As part of the natural aging process, many people start to experience sagging skin and fat deposits in their neck and jaw line areas, problems which are traditionally addressed through facelift surgery. However, a lot of potential patients hesitate to get a facelift because they worry about looking "too pulled" and going through a long and painful post-operative healing period.

In response to the patients' request for a younger, natural-looking appearance that doesn't take significant time away from their busy schedule, the "weekend facelift" was developed. This is a revolutionary new technique that offers a simpler and less invasive alternative to the traditional facelift.

"Weekend facelift" generally implies limited face contouring procedures - like liposuction and skin tightening in the neck, jowl and chin area - which heal in a few days with few recovery problems. While it does not have the same extensive results as a full surgical facelift, the weekend facelift allows people to go back to work quickly and reduces the risk of complications. In fact, a patient can have the procedure performed on a Friday and then return to work the following Monday - hence the name "weekend facelift".

The weekend facelift is usually performed on an outpatient basis, with the surgery lasting one hour or less. It is done under local anesthesia, which makes it much safer than surgery performed under general anesthesia, like the full facelift. During the surgery, the doctor makes a minimal incision hidden in the natural fold of the chin. Through that incision, excess deposits of fat are suctioned from the neck, which causes the skin to contract and tighten. If necessary, this can be accompanied by a tightening of the muscle and the placement of a chin implant, which creates a more chiseled profile.

As opposed to conventional facelifts, which can result into undesirable scars and a "plastic" look, the weekend facelift leads to a natural, rejuvenated appearance without any visible scars or the look of major surgery - so the procedure can be kept totally private if desired.

The short recovery period after the procedure is accompanied by little or no pain, while swelling and bruising - if occurring at all - are minimal.

Despite these advantages, the weekend facelift is not for everyone. Though it will result into a more youthful appearance of the face, the procedure addresses mainly the lower face area, and is best suited for patients with a heavy neck, undefined jaw line, or double chin. The weekend facelift cannot correct specific problems like sagging muscle structure, nasolabial folds or folds in the middle third of the face. Also, the procedure is recommended for people who are experiencing early signs of facial aging and have relatively good skin elasticity.

Here is an overview of the major differences between the weekend facelift and the traditional facelift procedure:

Facelift:

-generally used for patients with poor skin elasticity

-tightens all major skin areas of the face

-surgery takes about 3 hours

-incisions in and about the ear creases

-cost varies by work done, may range from $7,000 to 12,000

-fee is for surgery, anesthesia and operating room

-generally lasts 5 to 10 years

Weekend Facelift:

-best candidates have good skin elasticity

-affects mainly the lower area of the face

-surgery takes about 1 hour

-small incision under the chin

-back to work in a few days

-cost varies by procedures, ranging from $4,000 to $6,000

-length of time it lasts depends on different factors affecting one's individual skin elasticity

A weekend facelift can provide you with a rejuvenated and radiant appearance, bringing out a younger and dramatically improved self. If you have questions about this procedure, don't hesitate to talk to a qualified cosmetic surgeon, who can provide further advice and guidance.