When you look your best, you tend to feel your best. Knowing this, it’s no surprise that facial cosmetic surgeries are on the rise all over the world. All it takes is a subtle improvement of your facial appearance to enact dramatic change. And since your face is the first thing people see when they meet you or notice you across the room, the right facial cosmetic treatment could open new doors that were previously not open to you – personally and professionally.
Cosmetic surgery has been on the rise in recent years with a focus on both the face and body. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that nearly $17 Billion was spent on cosmetic surgery in 2020 across the United States. But when it comes to the face, the number of cosmetic procedures has jumped by nearly 50% since 2013, especially among those under the age of 30.
Experts attribute the growing fixation on facial appearance to the rise in selfies and video chatting using mobile devices. And, of course, we cannot forget about Zoom Gloom during the COVID-19 lockdowns, which saw growth in facial cosmetic surgeries because people lamented about their appearance during Zoom meetings.
In 2020, the American Society of Plastic Surgery published its Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. That report stated that, among the top five cosmetic surgical procedures, three were facial surgeries: The Facelift, Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty), and Eyelid Surgery.
Minimally invasive procedures were also popular in the report, with Botox (Injectable Neurotoxin), Chemical Peel, Laser Skin Resurfacing, Soft Tissue Filler, and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment topping that list.
Source: Plastic Surgery
There are several important reasons why facial cosmetic treatments are becoming more popular.
In the past, cosmetic surgery for the face had a stigma attached to it. You couldn’t let anyone know you had a facelift or nose job. Today, cosmetic surgery for the face has become more socially acceptable. Even celebrities are openly admitting to having work done on their foreheads, eyes, cheeks, lips, and chins.
With the increased use of social media, people are spending more time paying attention to the way they look. With selfies, FaceTime, and Zoom chats becoming regular aspects of our society, everyone is taking photographs or videos of themselves. That also means they are more likely to notice flaws and areas they wish to alter. Cosmetic facial surgery to the rescue!
Technology and techniques in cosmetic facial surgery have improved immensely over previous years. You no longer see people with that “windswept” look following a facelift. Today’s surgical results offer a natural look that makes people wonder if you had work done or are merely taking better care of yourself.
Aesthetically altering one’s appearance used to be reserved for celebrities and the ultra-rich. That’s not the case anymore. While cosmetic surgery isn’t necessarily cheap, it is more accessible to the average person. In households where both partners hold jobs and secure a regular income, cosmetic surgery is not necessarily out of reach.
There are also more options for payment than in the past. If you need help paying for a facelift, nose job, or eyebrow lift, you can always turn to medical financing with companies like CareCredit. These programs offer low rates and long-term payment options that make paying for the facial surgery you prefer much easier.
Now that you know why people are getting their faces tweaked with aesthetically artistic techniques, let’s look at a few procedures in greater detail to determine what the fuss is about. After reading this list, you may find yourself scheduling an appointment for a consultation to have your face readjusted. Doing so could give you a subtle appearance boost for a major surge in confidence.
Read our article: How Does Cosmetic Surgery Build Self-Esteem and Confidence?
Here are the most requested facial cosmetic and non-surgical treatments by men and women alike.
Rhinoplasty (colloquially known as the nose job) is a procedure aimed at reshaping the nose. Most people opt for a nose job to alter the appearance of the nose. However, that is not the only reason to undergo rhinoplasty. Some people choose this procedure to help improve breathing and give them an aesthetic boost simultaneously.
During the procedure, the cosmetic surgeon has the option of altering the bone, cartilage, or skin of the nose. In some cases, all three are modified to achieve dramatic results.
The surgeon typically uses local anesthesia during this surgery along with sedation. This is an outpatient procedure that uses a small incision made at the base of your nose. The small cut allows the surgeon to manipulate the bone and cartilage underneath the skin without bothering the surrounding facial tissues.
