Facelift
A facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the face and neck in those with age-related changes to the skin and underlying supportive tissues. As we age there is relaxation of the facial skin and fat resulting in sagging and jowl formation. The fold lines between the nose and the corner of the mouth deepen. Laxity of the neck skin and unsupported fat result in a “double chin” or “turkey neck”.
How our faces age is dependent upon our genetic make-up, which is out of our control, as well as the lifestyle choices that we make. The two biggest causes of premature aging are excessive sun exposure and smoking. Aging is inevitable but can be tempered by a skin-specific routine of care, daily and sufficient application of sunscreen/sunblock, and timely use of neurotoxins and fillers. Such steps may prolong the need for a facelift, but will never replace it.
Decades ago face lifting techniques were solely dependent upon removing excess skin which often resulted in a tight, unnatural appearance. The modern facelift repositions fat and supporting tissues into their more youthful position resulting in a longer-lasting, more subtle, and more natural facial appearance.
A recent phenomenon is that the patient’s age at the time of a facelift is younger than in the previous generation. Patients aren’t waiting until they are in their sixties to undergo surgery. It is not usual to see facelift patients in their late forties or early fifties. While this may seem counterintuitive, having a facelift when your skin and tissues are firmer leads to a correction that lasts longer. And more men than ever are having facial cosmetic surgery as well. Motivators include workforce pressures and a desire to feel more self-confident in the world of dating.
A facelift may be done under local anesthesia with monitored sedation or general surgery. It can be combined with other procedures such a forehead lift or eyelid surgery. Most often facelift surgery is outpatient surgery.
You will be seen by the doctor the day after surgery for a dressing change and removal of any drains. Your recovery will depend upon the extent of the surgery and whether or not any ancillary procedures were done. Light activity is permitted the day following surgery progressing to more normal activities over the next two weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for six weeks.
Of course, as soon as the last stitch has been placed, the aging process will start again. To best maintain your rejuvenated appearance it will be very important to integrate medical-grade skincare and sun protection into your daily routine. A maintenance program of nonsurgical treatments such as neurotoxins and fillers administered by a physician will aid in prolonging your beautiful result.
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