Keep in mind, however, that these procedures are not designed to change the essential look of your face, just to make the targeted area look younger and smoother.

Face Lift

One of the most well known of all cosmetic procedures is the face lift.

A face lift addresses an all-over approach to wrinkles and sagging. Most important to any patient considering a this procedure is for the patient to understand that it will not change the features of the face. Rather, it is an approach to help the face appear younger and smoother, but will not change facial features.

A face lift involves making tiny incisions adjacent to the hairline, and then the skin is pulled away from the face. The skin is then manipulated and pulled back to reveal a smoother, more youthful appearance.

The procedure generally takes between two to four hours.

Brow Lift

Those seeking a procedure that is not for the entire face may investigate a browlift, which is also known as a forehead lift.

Again, the facial features will not essentially be changed. Rather, the result should be a more youthful appearance and smoother skin.

The brow lift is less invasive than a facelift, and is generally for younger patients, ages 40-60, who have significant creases around or above the brow area due to genetics or age. The procedure involves the skin above the eyebrow being lifted away from the forehead, removing excess fat and pulling the skin more taut to yield a smoother forehead and brow area.

Generally, an eyelid lift is performed in conjunction with the brow lift. The surgery time for this procedure is between two to three hours.

Eyelid Lift

The procedure often done in conjunction with either of the other procedures is the eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty.

This procedure can enhance the facial features and improve the patient's aesthetics. The purpose of the procedure is to reduce puffiness in the area.

Again for those who do not require a full facelift, this procedure lasts about one to two hours, and ideal candidates will have thick eyelids that hang down or look puffy above or below the eye. Candidates may also have part of their view obstructed due to the eyebrow's droop. Aesthetically, the patient may look more tired or older than they are.

Blepharoplasty begins with small incisions made at the existing creases under the eyelids. Fat is then removed, as is excess tissue. The incisions are then closed, revealing a more refreshed, youthful look.

Remember that any cosmetic procedure should only be performed by a certified plastic surgeon. Please review with your physician the risks involved with cosmetic surgery and any post-operative considerations that will need to be made.