As part of the natural aging process, many people start to experience sagging skin and fat deposits in their neck and jawline. Traditionally a problem that has been addressed through facelift surgery. However, many 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 patients’ request for a natural, younger-looking appearance that doesn’t require significant downtime, the “Weekend Facelift” was developed. A revolutionary new technique that offers a simpler and less invasive alternative to the traditional facelift.
The Weekend Facelift Explained
“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. 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. Performed under local anesthesia, making it a much safer surgery performed than those 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.
Advantages Of A Weekend Facial
The conventional facelift can result in undesirable scars and a “plastic” look. Whereas 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.
Disadvantages Of a Weekend Facial
Despite the advantages, the Weekend Facelift is not for everyone. Although it can result in 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 jawline, 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 are the major differences between the Weekend Facelift and the Traditional Facelift procedures:
Traditional Facelift:
- Generally used for patients with poor skin elasticity
- Tightens all major skin areas of the face
- The surgery takes about 3 hours
- Incisions around the ear creases
- Cost varies by work done, may range from $7,000 to 12,000
- The fee is for surgery, anesthesia & operating room
- Typically lasts 5 to 10 years
Weekend Facelift:
- Best candidates have good skin elasticity
- Affects mainly the lower area of the face
- The surgery takes about 1 hour
- Small incision under the chin
- Quick recovery time, back to work in a few days
- Cost varies by procedures, ranging from $4,000 to $6,000
- The 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 for guidance.