The bone and cartilage can be removed or added. If tissue is being added, the cosmetic surgeon may take cartilage from deeper inside your nose or from your ear. If the change is significant enough, the surgeon has the option of taking cartilage from a rib or other parts of your body. After the changes have been made, the skin and tissue are sewn into place, resulting in minimal scarring once healed.
The average cost of a nose job is $5,483, according to the ASPS. The insurance does not usually cover the procedure.
Eyelid surgery is one of the most common cosmetic procedures for both men and women. The procedure aims to remove droopy skin from the upper eyelids. It will also removes the excess fat from the upper and lower eyelids. The results can be dramatic.
Read our article: How to Refresh Your Eyes & Face with Cosmetic Surgery
People choose this surgery because they want to decrease the puffiness underneath the eyes. The surgery creates a brighter and more alert appearance. If you have dark circles under your eyes or excess skin that impairs your vision, you can treat those issues with this amazing cosmetic treatment.
Cosmetic eyelid surgery is also an outpatient procedure that requires anesthesia. During the surgery, incisions are made along the natural folds of your eyelids. This has the added bonus of hiding any scarring.
The average cost of eyelid surgery is $4,120. Insurance can cover the procedure if it is deemed medically necessary, such as hindered vision caused by excessive eyelid skin.
The facelift has come a long way in recent years. During the procedure, signs of aging are reversed by removing excess skin and fat, and by adjusting the muscle under the skin. You don’t get that “windswept” look but, instead, look younger and more refreshed with glowing skin to boot.
Read our article: Can Aging Skin Be Made to Look Younger?
As we get older, the skin of the face becomes thinner and loses its elasticity. You may also lose muscle volume. This can result in jowls on the lower portion of the face, as well as deep wrinkles and loose skin.
If you feel self-conscious about the way your face is aging, a facelift might be right for you.
During the procedure, incisions are made behind the hairline. They start near the temples, where they then traverse to the area in front of the ear. These cuts are hidden in the natural folds of your face, which hides the resulting scars.
After the surgeon makes the incisions, he/she adjusts the tissues beneath the skin while removing the excess skin on the face. This has the effect of eliminating jowls and saggy skin underneath the chin.
When you wake up from surgery, though there will be some swelling, you will notice that your face has taken on a naturally youthful contour.
The average cost of a facelift in the U.S. is $8,005. The procedure is considered elective. So, the health insurance usually does not cover it.
The neck lift is handy for getting rid of the excess hanging skin under your chin. Some people refer to this skin as turkey neck. Tightening up this area can give you a more defined and youthful neck for long-lasting results.
Read our article: Look Dramatically Younger with a Neck Lift
The neck lift is sometimes performed in conjunction with a facelift. This will rejuvenate your entire face from the forehead to the area underneath the chin.
During the procedure, which is performed with local anesthesia combined with sedation, the cosmetic surgeon makes a tiny incision behind each ear and under the chin. Liposuction is then used to suction fat from the jaw area and beneath the chin area. This is the technique that can give the lower portion of your face greater definition.
Read our article: Cosmetic Surgery for a Defined Jawline: Is it Possible?
After the fat removal, the surgeon can remove excess skin and tighten the neck. This will leave the area looking more naturally youthful.
The national average cost of a neck lift is $5,242 with insurance unlikely to cover any of the costs associated with the procedure.
This cosmetic facial surgery aims to raise the brows to leave the area free of fine lines and wrinkles. The surgery improves the appearance of the forehead and areas around the eyes. You would be an ideal candidate for the procedure if you have a low, saggy brow or if your eyebrows are asymmetrical.
In some cases, the brow lift is performed alongside the facelift or eyelid surgery to transform your facial appearance.
Read our article: Is a Brow Lift or Eyelid Surgery Right for You?
Cosmetic surgeons have options on how to perform the forehead lift. The technique your surgeon chooses will determine where the incisions are placed and how the resulting scars look once healed.
The first option is the endoscopic brow lift. During this type of procedure, the cosmetic surgeon makes several small incisions behind the hairline. A long thin tube is inserted into the cut with a light and camera attached. This lets the surgeon view the underlying tissues and muscles using a monitor.
