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Even though facelifts are common procedures, they shouldn't be entered lightly. Research the process until you know all the facts and you can make an informed decision about what's best for you. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about this type of cosmetic surgery.

Q: Can I expect my insurance to cover my procedure?

A: In most cases, no. Surgical procedures that fall under the cosmetic banner are not covered by insurance, unless you can prove that a procedure directly impacts your life or somehow affects your health. Every insurance company is different and it is always best to check with your particular insurer to see what sort of coverage you have.

Q: Will I need another facelift again in a few years?

A: The lasting effects of a facelift vary greatly depending on the person. There are several key factors that go into determining when or if you will need another cosmetic procedure, such as your genetics, your overall health, and the lifestyle you lead. In general, if you are in good health, eat right, exercise and take care of yourself, you can expect the benefits of a cosmetic procedure like this to last up to 15 years.

Q: Will people be able to see my scars?

A: In almost all cases, no. A good cosmetic surgeon can hide your scars either underneath your hair or on the natural curves and contours of your face. One of the risks of a "bad" facelift is that the scars are clearly visible, so it is always a good idea to go with a surgeon that has a great reputation in your area.

Q: Am I too old to reap the benefits of a cosmetic facial enhancement?

A: In general, the average age of someone getting a cosmetic facial improvement is between the ages of 45 to 55, but in recent years, much older people have been getting facelifts with fantastic results. The important thing is to check with your doctor and have an appraisal of your appearance done. If you meet the qualifications, there really is no age limit to getting a facelift.

Q: What is the usual recovery time for a facelift?

A: Normally, you can expect to be off work and at home recovering for anywhere between two to three weeks, assuming there are no complications, such as infections. Recovery can be painful and most people use prescription painkillers for a period of time to help ease the discomfort. It is recommended that you have someone at home with you to help you out for a few days after your procedure.

Q: Can I get more than one cosmetic procedure done at once?

A: Yes and many people choose to do this. A brow lift is often done at the same time as a facelift to help adjust your appearance in one fell swoop instead of doing them one at a time. Other cosmetic facial treatments sometimes combined with a facelift include rhinoplasty, Thermage® procedure, and eyelid surgery. In some cases, one of these treatments combined with a non-surgical facial cosmetic treatment could even replace the need for a facelift.

Whether by birth or due to the effects of age, many people suffer from eyelids that are baggy, puffy, or droopy. Such eyelids can make a person look sad or tired even when they are quite happy or full of energy. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can be performed to correct this problem, restoring vitality to the area around the eyes and making a person look happier, more alert, and altogether younger. In most cases, eyelid surgery can be performed through discreet incisions in the rim of the upper and lower lids. Through these incisions, excess skin and fatty tissue can be removed, and the remaining skin can be tightened. Many people elect to combine blepharoplasty with other facial rejuvenation procedures, including brow lift, mid-facelift, and non-surgical treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic or Restylane® injections. The results of blepharoplasty, when it is performed by a skilled surgeon, are remarkably natural-looking. Recently, many cosmetic surgeons have begun to perform "ethnic" blepharoplasty. The most common form of this surgery is double-eyelid, or "Asian," blepharoplasty. Because many Asians are born with only a single fold, or crease, in the eyelid, some turn to plastic surgeons for the creation of a second crease. This lends a more Caucasian appearance to the eyes. In any event, eyelid surgery is one of the most subtle forms of cosmetic surgery a person can undergo. While the results can be dramatic, the signs of surgery are generally minimal, as is the recovery time from the procedure. If you suffer from baggy or drooping eyelids and would like to know whether you are a suitable candidate for blepharoplasty, contact a qualified cosmetic surgeon in your area today. A plastic surgeon can explain the risks and benefits of the procedure to you in full detail and can also explain your options for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure that reshapes and refines the appearance of the patient's nose. This is usually done to correct flaws such as bumps on the bridge of the nose, but it can also be performed to make broad noses narrower or long noses shorter. If you're thinking of having your nose reshaped, read on for an overview of the procedure, the risks, and the possible results.

Candidates for Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty patients should be in their mid teens or older. This is because the nasal bones and tissues need to be mature before the procedure is performed. If the nose has not yet settled into its final shape, any changes made during surgery could be undone.

Before Rhinoplasty

Before surgery, the doctor will meet with you to talk about your goals and expectations. Rhinoplasty can dramatically alter your appearance, but it seldom makes you look like someone else entirely. The doctor will ask about your medical history and any reactions you've had to anesthesia in the past. If you have heart disease or compromised healing ability, be sure to tell the doctor. Next, the doctor will photograph you from different angles. These pictures might be used to render a three dimensional model of your face. Then you and the doctor can see what different nose shapes would look like on your face. Some patients require additional surgery, such as chin implants, to achieve a pleasing side profile.

The Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, your face will be cleaned and disinfected. General anesthesia will be administered, leaving you unconscious for the duration of the rhinoplasty procedure. The doctor will then make small incisions inside the nose or in a discreet fold of skin on the outside. Using these incisions as access points, the doctor will then reshape the bones and cartilage of the nose in accordance to your desires. The surgery typically takes one to two hours, but that can vary depending on the specifics of your procedure.

After Rhinoplasty

After rhinoplasty, your nose will be bandaged and stuffed with packing to stabilize it and prevent bleeding. You might experience swelling and bruising, sometimes in the form of black eyes. This is temporary, though it can take up to a year for all of the swelling to go away. Don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Most major swelling will go down in a few weeks, after which you'll see definite improvement in the shape of your nose. Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure, but it is also a serious surgery that carries with it the risk of excess bleeding, infection, and scarring. Talk to your cosmetic surgeon if you have concerns about the procedure.