Deciding whether to get a surgical facelift can be very scary. First there are the doctor's visits trying to find an excellent surgeon because you definitely don't want just a good surgeon. Sometimes a referral from a friend that has results you admire is the best way. But, every one is different and the results will be different. Talk with people that have had the surgery you are thinking of. There are also other types of face lifts, i.e. the thread face lift which pulls the skin up using implanted metal barbed threads, thus the name. These procedures have been touted as "easy" or not as drastic, no surgery, etc., but if you talk to people or look online you'll find quite a few that are not happy with the results, have a longer recovery than claimed, there can be scaring, tissue damage and infections and according to Reuters report, "Thread-lifts" get thumbs down in long-term study". So be careful. I've talked with several friends that have had the surgical type facelift. There is more down time usually than stated, scars are common and results that are not quite as expected. Do your research first and foremost.

Next on the list are non surgical face lifts such as BOTOX® and skin fillers. Injectable facial fillers have quick results. Unlike surgery, facial fillers or "facelift in a needle" allow patients to go back to work and get on with their life. Fillers plump up the folds, lines and wrinkles. These fillers are more affordable, but still run in the hundreds per injection, but you don't have to recover for long periods. These "face lifts in a needle" vary by product as far as how long the results will last.

BOTOX® actually works by relaxing one set of muscles while the other set does all the work. BOTOX® is not without complications, and if you can afford the injections you may consider it.

Derma fillers are; Radiesse® made up of tiny calcium based microspheres suspended in water based gel. It works within the skin's surface to stimulate collagen and tissue rejuvenation and has instant and extended results. Juvederm® is a gel made of hyaluronic acid which naturally occurs in your skin. It is an injectable and you can instantly see results. Sculptra® is a synthetic Poly-L-lactic acid material used in dissolving stitches. There is a natural form our body produces but this is not it. It is also used for HIV patients suffering from lipoatrophy which is fat lose from the face. ArteFill® is non-resorbable filler providing permanent results for wrinkles and used for the correction of smile lines. Most dermal fillers are completely metabolized by the body but ArteFill® provides a permanent support structure for wrinkle correction. Restylane® and Perlane® also contain hyaluronic acid, but Perlane® has larger particles and is injected deeper within the skin.

Another type of non surgical face lift procedure is Thermage treatments; radio frequency energy is applied to your face heating the collagen. This reaction to the collagen, which is what your skin is composed of, will strengthen and tighten resulting in younger looking skin with no surgery.

Not to be confused with wrinkle and anti-aging creams "face lift in a bottle" products are the last type of non surgical face lift. They can lift and tighten the skin and reverse face wrinkles in minutes. They can stimulate the skin to produce more elastin, collagen which in turn improves muscle tone. You can have instant gratification and instant results. They can lift, firm, minimize pores, erase wrinkles and fine lines and reduce puffiness in minutes.

Of course the best way to improve and keep your skin its healthiest is a diet rich in:

• Probiotics the "live" bacteria that is good for intestinal health is also good for your skin.
• Free radicals damage the skin cells. Antioxidants and phytochemicals can protect the cells. Antioxidants such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, are all good for your skin as are artichokes, beans especially black, red, and pinto, prunes, and pecans.
• Salmon, walnuts, canola oil, and flax seed have essential fatty acids, very important for healthy skin.
• Whole wheat bread, muffins, and cereals; turkey, tuna contain the mineral selenium necessary for healthy skin.
• Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties, protective to the cell membrane.
• Water keeps cells hydrated, helps cells utilize nutrients and does away with toxins.

Whichever procedure you decide to use; do your homework, ask questions, and then ask more questions especially where surgical procedures are concerned.