Most bang for your buck: Facelift

She calls it an investment in herself. An East Texan underwent plastic surgery to hide years of health problems. She is among the growing number of Americans who are fighting age with “fillers and facelifts.”

Lee is a grandmother of five who loves to travel by R.V. with her husband. But, she says health issues have made it hard to age gracefully.

“I’ve been in the hospital several times [and had] lots of treatments and it just made me look tired [and] hollowed out,” said Lee.

Tired of looking sick all the time, Lee decided to get a facelift.

“I just felt like this would make me look better and feel better,” she shared.

“A facelift gives a total facial rejuvenation,” said Dr. James Motlagh, with Tyler Plastic Surgery. “It works everywhere from the temple area to the neck. This whole area is pulled and tightened.”

Dr. Motlagh says a facelift is one of the most invasive cosmetic surgeries.

“We are getting up underneath someone’s skin and we are tightening it up in two layers,” Motlagh explained. “We are tightening the layer above the muscle, which is the actual foundation of the facelift and that is what makes the facelift last. The second one is getting rid of access skin which is the icing on the cake.”

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons say the average cost of a facelift is $6,000.

“This procedure can turn back the clock anywhere from 10 to 20 years,” said Motlagh. “So to some people that is priceless.”

Dr. Motlagh warns this investment that may not be for everyone.

“Most patients have to be in fairly good health or low physical problems,” he explained. “They should not be smokers at all.”

Lee says this investment in herself not only makes her appear healthier, but feel healthier as well.

“I have been around close family and friends that just say you look good,” said Lee.

Dr. Motlagh says a patient should allow six weeks for a full recover after a facelift.