Coming

THE $200,000 FACELIFT

Yes, you read that headline correctly. The New York Times recently ran an article called “And Now, the $200,000 Face-Lift” in its popular Skin Deep column, and it turns out that the $200,000 facelift is a thing, especially in pricey zip codes like New York City, Beverly Hills, and Chicago’s Goldcoast. And while it is easy to get sticker shock, people do spend a lot more than $200K on things that likely matter (and are seen) less than their faces. This price tag likely won’t fly in less affluent markets, but it seems that plastic surgery is not immune to inflation.

Facelifts can include a forehead lift, lower and upper blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, lip lifts, neck lifts, and a host of other bells and whistles, such as fat grafting, facial implants, buccal fat pad removal, laser skin rejuvenation, injectables, and medical-grade skincare. This all adds up quickly, and then there is the postoperative care, which can include private nurses and a stay at a five-star hotel. Not everyone can shell out big bucks for nips and tucks, and that is fine. Most plastic surgeons offer more affordable options (and patient financing). And for consumers, the message is clear: Facelifts shouldn’t break the bank, but it’s also not the place to cut corners by choosing an unqualified practitioner or deeply discounted plastic surgery “vacations.”

Going

Droopy eyelids

Sure, we have always been able to address droopy lids with surgery, but thanks to the new ptosis drug Upneeq (oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution), we can achieve similar results sans scalpels.

The active ingredient in Upneeq triggers the contraction of the Muller’s muscle, lifting the drooping lid temporarily with just one single daily dose. The average amount of upper eyelid lift was 1mm, and the effect lasts for at least 6 hours.

Upneeq is the only non-surgical therapeutic approved for treating acquired blepharoptosis in adults, and it can also help address Botox-induced eyelid ptosis.

While surgical fixes offer more permanent results, these drops may be just what the doctor ordered for people who aren’t ready for blepharoplasty…yet.