A facelift, clinically known as a rhytidectomy, is performed to restore a more youthful appearance to the face. Changes in the body, along with gravity and sun damage tend to age our faces and create wrinkles and sagging skin that make us look much older than we actually are. For people who spend a lot of time outdoors, the elements wreak havoc on their skin and age them even faster. For others, simple genetics predispose us to our own rate of aging, often before we are prepared for it. A facelift is a cosmetic surgery option available to you if you are seeking a way to restore a more vibrant and youthful appearance to your facial features.
The Consultation
A successful facelift procedure, along with any other cosmetic surgery procedure depends largely on your communication with your doctor. Once you have verified that he or she has the training and experience you desire, you must participate in a thorough consultation together.
You will be asked many questions about your medical history, your lifestyle, and why you are electing to undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure. Some points you should be prepared to discuss include:
• Your medical status past and present, including previous treatments and allergies
• Why you want the procedure and what you expect for results
• Options available to you
• Surgery results and risks, general information about your procedure
The Procedure
A traditional facelift procedure can involve incisions that are made in the patient's hairline. The incisions may run from just behind the ears and up to the scalp, near the temples. If the patient's neck is involved in the procedure, another small incision is made below the chin.
Some cosmetic surgeons offer short scar facelifts instead of the traditional facelift. This allows the surgeon the ability to leave less scar tissue. It also offers less bruising and a shorter recovery period, although results are also often more limited.
After the incisions have been made, the surgeon separates the patient's skin from the fat and muscles. If necessary, some of the fat will be suctioned from the area with a facial liposuction procedure.
The muscles and other tissues are tightened and the skin is trimmed and re-draped over the face. The incisions are then stitched carefully, so that any scarring left from the procedure will be minimal and concealed within the hairline or around the ears.
Facelift Candidates
The best candidate for a facelift procedure, whether male or female, is in good general health and has realistic expectations when choosing to undergo a facelift procedure. Ideal patients should have a solid bone structure and their skin should still have a relatively good amount of elasticity.
Generally facelifts are a good option for people in between the ages of 40 and 60. Depending on good skin care habits, exposure and family genetics, it is usually somewhere in this age range that the effects of time and gravity begin showing themselves. Facelifts are by no means limited to these age ranges, however.
If you are considering undergoing a facelift or any other cosmetic surgery procedure, please visit the website of Dr. Richard B. Linderman today for more information.
