Next to rhinoplasty (more commonly referred to as a “nose job”), face lift (technically known as a rhytidectomy) is the most commonly-performed plastic surgery procedure. An Old Procedure
Most people are surprised to learn that the first face lift was actually performed in 1901 by a plastic surgeon working in Germany. In those days, the procedure was relatively unrefined and involved the use of scalpels and sutures.
While scalpels are still used, surgeons have modern laser techniques at their disposal as well, making the operation faster and less uncomfortable while getting better results that ever before.
What To Expect
The first step is to call your local Denver face lift specialist and set up an initial consultation. S/he can answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.
How It’s Done
The surgeon makes the initial incision just in front of the ear and extending up to the hairline, over the top of the ear and around the bottom, ending near the hairline on the back of the patient’s neck.
The next step is to undermine, or separate the top layers of skin from the underlying tissues. At this point, these tissues may be tightened up with the use of sutures. The outer skin is “redraped,” or stretched; the surgeon will determine how much excess should be removed. Once this is done, the surgeon uses sutures or staples to close the incisions.
Are There Risks?
Of course, any surgical procedure, whether it is a simple tonsillectomy or advanced brain surgery, involves some degree of risk. Denver face lift specialists have an especially good track record, and in any event, rhytidectomy is one of the lower-risk surgical procedures commonly performed today.
It should be noted that cigarette smokers, diabetics and those suffering from hypertension are usually not good candidates for a face lift; if you are among those who suffer from one or more of these conditions, you should consult with your primary care physician before calling a Denver Face Lift specialist.
Are You a Good Candidate?
In Denver, Face Lift candidates are women with relatively thin skin and good bone structure, and are otherwise in good health. It should be noted that while Denver Face Lift services are available for men as well as women, achieving a natural look with men is more difficult to the fact that men have facial hair while most women do not.
