Facelift surgery is aptly named. It lifts portions of the face, eliminating excess skin, wrinkles, fat deposits and increases muscle tone, leaving a look that can also be uplifting for the patient’s self image. Generally, it is performed as key signs of aging appear or become more prominent. Men as well as women find they benefit from the procedure.
About the Procedure
A facelift is usually performed any time after age 40, most often in the decades when people are most active, but it can also benefit individuals in their 70s and 80s. Because all faces are different, a special surgical plan is developed based on a person’s bone structure, facial contours, skin condition and hairline. Incisions are often made along the contour of the ear and above the hairline. Some tissues may be removed, while others are tightened and lifted. Muscles may be tightened in the face and neck and significant amounts of fat deposits and excess skin may be removed. The goal may be an improved jaw line, elimination of major lines leading from the nose to the mouth, changing the appearance of check areas, or removal of sagging or jowl-like features.
Considerations
• Additional procedures may be advisable to complete the improvement in your appearance. You may wish to consider: eyelid surgery, a forehead lift, nose reshaping or skin treatments to remove wrinkles.
• Persons who anticipate losing weight – 15 pounds or more – may want to consider postponing a facelift.
• Be sure to inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, blood clotting problems or are prone to scarring.
• The patient must be nonsmoking.
