Who Do You Want to See in the Mirror?
When you look in the mirror do you see a youthful, enthusiastic face looking back at you? Or do you avoid looking too closely at the old and tired image in the glass? At what point did you start seeing your mother staring back at you? We’re not implying your mother did not age gracefully, but let’s be frank. Who do you want to see in the mirror? If your answer was a more youthful and energized you, then you could be a candidate for facelift surgery.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift (also known as rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure with the purpose of reducing facial wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging to improve the appearance of your face and jawline. In recent years, the procedure has been gaining popularity. In 2017, plastic surgeons performed 82,410 facelift procedures on both women and men. The results are satisfying and long lasting, according to a long-term study of facelift patients.
In the hands of a skilled plastic surgeon, a facelift can achieve dramatic results. The doctor’s aim is to lift and tighten facial muscles to smooth out the contours and rejuvenate your appearance. Sagging skin and excess pockets of fat are removed, resulting in a tighter, more youthful appearance with minimal or no scarring and subtle, natural-looking effects.
The best candidates for facelift surgery
Facelift surgery used to be mainly a “female thing.” No longer! Men are also turning to rhytidectomy to erase the signs of aging and achieve a younger, rejuvenated look. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reports that facelifts are one of the top five plastic surgery procedures for men. The steps are typically the same for both sexes, and both men and women can enjoy outstanding cosmetic surgery results.
The appearance enhancing and confidence boosting effects of facelift surgery are not for everyone. Some patients may require less invasive procedures, such as injectable facial fillers. The best candidates for facelift surgery have spoken at length with their doctors to understand the potential outcome and begin with realistic expectations. An initial consultation with Dr. Brenda Draper at Asheville Aesthetic Plastic Surgery will determine whether a facelift is a good choice for you or if an alternative procedure is preferable.
Are You a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?
Here are some of the factors that help determine if you are a good candidate for plastic surgery:
- Good overall health. A facelift is a surgical procedure requiring healing and recovery time. Patients should inform their surgeons about any preexisting medical conditions prior to surgery. Patients with serious illness or life-threatening conditions are not good candidates for facelifts.
- Skin elasticity. During a facelift procedure your skin is tightened to lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Your skin needs to have the ability to conform to its new shape. For this reason, patients of advanced age need to discuss the procedure carefully with a doctor prior to surgery. Most patients are between the ages of 40 and 70. However, older patients can benefit from a facelift. Your doctor will evaluate your skin texture and determine whether the procedure will be effective for you.
- Bone structure. Well-defined bone structure provides support for new contours and aids in delivering satisfying results. Patients with non-descript facial structure may benefit from facial implants as an enhancement to facelift surgery.
- Loose, sagging skin on your face and neck. These are the prime targets of facelift surgery. Your doctor will trim loose skin and remove unwanted fat pockets during the procedure. Sometimes, for fatty, sagging jowls, your doctor may recommend liposuction as an adjunct to facelift surgery. In fact, facelifts are often combined with other procedures, such as brow lifts and eyelid surgery.
Considerations to Keep in Mind
Since getting a facelift is a surgical procedure, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Recovery time is needed. Plan on having someone to help you for the first few days as you relax and allow your face to heal. Recovery time is generally two to three weeks, but can be longer if you don’t follow your doctor’s post-op instructions. There will be some bruising and swelling, but most patients feel confident about facing the world again within a few weeks following surgery, depending on each patient’s healing ability. You will need to avoid direct sunlight on the incision sites for at least 12 months, and please try to refrain from smoking for at least three weeks. In fact, this might be just the opportunity you need to kick the habit!
So if you are unhappy with losing your youthful appearance, a facelift may be just what you need. Your face is your “crowning glory.” Reducing or eliminating lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin around your forehead, cheeks, eyes, neckline, chin, and jowls can go a long way towards enhancing your self-esteem and making you feel years younger.