients
who want natural-looking results with minimal downtime and minimal scarring. For
instance, the Band Aid Facelift uses only gentle numbing and can be
performed in my comfortable office setting, and has been an ideal choice for
thousands of my patients over the past 20 years. Still, it is a surgery, and
though the recovery time is significantly shorter than it is for a traditional
facelift, allowing your body time to rest and heal is crucial for your final results.

If you do need to stick with procedures which can be
performed during your lunch break and you’ll be happy with a more subtle
improvement, there are options available. Injectables like Botox®, Dysport®,
Restylane®, and Juvéderm® are particularly brief, and produce results lasting
anywhere from three months to a year or more. You may also be a candidate for
non-surgical skin firming procedures, light chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or
other similar treatments.

Regardless of what you choose, keep two pieces of advice in
mind. First, look specifically for a “board-certified plastic surgeon” to be
sure you’re getting the most experienced and qualified professional. And
second, be up front with the surgeon about the type of results you’re looking
for and how much recovery time you’re willing to commit to. Being honest can
help you both select the right procedure for your needs and expectations.

Richard O. Gregory, MD · Answer

Only if you want a lunchtime result!  You should consult a well qualified plastic surgeon who performs a variety of procedures and can help you choose an appropriate solution for your needs.  Don't be swayed by slick advertising from a franchise operation.  If you feel the urge, search the internet to see what kinds of problems people have encountered. Although no surgeon is perfect, some surgeons are less perfect than others.

Kamran Jafri, MD · Answer

"Lunch Time Lifts" are a marketing term that have emerged over the last 5 -6 years with the increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures and quick recovery times. There are two categories of the these procedures:

	1. The fillers and injectables lift: these are where fillers like Juvederm, Restylane of Sculptra are used to provide increased volume and lifting of the face. Certainly can be effective but need to be used in patients with mild needs - they will never get rid of jowls or extra skin. Typically offered by dermatologists who do not operate or surgeons who expand their practice beyond just operating. Again can be worthwhile but only for the right type of patients.

	2. The Surgical Lifts: these are face lifts usually done with local anesthesia and minimal incisions. The quality of these procedures and their results are highly variable. The experience, ethics and qualifications of the Surgeon are very important in determining the results you will get.

	Do your research and make sure that a "Lunch Time Lift" is what you need and all will be well.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

When some doctors market lunchtime lifts, they make it seem as though you could really return to the office.  This is misleading.  If I expect patients to apply ice packs to their faces after Botox or Radiesse,  I would certainly expect this after a mini-lift so it wouldn't be wise to return to work.  This terminology is meant to make the procedure seem less intimidating.  Frankly, a mini-lift is a minimally invasive facelift in and of itself.  It is a useful tool in relatively young patients with limited sagging.  And no, I would not recommend that anyone return to work the same day.  You have to be realistic about this being a procedure and also about the potential results.   Ask yourself if you would go back to work after having a root canal or an extraction?  Most people would say no.  You should be evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon who can suggest appropriate procedures for you.