THE “F” WORD IN FACIAL COSMETIC SURGERY BY DR KHOO LEE SENG

Today I want to address an important subject in facial rejuvenation: the F-word.

Now, no, I’m not talking about the controversial F-word you might be thinking of! I'm talking about facelifts.

It’s common for patients to come in and say something like, “Doc, I don’t want a facelift. I’ve got this turkey waddle and some sagging skin here, but I really don’t want surgery.” And I completely understand where they’re coming from. It’s natural to want to look youthful, but the thought of surgery can be intimidating for many. But let’s talk about what truly works when it comes to addressing significant facial aging.

Facelift surgery is often the most effective way to achieve natural, long-lasting rejuvenation. When someone has lax skin around their neck, jawline, or lower face, there’s simply no substitute for a facelift if they want a beautiful, lasting result.

Do you really want the Truth on the so called "Liquid Facelift"? 

Now, this doesn’t mean that I’m here to bash non-surgical treatments. We live in a time where there are amazing devices— HIFU ,Ulthera, Thermage, Radiofrequency Microneedling treatment like Potenza, injectables (skin boosters, fillers, PDRN), and thread lifts—that can offer some benefit. And for certain patients, these options can definitely help tighten and refresh the skin.

However, the truth is that these treatments are limited. They can provide a temporary tightening effect, but they don’t offer the same level of transformative results that a facelift & necklift can provide, particularly for those with more advanced signs of aging. Many patients spend more money on non-surgical treatments—Thermage, threads, fillers, you name it—only to find themselves back at square one, financially burdened and still dissatisfied with their appearance.

I’ve seen this play out time and again. A patient comes in for a consultation, and I recommend a facelift & necklift because it’s the most effective solution. (Although I do perform the entire gamut of non-inasive treatment including fillers, energy based devices and threadlifts)

They’re hesitant, and often say, “I’m not ready for surgery.” I respect that, of course. But months or even years later, they’ve tried multiple minimally invasive treatments and spent way way more than they would have on a real facelift & necklift. And they’re right back where they started, only now they’re facing a bigger financial gap.

I’m not here to criticize those who perform these non-invasive procedures—they definitely have their place. Many of my colleagues specialize in them, and I respect their expertise. But when it comes to significant sagging, you have to do your homework. Ask the right questions, and make sure you know what you're getting into.

Patients can see the gallery of before-and-after photos from my practice when they come for a consultation—patients who’ve had facelifts, eyelid surgery, breast surgery etc and more. You can see for yourself the kind of results you can expect from my work. 

Now, let's circle back to the F-word—facelift surgery. There used to be a stigma around facelifts, and many people still fear the idea of looking “windblown” or “unnatural.” But in reality, facelifts have become routine, and when done properly, the results are subtle, natural, and incredibly rejuvenating. I’ve performed over hundreds of facelifts and it remains my absolute favorite procedure. I have also published my findings and techniques in facial rejuvenation surgery here for those are interested.

‪Dr Lee Seng Khoo‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬

Why? Because nothing else can achieve the same results. Facelifts are an incredibly precise and methodical surgery, performed with intricate techniques to ensure every detail is just right. The results last, typically providing over 10+ years of rejuvenation with a single treatment.

If there were a device that could do the same thing, I’d be the first one to get it. But as of now, nothing compares to the long-term benefits a facelift can provide. It’s like the difference between a horse and a car—the automobile revolutionized travel, and once it was invented, nobody wanted to go back to the horse-drawn carriage. Similarly, if a better solution than the facelift existed, the entire field of facial surgery would shift. But that’s just not the case.

Again, I’m not here to discredit non-surgical treatments. Many of them can be effective for minor signs of aging, but if you’re dealing with significant sagging, you have to understand the limitations. Do your research, and don’t let anyone (including yourself who cling on to a belief that isn’t true) push you into a treatment that won’t deliver the results you’re hoping for.

When it comes to facelifts, the key is to choose a surgeon with experience and a portfolio of real, patient-driven before-and-after results. You should always feel comfortable asking for those, and any reputable surgeon will be more than happy to share them.

I hope this clarifies the importance of facelifts in facial rejuvenation. The “F-word” no longer needs to be a scary term. It’s about informed choices and understanding what will give you the best, most natural results.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I truly appreciate your interest, and I look forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Yours Sincerely,

Dr Lee Seng Khoo

‪Dr Lee Seng Khoo‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