Plastic Surgery 101

Kari’s question…I’m tired of wasting money on skin firming products that don’t really work. What kind of plastic surgery options do I have and how much do they cost?

The Beauty Brains respond:  

Since surgical procedures are not exactly our forte, we asked James Rutherford who writes for the Clevens Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery for an expert response. We hope this helps!

Plastic Surgery for Youthful Skin 101

Aging is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be quite so visible. Hair styles, the right fashion, and a good diet and exercise program can keep anyone feeling and looking years younger than they are. Unfortunately, the wrinkling and sagging skin is the hardest part to conceal. There are so many different creams and beauty products that promise to turn back the clock, but few hardly seem to make a dent. Luckily, there are several cosmetic procedures that will renew and smooth out the skin with results that are clearly visible.

Eyelid Surgery

For those people who just want to correct the sags and bags around the eyes, eyelid surgery may be worth considering. Under eye bags can make anyone look older and worn out. Prices are about the same as typical breast enlargement costs range from $2,000-$4,000, and many patients only have to undergo one surgery to keep their brightened up appearance and youthful eyes.

Facelift

When skin begins to significantly droop, a facelift is an effective procedure that repositions facial tissue and tightens facial muscles. The result is a tighter, younger, and smoother looking appearance. Because there are so many different types of facelifts, it’s hard to give a rough estimate of the cost. They can range from $5,000-$25,000. Keep in mind that it’s a serious medical operation. Look for the best surgeon, not the cheapest.  A good facelift can make the patient look ten to twelve years younger, and many patients never feel the need to touch up the original work.

Brow Lift

A brow lift assists with sagging skin around your forehead and upper eyes. This procedure is often performed in addition to a facelift. Costs usually fall in the range of $4,000-$7,000, and the visible effects typically last over a period of years.

Laser Skin Peels

As time goes on, skin loses its elasticity and begins to droop, sag, and wrinkle. Laser treatment is a great way to tighten the loose skin around the face, neck, eyes, and brows. It also helps remove wrinkles and expression lines in the face. The cost can be anywhere from $500-$5,000 depending on how extensive the treatment is, how many sessions are required, whether or not there is a package deal, or how many areas are being tightened up. The good news is that the results are instant and typically last up to a year or longer, so minimal touch up is required.

Sculptra

This treatment uses an injectable filler to restore collagen in the face. By restoring the lost volume, the appearance of skin is younger and smoother.  The results are more gradual, but the finished effect can last up to two years. The average cost for Sculptra treatments estimates around $600-$2,000.

Thermage

Thermage is another non-surgical procedure that uses radiofrequency to heat current collagen in the face, and at the same time, it works to stimulate the production of new collagen. This works best on “turkey necks” and drooping neck skin, and it’s best for those who are looking to only improve mild skin sagging.  The average cost is around $1,000-$6,000, and the results can last for a few years.

With all the treatments available, getting rid of saggy, droopy skin and unwanted wrinkles is an easy feat to accomplish. Deciding what one is right for the individual can be the hard part, but any reputable surgeon can help a new patient with this decision. There is the right treatment option out there for anyone looking to help their appearance match their ageless spirit.

James Rutherford is a freelance health and fitness writer with the Clevens Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery. He often writes about rhinoplasties, facial peels, and facelifts in Orlando, Florida. His personal interests include researching ways to help people achieve their personal wellness goals and improve their overall health.

Image credit: http://photo.pozaschematy.pl/