Once the tools are inserted, the surgeon lifts the forehead tissues and anchors them in place using sutures. The incisions are then closed with small clips or stitches.
Another option for this surgery is known as the coronal brow lift. During this procedure, the incisions are placed behind the hairline across the top of the head. The forehead is lifted into its new position and sewn into place. You would not be an ideal candidate for this type of procedure if you have a high hairline, are likely to lose your hair, or have thinning hair.
Finally, there is the hairline brow lift. During this procedure, an incision is made between the forehead and the beginning of the hairline. A small amount of skin is removed before the remaining tissue is sewn into place. This type is most often used for receding hairlines.
The average cost of a brow lift is $3,900 with insurance unlikely to cover the procedure.
You have heard about breast implants and butt implants that add shape and volume to those areas. Facial implants work the same way.
Facial implants are made of solid materials that are compatible with human tissues. You and your surgeon can decide on the size and shape of the implants. It depends on the features you wish to correct.
The most common areas to correct with face implants tend to be the chin, jaw, and cheeks.
Chin implants aim to increase the size and projection of the chin to make it more proportional to the forehead and middle of your face.
Jaw implants increase the width of the lower portion of your face.
Cheek implants make your cheekbones more pronounced, adding volume to areas that are flat or otherwise recessed.
Like breast and butt implants, facial implants are made of synthetic materials, such as silicone. They are placed underneath the skin and muscle to offer natural-looking results.
During the procedure, a pocket is made underneath the skin and muscle, whereby the implants are fitted so they make a secure fit. The surgical site is then closed with sutures. In most cases, the cosmetic surgeon will hide the incisions within the natural folds of your face. This will hide any scarring that results.
The average cost of facial implants falls between $3,137 for chin augmentation and $3,669 with insurance unlikely to cover the costs associated with the procedure.
Botox is only one brand name for a line of injectable neurotoxins meant to paralyze certain muscles in the face. Other names associated with this non-surgical face rejuvenation procedure include Dysport, Xeomin, Myoblock, and Jeuveau. The result of the injectable procedure softens facial lines. It leaves you looking younger, as well as more relaxed and alert.
Patients choose injectable Botox and other neurotoxins to rid the face of wrinkles between the eyebrows, wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet), horizontal creases in the forehead, and lines at the corners of the mouth. The treatment can even take care of cobblestone skin along the chin area.
Keep in mind that the FDA has only approved injectable neurotoxin treatments for use around the eyes and forehead.
It takes around 24 to 72 hours before the toxin takes effect. The results last up to 12 months, whereby you will have to return to your cosmetic surgeon’s office for retreatment.
The average cost of Botox for facial rejuvenation is between $10 and $15 per unit with most people requiring up to 40 units during each session. Insurance may cover the cost of the procedure if the treatment falls under FDA approval.
A chemical peel is a treatment that uses a chemical solution to remove the top layers of the skin. Those layers then grow back smoother with less noticeable wrinkles, discolored spots, and scars. A chemical peel can be performed on its own or in conjunction with other cosmetic facial treatments.
Depending on the issues you wish to address on your face, your cosmetic surgeon can use a light, medium, or deep chemical peel.
A light chemical peel removes the outer layer of skin only. This layer is known as the epidermis. This treatment is useful for ridding your face of acne, fine wrinkles, and uneven skin tones. A light peel can even fix facial dryness. The surgeon usually repeats this treatment every two to five weeks.
For a medium peel, skin cells are removed from the epidermis and dermis (upper and middle layer of skin). You can use this treatment to treat acne scars, wrinkles, and uneven skin tones. The treatment is usually repeated once or more often to achieve and maintain the results you want.
For a deep chemical peel, skin cells are removed from the deeper layers of skin. This treatment is used for deeper wrinkles. Precancerous growths, and unsightly scars. One treatment is usually enough to give you the full effect.
The average cost of a chemical peel is $519 with insurance rarely picking up the tab.
