The facelift procedure, also known as a rhytidectomy, is helpful in minimizing different signs of skin aging including facial wrinkles and fine lines. The ultimate objective of a facelift procedure is to enhance the overall look of your face and jawline.
People opt for a traditional facelift surgery with the goal of reversing the undesirable effects of aging, stress, and exposure to various environmental elements such as the sun and wind. It is possible to combine a traditional facelift with various other cosmetic treatments such as a cheek augmentation, rhinoplasty, lip augmentation, and a blepharoplasty.
What to Expect
In a traditional facelift, your surgeon will make an incision in your hairline and take it down around your ear and lower scalp. The process may involve sculpting or redistribution of fat from the jowls, neck, and face.
Repositioning the underlying tissue and lifting the deep muscles commonly take place. Your surgeon will work to re-drape the skin over the newly uplifted contours while trimming away the excess skin.
Sometimes, another incision, right below the chin, might be needed for further improvement of a wrinkled neck. Skin adhesives or sutures are used to close the incisions in a traditional facelift procedure. The result is a more aesthetically appealing and rejuvenated facial structure.
General anesthesia or intravenous sedation is typically administered in a traditional facelift surgery.
Candidacy
The best candidates for a traditional facelift are those who have realistic goals and expectations. They are prepared to follow the instructions given by their cosmetic surgeon, both pre and post operation. A detailed consultation with your doctor can help you understand whether or not you are a suitable candidate for a traditional facelift surgery.
There are several critical traits that are shared by good candidates for this particular surgery. These traits include decent skin elasticity (flexible and naturally supple skin), a strong bone structure, loose facial skin (or neck skin) and good general health.
The majority of the patients who undergo a traditional facelift are in the age group of 40-70 years, but this does not mean that people who have crossed 70 years of age cannot get a facelift surgery for themselves.
A consultation with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon will help in evaluating each individual’s skin condition and texture and help in making a judgment regarding candidacy.
Recovery and Results
Your plastic surgeon may place a bandage around your face to reduce bruising and swelling after the surgery is completed. Temporary thin tubes might also be used to drain out any extra fluid or blood that gets collected beneath the skin.
You can prolong the youthful and rejuvenated appearance of your face after a facelift surgery by protecting it from the sun and following a healthy lifestyle (minimal alcohol consumption, no smoking, exercise, nutritious diet).
The visible results of a traditional facelift procedure begin to appear as the bruising and swelling subside. You will not only be able to achieve a more rested and youthful appearance, but will also feel more self-assured and confident.
Contact Our Office
If the appearance of your face is causing you to have a lack of confidence in yourself, then it is time to consider a facelift. Contact us to find out more about the procedure and how it can benefit you. Dr. Troy Andreasen, a board-certified plastic surgeon, will answer any of the questions you have and guide you toward the great looks you desire.
