In looking at the latest plastic surgery statistics listed in the Plastic Surgery News, the single procedure with the greatest area of growth was that of facelifts. The statistics show that nearly 116,200 facelifts were performed on patients age 40 or older in 2007, an increase of 14% over 2006. On the one hand, that statistic seems surprising given all of the non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures which are currehtly touted. On the other hand, I am not surprised as I have seen a similar increase in my own practice.
I think what is being ‘discovered’ is that the minimally invasive procedures have sparked more interest in facial rejuvenation for sure. But when patients come in for a consult, what they often find out is that the best value (what do I get for what I am paying) comes from a facelift-type procedure. The facelift may be combined with other things such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing, Botox, and injectable fillers, but the cornerstone of improvement comes from ‘traditional’ lifting and removing excess skin. A tightening and plumping approach if you will.
Also, what the statistics do not report is what type of facelifts are being performed. My guess would be that much of the increase is in the more limited or mini-facelifts that are so popular today. For patients in their 40s, a limited facelift can be a very quick and effective procedure that will stave off the need for a full facelift and more extensive facial rejuvenation procedures until a much later date…or maybe thet might never be needed at all if smaller procedures are done earlier and with some frequency over time.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana