What is a facelift?

March 25, 2014, 7:45 am

Who doesn’t want to face the world by putting their best face forward? Perhaps lately you’ve noticed some sagging skin around the face or neck, or a deepening of wrinkles and facial lines. Unfortunately, time keeps marching forward and gravity continues its downward tug. What’s a person to do? It might be time to consider a facelift, also called rhytidectomy.

What is a facelift?

A facelift is a restorative surgery meant to correct visible signs of aging. Typically, a facelift is done to correct sagging skin in the face, jawline, and neck, as well as to treat deep creases below the lower eyelids or creases around the mouth. It may also treat excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw. A facelift can give you a refreshed, youthful look without drastically altering your appearance.

Am I a facelift candidate?

The ideal facelift candidate is a man or woman who is in overall good health, a non-smoker, and understands what a facelift can and can’t do. A facelift is ideal for correcting:

• Sagging facial skin and loose skin around the neck
• Deep facial lines and wrinkles
• Fat deposits and folds causing the appearance of jowls or a double chin

The benefits of a facelift over fillers

While dermal fillers may be a good short-term solution to minor facial problems, they do not provide permanent results and may not be adequate to treat all problems. To maintain results, filler treatments must be repeated. A facelift, on the other hand, offers results that will last for years and years, particularly if you practice healthy habits.

How do I maintain the results of my facelift?

After a facelift, the results will be mostly permanent; however, there are steps you should still take to maintain your results and protect your investment. First and foremost, be sure to follow Dr. Hlavacek’s recovery instructions and keep your follow-up appointments. Be sure to inform Dr. Hlavacek right away if you encounter any problems after surgery. After you are fully recovered, follow these steps to ensure lasting results:

Avoid smoking and excess alcohol — If you quit smoking prior to your facelift procedure, continue to remain smoke free, and if you were not a smoker previously, don’t start. If you drink alcohol, limit your intake to an occasional drink. Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption promote early signs of aging.

Sun protection — Always protect your skin from sun exposure by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses when outside. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat will protect your surgical incisions, as well as the more delicate skin around your eyes where fine wrinkles often start.

Nutrition and hydration — Ensure that you eat a diet filled with fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water. A healthy diet will not only keep your skin hydrated, but will also help you maintain a healthy weight — both important factors in maintaining skin elasticity that will promote your youthful glow.

Skincare — After your facelift surgery, follow a high quality skincare routine including cleansing and moisturizing. Dr. Hlavacek and his staff will be able to make recommendations about skincare products that are ideally suited to your skin type. If you wear makeup, be sure to always wash your face thoroughly before going to bed at night.

What are the risks?

A facelift is surgery, and like all surgeries carries with it associated risks. During your pre-surgery consultation, Dr. Hlavacek will go over the risks and considerations of surgery with your particular needs in mind. Some of the risks include:

• Excess scarring, bleeding, infection, or blood clots
• Adverse anesthesia reactions
• Changes in sensation, numbness, tingling, or persistent pain
• Asymmetry

Be sure to let Dr. Hlavacek know about any previous surgeries that you have had and if you had any complications, as well as what medications and supplements you are taking. You may be asked to temporarily stop some medications prior to surgery. Open communication with Dr. Hlavacek at all points in your facelift journey will ensure maximum results while minimizing risks.

Take the next step

If you have been considering a facelift or fillers, call Kansas City Surgical Arts today to schedule a consultation to learn more about your options and which procedure might be best for you. Call us today at 816-286-4126. We look forward to meeting you!