Is There a Quick Facelift?

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A recent news report focused on the “Mini-Facelift”—a cosmetic procedure that only takes a weekend to do. A 51-year-old woman by the name of Judy was featured, and when asked what bothered her the most, she answered, “Gravity!”

Today it's possible to combat gravity, to a certain extent, with a facelift. A traditional facelift , or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that restores the youthful appearance of the face by removing excess fat and skin and by tightening the underlying soft tissue and muscles on the face and the neck.

Facelift procedures “turn the clock back” for those aging and wanting to get rid of the loose, excess skin. However, traditional facelift is a major surgery that has a recovery period of approximately 10 days and, in most cases, leaves scars.

The “Weekend Facelift”

In early 2000, at the 58 th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the Weekend Alternative to a Facelift was introduced as the future of cosmetic surgery.

William and Kim Cook, both doctors in the Laser Cosmetic Skin Rejuvenation at the Coronado Skin Medical Center Inc. developed the “weekend facelift” as a safe and fast alternative to traditional facelift surgery.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the “weekend facelift” is for jowls and a little loose skin in the neck. The ASPS recommends that since the procedure is not effective for more advanced signs of aging, it is ideal for the younger generation that would like to prevent the minimal but visible signs of aging.

The procedure involves the following:

  • Local or very light anesthesia (the procedure takes only 1-2 hours)
  • A minimal incision under the chin
  • Liposuction to reshape the jowls and neck and to remove excess fat
  • Laser treatment to reduce excess skin
  • Stitches to tighten the neck muscle, which when loose can give the appearance of a “turkey neck”

According to Dr. James Romano, M.D., a board certified cosmetic surgeon in the San Francisco area, the outcome is dramatic. He explains the surgery's benefits as disturbing less tissue, being less risky, healing more quickly, and involving less swelling. The procedure can also be repeated safely and easily.

The cost is estimated between $1,300 and $3,000 depending on various factors.

Dr. Cook, one of the inventors of the procedure, explains that the “weekend facelift” is unlike conventional facelift surgery that can leave patients with undesirable scars and pulled, unnatural appearances. The result of the new technique is a “natural…appearance with virtually no pain.”

Big Changes in Just a Weekend

With the “weekend facelift,” you can be back to work within two days—not groggy from the anesthesia, no prominent scars, and with a new and improved appearance.

After getting a “mini-facelift,” better known as the “weekend facelift,” Judy appeared to feel rejuvenated. “I have 2 grandchildren and most people think I am the mother,” she said with a laugh.

If you are young (between the ages of 30-40) and feel you are starting to look your age or older, consult a qualified board certified physician to rid the excess tissue. The ASPS suggests educating yourself and understanding the procedure fully before taking the steps to enhance your beauty.

(Article by: Donna Corrado)


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