Is the term "face-lift" perceived negatively?

While working on a software user interface update, I used the term "face-lift".

I was now told to rephrase my sentences and avoid the term "face-lift", because it is associated with mostly negative feelings in American English use.

According to Merriam Webster I am using it according to the second definition:

2 : an alteration, restoration, or restyling (as of a building) intended especially to modernize

which doesn't sound bad to me.

Unfortunately, Merriam Webster does neither give me an indicator on how often the term is use, nor how it is perceived.

Can someone confirm that negative sentiment of the term "face-lift" in the US (ideally with a credible source, not only another personal opinion), or is it just a single person's opinion I should not take too seriously?

Solution 1:

"Face lift" (which I have also seen as "face-lift" and "facelift") involves only cosmetic changes, not structural changes are made.

There might be a perception that the face lift has been done to hide some flaws.

In a house it is not unusual to find that vinyl siding is hiding rotting wood.

There is nothing inherent in the term that says it is hiding something, but it is clearly stated that only the surfaces have been addressed.

If someone wanted to say that all the structural issues have been addressed in a house remodel (for example) they might say, "We went down to the studs", which means that they exposed all of the structure. It does not mean that they addressed all of the deficiencies however (though it is implied).

So if your software face lift only addresses the appearance of the pages and does not make any functional changes, then "face lift" works for me.

You can also "freshen the appearance of the interface" or "update the appearance" or "modernize the appearance" all of which clearly states that only the "look" of the interface is changing.

This can be a good thing.

"We have modernized the look of our interface while retaining all the features and controls that you are familiar with. No re-learning will be required."

Solution 2:

For an authoritative answer, google “bad face lift”.

Most of the pictures and commentaries are negative and mocking in tone.

Then google “good face lift”, and you’ll find mostly alternatives to the famous surgical procedure.

Such as: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/skincare/a18717463/facelift-alternative-skin-treatments/

Broadly speaking, facelift has more negative connotations than positive. You can use it in a neutral way and everyone will understand your meaning, but many will assume that you’re being ironic or self-deprecating, which may not be your actual intent.