Facelift This Recession
A facelift can be affordable when all variables are considered. Before assuming this procedure is strictly for the affluent, research the facts and consider the many other financial implications of not having one.
A facelift is a popular cosmetic surgery among middle-aged to senior adults to reverse the look of aging. The face is the most apparent part of the body that shows a persons age because of wrinkles. After topical lotions and creams fail to give a person a more youthful look, surgery becomes the a viable option.
Youthfulness is highly esteemed. Having a youthful appearance is not only desirable, it can be expected in certain career fields. Many professionals in sales, management, and executive positions feel more confident if they can maintain a youthful appearance. Facelifts and other anti-aging techniques help them maintain their competitive edges against their younger colleagues.
Middle-aged and senior adults may be divorced or widowed and seek to look their best to the opposite sex. They may be physically fit and have their hair and nails done by experts, but if their faces show signs of wrinkles, crow’s feet, and sagging, they may have a harder time joining the dating scene.
Overall a facelift can increase self-esteem. It can make the patient look better and feel better.
Procedure Costs
Costs vary widely depending on the surgeon, the area where the surgery is performed, travel expenses, and how extensive the procedure will be. The price range is $6,000 to $25,000. The surgeon’s fee is only $5,000 – $6,000. The remaining amount includes fees for the facility, hospital, anesthesiologist, and other fees.
The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that where a surgery is performed largely determines the price for a facelift. The most expensive are performed in the New England States, then the mountain/Pacific states, followed by the north central states and the south central states.
If the surgeon has his own facility the patient may pay less than if he performs surgery in a surgical center or hospital.
Price ranges for specific procedures are:
Standard face lift – $6,000-$15,000, average price of $8,000
Mid face lift – $4,000-$10,000, average price of $7,000
Lower face lift – $4,000-$10,000, average price of $7,000
Mini face lift (weekend) – $3,500-$6,500, average price of $5,000
Thread lift face lift – $2,000-$6,000, average price of $4,000
If a patient has a neck lift at the same time as his or her face lift, the patient will pay an additional $4,000 to $7,500. Any procedure added on to the face lift such as brow lift surgery, facial liposuction, eyelid surgery, or microdermabrasion will increase the cost.
The surgeon may point out that a basic facelift alone will not give the look one desires and additional surgery will be necessary.
Recovery Time and Costs
Those working full time should consider they will need to miss 10 days to 2 weeks of work due to swelling and discoloration.
The recovery time for an endoscopic facelift, thread facelift or a mini facelift is about one or two days or a weekend.
While expenses can quickly accumulate, for many these expenses are a necessary evil if they are to stay competitive in the job market. A few thousand dollars now could mean earning several more thousand dollars each year.