Like a chemical peel, laser skin resurfacing removes skin layer by layer. This will allow new skin cells to grow back for a healthier and more youthful appearance. This treatment is ideal for treating blotches, wrinkles, lines, and scars.
The outpatient procedure can be performed on the forehead or around the eyes or mouth. The treatment takes around 45 minutes for certain facial portions or up to two hours for a full-face treatment.
The average cost of laser skin resurfacing is around $2,509. Insurance does not usually cover this cosmetic facial procedure.
Kybella, which is also known as deoxycholic acid, is a natural substance that dissolves fat within the body. When injected under the chin by your cosmetic surgeon, Kybella attacks the membranes of fat cells, which liquefies them. This lets the body absorb the fat cells, leaving the area under the chin slimmer.
If you have double chins, the medical term of which is submental fullness, this treatment could be right for you.
The treatment takes around six months for you to see the full effects and the results are permanent.
The average cost of injectable Kybella treatment falls between $1,200 and $1,800. You may require multiple treatments to achieve the desired effect. Insurance is unlikely to cover the procedure.
Soft-tissue facial fillers are substances that are injected into the skin, much like the Kybella double chin treatment. Instead of dissolving fat, the fillers smooth wrinkles, making them less noticeable.
Read our article: Can Injectable Fillers Prevent Aging?
This is an outpatient procedure that uses a local anesthetic and takes around an hour to complete.
There are various fillers you and your cosmetic surgeon can choose, depending on the issues you wish to correct.
Hyaluronic acid fillers go by the brand names Juvederm, Restylane, and a few others. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that surgeons use for the treatment of wrinkles. The results can last up to 12 months.
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a filler that goes by the brand name Radiesse and surgeons use it to contour the jawline. This facial filler can also restore lost volume in the cheeks, as well as treat deep wrinkles and skin folds. The results can last up to a year when used for facial contouring. It can last up to three years when used to smooth away wrinkles.
Fat grafting is a technique that uses your natural fat cells to fill in lost volume in your face. First, the surgeon removes the fat from the lower abdomen or another area of your body using liposuction. The fat tissue is then purified before it is injected through small incisions into your temples, lips, forehead, or cheeks. The effects can be permanent. However, you usually need to go more than one session because your body tends to absorb some of the fat.
Read our article: What is Natural Fat Grafting? And How Long Does It Last?
Bellafill is the brand name of a permanent soft tissue filler. You can use it to smooth away deep wrinkles around the mouth. Your body cannot absorb Bellafill, so you don’t need any reinjections. We don’t recommend this brand of filler as a first-time facial filler treatment.
Poly-L-lactic acid filler goes by the name Sculptra. People use it to restore facial volume due to aging or illness. This treatment usually takes two or three sessions to achieve the desired results. The effects will last up to two years.
Read our article: How Cosmetic Procedures Can Reverse the Signs of Facial Aging
Facial fillers can cost between $717 for Radiesse to $2,508 for natural fat grafting. Insurance usually does not cover facial filler treatments.
Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) (also referred to as photo facial) is a method for improving the color and texture of your skin without the use of surgery. The treatment is ideal for reversing sun damage. You can use it on the face, as well as the neck, hands, and chest.
During the procedure, the intense light emitted using the Lumecca device heats the skin. This helps the body get rid of unwanted cells. Unlike laser treatments, the IPL device emits more than one wavelength of pulsating light. That allows for the treatment of a wide range of skin conditions at the same time.
After IPL, your skin tone will appear more even. The treatment works best if you have pale or light brown skin. It has a minimized downtime since IPL treatments don’t affect surrounding tissues.
The average cost of IPL treatments for the face falls between $700 and $1,200.
Keep in mind that all of the above costs for these facial treatments are estimates only. They may not include costs associated with anesthesia and other necessities.
Now you know why so many people are choosing facial cosmetic treatments to look and feel better. Want to learn more about what these aesthetic surgeries and non-surgical treatments can do for you? Call Moein Surgical Arts in Los Angeles, California, to schedule a consultation. Dial 310-589-3691.