A cosmetic face lift (also called a rhytidectomy) is a type of cosmetic surgery that is used to create a younger appearance and reduce sagging skin and hanging skin folds. There are different types of anti-aging face lift surgery for excess or lax skin. A full face lift does the entire face. A thread lift uses different sutures and has a shorter recovery time. A lower face lift targets the lower portion of the face. A neck lift can give the neck more definition, less banding, and reduce jowls, wattles or a double chin. A mid face lift focuses on the cheekbones and the baggy skin under the eyes. There are also what's called mini face lifts or lifestyle lifts. The goal of all these procedures is a younger, rejuvenated look.

Different types of face and neck lift procedures and cost

The different kinds of face lift surgery target different areas.

• Full face lift - A full face lift is the most involved procedure. In a full face lift, the entire face and neck area is involved - sagging or loose skin folds that hang on the cheekbones, forehead, the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, the lips, neck wattles and jaw. This lax skin can result in a fleshy appearance that ages the face. A full face lift cost starts at $10,000.
• Mid face lift - For a mid face lift, the emphasis is on the cheekbones and baggy skin under the eyes. Incisions for this cosmetic face lift can be made above the ear and near the corner of the eye, as with eye lift surgery. Sutures are used to hold the elevated tissue in place. A mid face lift cost begins at $5000.
• Lower face lift - This plastic surgery face lift tightens the drooping skin of the lower face and neck, making it more taut and firm. A scar will be left in front of the ear. Sometimes lip augmentation, reduction or lift is done at the same time. A lower face lift costs $5000 and up.
• Thermage face lift - This isn't actually surgery. In a Thermage face lift, there is a hand-held device which applies heat to the skin. This is said to stimulate collagen, which is essential to skin elasticity and texture. The cost of a Thermage face lift ranges from $1000 to $5000depending on how large an area is covered.
• Neck lift / cervicoplasty / chin lift - A neck lift or cervicoplasty tightens the droopy skin of the neck or chin, to eliminate as much wrinkling as possible. Loose or sagging neck skin is sometimes referred to as turkey wattles due to its wrinkly appearance. A neck lift can also help to eliminate a double chin or jowls, as well as excess skin folds. Your surgeon may also suggest liposuction to remove excess fat or flabby areas in the neck area either before the neck lift or instead of it. A neck lift on its own can cost several thousand dollars.
• Liquid face lift - This is not a surgical procedure, but is instead a term being used for less invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections or wrinkle fillers like Juvederm or Restylane.

• Thread lift - This is a newer plastic surgery face lift procedure. A thread lift is similar to a mid face lift. The difference is that in a thread lift, barbed sutures are used to elevate the cheek and lift the sagging skin folds. A thread lift is considered less invasive and has a shorter recovery time. It can reduce laxness and droopiness in the targeted areas. The cost starts at $2000 for one area, in other words, mid face, lower face or brow and forehead.
• Mini face lift / lifestyle lift - What's called a mini face lift or lifestyle lift ®, is also a less invasive procedure for hanging facial skin. A mini face lift uses smaller incisions than a regular face lift procedure. An endoscopic face lift uses an instrument called an endoscope. In an endoscopic mini-lift, two or three small incisions are made and the surgeon can look under the skin with a camera. A weekend or lifestyle lift, or an endoscopic face lift, can cost around $2000. It may not correct deep creases or droopiness.

You may also hear about a laser face lift. Technically, this is not the same thing as a surgical face lift, but rather uses laser resurfacing to make the skin look younger.

Information on Face lift Procedure

All face lift surgeries are done under anesthesia. The procedure will take several hours. This is considered to be a serious surgical procedure. So give a lot of thought to whether or not you really need this. Following the cosmetic surgery there can be a great deal of bruising and swelling. A full face lift will have more pain and bruising than a lifestyle or weekend lift. For all procedures, you should follow directions, keep your head elevated and avoid straining.

It is also important to be realistic about how much or an anti-aging impact cosmetic surgery can achieve. There are many risks involved, including anesthesia, infection, over-tightening. The results of a face lift - full, mid, lower, thread lift - are not forever. If you do not take good care of your skin, or if you continue to smoke or go out in the sun, the skin will age and start to sag again. How long will a face lift last? Surgeons say you can generally expect the results of a face lift to last ten years, assuming you do take good care of yourself during that time.

People considering a face lift often have had or are considering other types of cosmetic surgery. They may have had dermal cosmetic fillers or fat augmentation on their face. They may have had hair grafts. They may also be looking into cosmetic dental work such as laser tooth whitening, contouring or veneers. They may also have had cosmetic body work, for example a butt lift or augmentation or a tummy tuck surgery. If you are considering a face lift, it is essential to choose a good plastic surgeon. Look for one who specializes in face lifts. Ask to see before and after photos of patients like yourself. A face lift surgery should not be done one someone who has recently had other procedures on the skin such as dermabrasion.