Article: Facelift FactsRamsey J. Choucair, M.D.
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FACELIFT FACTS
Human
nature dictates that individuals want to maintain a youthful
appearance; however, reality paints a different picture. Facial aging
is predicable and inevitable. Neck skin sags, jawlines become
irregular, eyelids bulge, eyebrows droop, and foreheads wrinkle. These
visual signs of fading youth occur at different ages depending upon
genetic predisposition, lifestyle variables and environmental factors.
Modern surgical techniques can successfully rejuvenate the aging face,
safely and predictably restoring youthful contours.
WHAT TECHNIQUES ARE AVAILABLE?
A
facelift (rhytidectomy) is generally perceived as the most glamorous of
cosmetic surgery procedures. There are several facelift techniques
including a simple “skin-only lift,” a “skin and deep layer (SMAS)
lift” and a more sophisticated “composite lift.” Experienced plastic
surgeons are often well-versed in several facelift techniques, and
tailor the procedure to meet individual needs.
In its
purest form, a “facelift” means lifting the skin of the cheeks, jawline
and neck to improve the facial contour that has fallen over time.
Surgery of the eyebrows, forehead and eyelids are typically not
included in the term “facelift.” In addition, treatment of fine
wrinkles of the facial skin is addressed with other procedures, such as
laser resurfacing, dermabrasion or chemical peels.
THE TECHNIQUES:
Skin only:
The
oldest approach to facelifting, allowing a faster recovery (five to
seven days), and employing a unidirectional lift. Skin relaxation is
common, leading to early recurrence of aging.
Skin and deep layer (SMAS) lift:
A
two-layer lift, including the deeper muscle layer, potentially
providing more long-lasting results. An unbalanced rejuvenation may
occur over time when other components of the face (i.e., eyes, brow)
are not done. Recovery is usually seven to ten days.
Composite lift:
An
advanced technique, employing multi-directional movement of skin,
facial fat and muscle in one unit. Includes the eyelid and browlift
procedures to create a balanced rejuvenation that ages gracefully
without a “facelifted” appearance. Recovery time is slightly longer
since more is done (fourteen to twenty-one days).
What is the best age for a facelift?
A
very common question, without a “correct” answer. Some guidelines
include: 1) when facial aging progresses to the point that surgical
intervention is clearly beneficial, and 2) when an individual is
physically and mentally motivated to reverse the changes associated
with facial aging.
How long will a facelift last?
Another
frequent question without a clear answer. Factors such as skin type,
age, sun damage, genetic factors and often the original facelift
technique all contribute to the so-called ‘longevity’ of a facelift.
The benefit of a facelift actually never ends, as facelifted
individuals will look better at any subsequent age.
Some patients,
based on their own criteria, desire to maintain a youthful appearance,
and will elect to have a secondary surgery. The time period between an
initial facelift and subsequent treatment is quite subjective,
depending upon the criteria of each patient and surgeon.
What is a mid-facelift?
A
“mid-facelift” is a relatively new term describing procedures that
improve the area along the mid-cheek and lower eyelid region. These
procedures are often done with limited incisions and commonly performed
on individuals with early signs of aging. It is not a substitute for a
facelift, as it does not address the irregularities of the jawline and
neck. A mid-face procedure is actually incorporated into newer, more
advanced facelift procedures.
What about recovery?
Recovering
from a facelift usually means being out of work or away from strenuous
physical activities for one or two weeks. More complex procedures
require a longer recovery period since more is done. The more
sophisticated techniques are performed because surgeons believe they
will last longer and provide a more balanced rejuvenation, avoiding a
“facelifted” look. More specifically, the recovery time increases any
time lower eyelid surgery is performed.
How do I find the right surgeon?
Perhaps
the most important factor in successful facelift surgery is the surgeon
you choose. Board certification, experience and special expertise and
training in cosmetic surgery are a good start. Often as important as
your surgeon’s technical skills is your trust in the surgeon’s ability
to effectively communicate with you. Experienced surgeons focus upon
your goals and will advise you of the predictability of reaching the
desired improvement from surgery.
None of us want to look
old. Accordingly, each individual deals with aging in their own
personal way. You may want to age gracefully…certainly understandable
when you consider that the alternative is surgery. However, if your
appearance does not reflect your active spirit and energetic attitude,
you may consider facial cosmetic surgery. Modern surgical techniques
may safely and successfully renew the facial contours you remember.
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