Ten Reasons to Get a Dog Instead of a Facelift

According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American women underwent over 9 million cosmetic procedures last year. Americans spent almost $10.5 billion on cosmetic intervention in 2009. During that same time, some 2 million dogs were euthanized in this country. The Humane Society estimates that animal shelters care for between 6 and 8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States. As a dog lover and dog owner since childhood and a plastic surgeon for some 23 years, I believe I am an expert on the subject of the love of dogs and cosmetic surgery. While a facelift can be a wonderful and satisfying experience, I would like to share with you why I believe getting a dog is a better alternative:

1. They Offer A Lifetime Of Love

The average facelift lasts approximately five to 10 years, depending upon technique and individual's skin type. The average lifespan of a dog, depending on breed and size, is 12.8 years. However, long after your loving dog passes away, the memories of extraordinary times together will live in your heart forever. Once your facelift begins to sag, your only memory will be the price tag to have it re-done!

2. They Are Cheaper Dogs are cheaper than a facelift. The average facelift costs approximately $11,000, depending on the city and surgeon. You can rescue a dog from the shelter for free, and even the most expensive pedigree dog does not cost more than $1,500. Also, you will get a lot more bang for your buck with a dog because a dog will love and appreciate you forever.

3. They Make You Happier

It has been scientifically proven that owning a dog increases your lifespan! Numerous studies have shown that dog ownership lowers your blood pressure, encourages exercise, decreases stress and loneliness, lowers your cholesterol and thus enhances your health. Dogs can sniff out some forms of cancer and recognize early signs of seizures, enabling them to warn their human companion to lie down to prevent injury. To date, no studies have been able to document any of the same health benefits from a facelift.  Road Dog:

4. They Often Have Better Breath

A puppy's breath is special and sweet; your plastic surgeon's breath is a crap-shoot.

5. They Can Be Your Hang-Out Buddy

Your plastic surgeon will hang around for a little while after your facelift, but your dog will happily be your companion and friend offering unconditional love for life.

6. They Won't Cause Talking Behind Your Back

People won't mock and sneer at you behind your back if you get a dog. A facelift?

7. They Fetch

You can teach your dog to do tricks; a facelift, not so much.

8. They Cuddle

After a long day or a horrible emotional experience, you can cuddle up with your dog and feel a lot better; not so with a facelift.

9. They Aren't Nearly As Risky

Possible complications encountered after a facelift include permanent facial nerve injury, poor scarring, bleeding, skin loss or irregularities and infection. The worst complication encountered with a well-loved dog includes an accident on the living room floor or a chewed slipper.

10. They Care

You can train your pet to be a Certified Therapy Dog and partner up with your dog and volunteer your services visiting sick patients in the hospital or troubled children in school. Animal-assisted therapy is a type of therapy that involves an animal with specific characteristics becoming a fundamental part of a person's treatment. It is designed to improve the physical, social, emotional and/or cognitive functioning of the patient, as well as providing educational and motivational effectiveness for participants. The experience is incredibly rewarding. People respond favorably after visiting with a dog; a visit with a facelift just isn't the same!

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