Facelifts, also known as rhytidectomies, offer those wishing
to improve their appearance dramatically. There are several facelift
procedures, but simple facelifts do not result in the ‘wind-tunnel’ effect or
‘surprised look’ that is sometimes caused by more extreme facelifts. Recovery
from a simple facelift is easier and has fewer complications than the more
extreme variety of facelifts. Further, there is less chance of bruising and
stretching and they are considerably less expensive.
When considering a facelift, consultation is done with the
surgeon to determine your qualifications and type of procedure appropriate for
you. You will be asked about your history, be given a physical exam and
administered a blood test. Be forewarned, many doctors will not do a facelift
on people who smoke or have smoked, as this may have serious complications.
Sometimes the best results of the facelift procedure are
attained by combining several surgical procedures, such as liposuction, brow
lift, fat transfer, blepharoplasty, laser, or chin and cheek implants—all
depending on the patient’s needs.
During a simple facelift procedure, the surgeon will make
incisions that follow the contours of the ear but hidden in your hair. This
will produce modest, permanent scarring in most cases. The best improvement
with a facelift is seen in the jowl area and under the neck, while the folds
around the mouth, commonly known as nasal-labial folds, are not usually
improved much with a simple facelift.
During surgery, after the ear contour incision is made, the
skin is undermined—pulled upwards and back toward the scalp line. The excess skin
is removed and is stitched or stapled into place. This is a typical, simple
facelift.
A newer technique is the ‘deep plane facelift’, which
involves going under the muscle of the face and pulling it along with the skin
to essentially make the facelift last longer. Some doctors choose a laser or
chemical peel before the surgery is performed; however, it should be a light
treatment only—anything too deep adds serious risks. Recovery and risk for deep
plane facelifts are more extensive than for a classic facelift.
Because the muscles and skin are being manipulated, it is
common for there to be some bruising, and the deeper the procedure, the more
bruising will occur. For deeper and more complex surgeries, the pain, swelling
and risks can also rise. However, it has been shown that some of the deeper
procedures produce a longer-lasting result, which may be favourable to some
patients.
Facelifts can provide excellent and dramatic results. They
can reduce the appearance of age and increase self-esteem in many people.
Healing times vary and it is important that you enter into your surgery knowing
that the full results can take weeks to appear. But rest assured, when healing
is all said and done, you will present a younger and smoother looking face to
the world—with the results apparent years after your facelift surgical
procedure.
Women tend to have better results than men do in a facelift;
however, men are sometimes good or even better candidates for the procedure
than women are. Sometimes after surgery, men may have to shave in new places,
as beard-growing skin may be slightly repositioned.
The effects of a facelift will not last forever—your skin
will continue to age and be affected by gravity. You may want to have another
facelift surgery five or ten years later for maintenance or improvement.
Information is consistent on facelifts across the board. As
with all surgical procedures, there are risks involved that you must discuss
with your doctor before surgery. Your own health record and practices can and
will affect your candidacy for surgery. Be sure to be truthful with your
physician to avoid as many side effects and risks as possible.
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