A facelift is often referred to as a rhytidectomy. This is a type of cosmetic surgery that aims to provide the face with a smoother and younger-looking appearance. The lower portion of the face is reshaped by removing the excess skin. The procedure can also tighten the jowls. This is the hanging and loose skin surrounding the jaw line. Deep creases can be eliminated from around the nose and mouth as well as the fat and hanging, excess skin on the neck, and beneath the chin. During the surgery, the underlying tissues are tightened. This procedure can be combined with other treatments to enhance the eyelids, brows, cheeks and forehead. In 2017, almost 14,000 men and more than 107,000 women had this surgery. This is currently the fifth most popular type of cosmetic surgery.
This surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis and requires a number of hours. The individual is usually able to go home the same day the procedure was performed. During a traditional facelift, a surgical opening is made by the surgeon behind the ears. The skin covering the deeper fat and muscles is lifted by the surgeon and gently pulled upwards. The excess skin is then removed and the deep facial tissues tightened. If the neck is being lifted as well, the surgeon can tighten the deeper tissues and the skin.
The best candidates for this procedure are concerned with the signs of aging on their face, yet still have some elasticity in their skin. The majority of individuals are in their forties to seventies. This surgery may also be occasionally performed on older adults. It is very important the individual is in overall good mental and physical health. It is critical all expectations are kept realistic. This surgery will not make one person look like another or completely change their appearance. This surgery restores a younger-looking face and eliminates some of the most common signs of aging.
The first step is to have a consultation with the surgeon. The surgeon will examine the proportions of the face and make recommendations. Minor changes such as a chin implant may be suggested. Photographs are usually taken to properly assess the individual’s face and to compare with photographs taken after the procedure. The surgeon can then recommend the type of procedure best suited to the individual. It is important to understand every facelift is unique. The procedure is based on numerous factors including age, environmental factors like exposure to the sun and specific facial characteristics such as overactive muscles in the forehead or a small chin. No two procedures are exactly the same.
It is important to ensure the surgeon has a full medical history of the individual such as any diseases and all current medications. The surgeon will most likely ask questions regarding the psychological and emotional outlook of the individual concerning the procedure. The surgeon understands this is an extremely personal decision and only wants to help. The procedure will reposition the fat, skin and muscles to achieve a more youthful look. This is one of the best possible options for the reversal of aging on the face. There are additional procedures that can be performed at the same time to enhance the results. The benefits of these procedures will be fully explained by the surgeon. It is important to understand the options to help the individual make the right choices.
During the day of the procedure, the individual should wear comfortable and loose clothing. It is important to have a friend or family member drive the individual to and from the procedure. It is recommended to have this person remain for a day or two after the surgery. If the individual smokes, they will be given instructions by the surgeon regarding the best way to quit smoking. This will help with the healing process and make certain there is a proper recovery. Certain medications must be discontinued for a period of time both before and after the procedure. The actual length of time will be set by the surgeon. This includes aspirin, specific vitamins, and certain prescription medications such as blood thinners.
The surgeon uses the areas with natural creases to make the openings. This may include the contour and back of the ear and the temple in front. This enables the surgeon to access the connective tissues and muscle to make the necessary manipulations. Excess skin or fat may also be removed during the procedure. The length of time required is dependent on exactly what changes are being made. It is critical the individual follows the instructions provided by the surgeon regarding the right way to take care of the treatment site while healing.
The Benefits of a Facelift
The aging process causes the skin of the face to wrinkle, droop, and sag. Sometimes these changes make the individual feel much older than their actual age. One of the most frequent issues is loose skin on the neck or beneath the chin. This issue does not have to remain permanent and can be addressed effectively with a neck and facelift. This procedure offers a lot of benefits. Numerous individuals decide to have this surgery due to hanging or loose jowls. This detracts from the aesthetic appeal of the jawline. The procedure removes the loose jowls and provides a slimmer, tighter and much sleeker jawline. The jawline is carefully sculpted and restored to a natural, pleasing, and sharp position.
One of the most obvious indications of aging on the face is a loose pouch of sagging skin. Unfortunately, the best aging cream on the market is not capable of tightening the skin or reversing the damage caused by too much exposure to the sun, the aging process and the loss of volume. All of the deep facial muscles in the neck and face can be tightened during this procedure. This enables the surgeon to remove the excess skin without causing the opening line to be pulled and tightened, causing too much tension. The final result is a more youthful and smoother appearance without a pinched or tight look. The individual simply appears younger and more rested without anyone realizing they have had surgery. A skillful and experienced surgeon can provide results that are both amazing and natural.
Many individuals begin to feel self-conscious due to deep lines and wrinkles in the face due to the aging process. Aging can also cause the loss of tissue structure and volume, leaving the neck and face with a worn and undesirable appearance. During the procedure, the tissue structures are restored to the correct position. This can be augmented using either fillers or fat to replace the loss of volume from aging. The procedure restores the volume, softens the lines and wrinkles and takes years off the actual age of the individual.
One of the main reasons so many individuals hesitate to have this procedure is because they are afraid of being unrecognizable after the surgery. They believe everyone will be aware they have had this procedure. This is not true. The procedure simply brings out the best version of each individual.
The surgeon ensures the individual does not lose the features that contribute to their uniqueness. The incisions are meticulously placed and closed using precision and skill. The only way anyone can be certain the individual has had this procedure is if the individual chooses to tell them. Friends and family will attribute the new look to receiving more rest and living a healthier lifestyle. The individual looks younger as opposed to just having had surgery. In some instances, the individual chooses to combine this procedure with other options to enhance the final result. Although this surgery provides dramatic results for the lower portion of the face, the eyes and forehead are not affected by this procedure.
One of the most commonly performed procedures included is called an eye lift or blepharoplasty. This procedure corrects signs of aging surrounding the eyes. This can be used to correct the lower or upper eyelids or both. A brow lift tightens the skin of the forehead while lifting the brow into a younger and more appealing position. The majority of facelift procedures include a moderate neck lift. Some individuals specifically request an additional lift. More youthful volume can be achieved through the use of fat grafting. The fat of the individual is used to restore the contours and volume lost due to the aging process.
As you can see, there are various procedures that may be used to enhance the results of the procedure. This includes injecting fillers or fat to decrease wrinkles, improving the texture and tone of the skin with resurfacing techniques and improving contours through fat transfer or facial implants. A neck lift is often used with a traditional lift to address the loss of fat and volume beneath the neck as well as sagging jowls.
When all is said and done, the individual sees a more rested and younger appearance. In many cases, the confidence of the individual increases after this procedure.
Get In Touch with Us for More Information
If you are interested in having a facelift, please feel free to reach out and make an appointment with the office of Dr. Steven Dayan. At our convenient location in Chicago, IL, our caring and devoted team of professionals will be pleased to address any questions or concerns you may have and tell you more information about this popular procedure. A facelift may be just what you have been looking for to achieve your goals. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!
