As people age, the effects of gravity and the stresses of daily life can be seen in their faces. Deep creases form between the nose and mouth, the jaw line grows slack and jowly, and folds and fat deposits appear around the neck.

One should know that the facelift can\'t stop the aging process. It can only \"set back the clock\", improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat while tightening underlying muscles and redraping the skin of your face and neck. A face lift can also be done along with other procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery or nose reshaping.

Suitable candidates for a face lift are a man or a woman whose face and neck have begun to sag but whose skin still has some elasticity, whose patients bone structure is strong and well defined, most patients are in their forties to sixties. But a face lift can be done successfully on people in their seventies or eighties as well, a face lift can make you look younger and fresher. It may enhance your self confidence in the process but it can\'t give you a totally different look, nor can it restore the vitality of your youth.

Facial cosmetic procedures are more popular today than ever, and many different specialists are performing them.

If you\'re considering facial cosmetic surgery, it\'s important to find a physician who specializes in facial plastic surgery, has extensive experience with the procedure(s) you are seeking, and with whom you feel at-ease.

One way to select a facial plastic surgeon is to ask friends who have had cosmetic surgery about their physician. Are they happy with the results? Would they return to him or her for another procedure? Your family doctor may also be able to recommend someone.

Once you\'ve gotten the names of several facial plastic surgeons, you\'ll want to find out about their qualifications. Board certification, which indicates that a surgeon has training and competency in performing facial plastic surgery procedures, is a good starting point.

Other things to consider are the hospital(s) where the doctor has operating privileges, and his overall training and specific experience performing the procedure(s) you\'re seeking.

Many public libraries have copies of reference books such as The Directory of Medical Specialists, which lists physicians by specialty and identifies their credentials. Facial Plastic surgeons are found under the heading \"Otolaryngology.\"

Hospitals will also provide the names of surgeons who have privileges to perform the procedure(s) you want.

Meet with the surgeons that you\'ve identified. Ask what procedures they recommend for you, their experience with those procedures, and the risks involved. Look at before-and-after photographs of their patients.

Ask yourself how comfortable you feel with each surgeon and how confident you are that he or she is the best professional for you.

Finally, ask the surgeons you meet with to connect you with former patients who have had the same procedure you\'re considering.