Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions related to face lift.

Q: Will my insurance cover the cost of a face lift?

A: In most cases, procedures done for purely cosmetic reasons are not covered by health insurance. Costs may be covered if a procedure is done to for a medical reason, such as to treat precancerous lesions. Always check with the insurance carrier for exact terms of coverage.

Q: How long do the effects of a face lift last?

A: This depends on many factors, such as heredity and your life style. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and long exposure to the sun can all shorten the effectiveness of a face lift. Some people have a repeat procedure in five, 10, or 15 years. Other people never have a second procedure.

Q: How much scarring will be caused by surgery?

A: Scars from a face lift are usually hidden by hair and by the natural contour of the face. These scars usually fade over time until they can barely be seen.

Q: I am in my late 60s. Can I still have a face lift?

A: While most candidates for a face lift are between 40 and 60 years old, many people older than that are enjoying the results of a face lift. Whether you are a good candidate will depend on your overall health, your skin's elasticity and underlying bone structure, and other factors.

Q: How long will I have to miss work?

A: A face lift is more involved than some other cosmetic procedures, such as fat injections, and as a result requires a longer recovery time. Usually, people spend two or three weeks at home before returning to work.

Q: Can I have more than one procedure done at once?

A: Yes, it may be possible to complete one or more procedures, such as eyelid surgery or liposuction, at the same time as a face lift to achieve the desired result. Discuss this with your surgeon before any procedures are scheduled.

Q: How can I hide scars, swelling, and redness until I return to normal?

A: Both men and women can use makeup techniques to disguise the temporary effects of cosmetic surgery.

Q: Can a face lift correct the excess skin around my eyes?

A: No, a face lift is designed to tighten the areas around the mouth, chin, and neck. A different procedure, called a blepharoplasty is used to improve the appearance of the eyes and eye lids.

Q: Can I tell beforehand how I will look after surgery?

A: Some practitioners have computer imaging programs that can show a person what a face lift procedure might accomplish.