Plural of facelift: either a cosmetic surgery procedure to tighten facial skin, or a general renovation or improvement to make something look newer.
From 'face' plus 'lift', originally a surgical term from the 1920s-30s. It became metaphorical ('give something a facelift') to mean any modernization or refresh.
The term 'facelift' jumped from actual surgery to describe anything getting updated—like how cities get 'facelifts' or companies rebrand. It's a great example of how medical language becomes part of everyday speech!
Cosmetic surgery marketing has disproportionately targeted women since the 1960s, equating aging female faces with obsolescence and requiring 'correction.' Men aging visibly has been normalized as distinguished.
Use neutrally when discussing surgical procedures, but acknowledge that beauty standards driving demand are gendered. Avoid implying aging requires intervention.
["facial reconstruction","skin resurfacing","cosmetic procedure"]
Women have pioneered dermatological innovation and surgical technique; recognize female surgeons and researchers who advanced the field rather than centering the gendered consumption narrative.
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