Are you one of the many men and women today looking for a more youthful appearance? Yes, face lift surgery can indeed reverse the many signs of aging by undoing the work of years of gravity. With modern advances in plastic surgery various lift procedures provide a very natural look rather than a pulled back, stretched, or “windswept” appearance. And in combination with other procedures for a full facial rejuvenation you’ll look every bit as young and healthy as you feel.
Most candidates for a facelift are in their 50s. But some wait until they’re in their 60s or 70s, and many have additional treatments during those years. On the other hand, well over a forth of plastic surgery patients are under 30 years old.
Exactly What is a Facelift?
Technically called a rhytidectomy, there are many types of lift procedures that remove excess skin, and many types also tighten and relocate underlying tissue (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhytidectomy). Age is clearly shown by deep anatomical structures as well, so modern procedures involve more than simply pulling back and tightening loose skin but tightens the underlying muscle as well.
The Process
A lift procedure actually begins with a careful evaluation and detailed discussion. The plastic surgeon will analyze your particular features, discuss your overall goals as well as your key concerns, and prepare a detailed surgical and post-surgical plan.
After anesthesia face lift surgery itself begins with an incision, typically just in front of your ears and one under your chin, so as to retain your current hair line, and often includes repositioning soft tissue and muscles before the skin is re-draped and closed without stretching. Additionally fillers may be used for a more youthful appearance, tightening cheeks and improving the contour of your neck and chin. A face lift procedure may be combined with other types of plastic surgery such as a brow lift, a forehead lift, or a neck lift for the very best results. A great deal of knowledge, skill, and experience are necessary for a look that doesn’t stand out as artificial.
Recovery
Pain is typically quite minor and usually only occurs during the first 24 hours. But patients need 2 to 3 weeks off for recovery. Many return to work after 10-14 days, when there’s no longer any noticeable bruising or swelling. After about 6 weeks your face returns to a completely normal appearance and you can fully resume prior levels of activity and exercise. Friends you haven seen for a while may comment on a change, but know know exactly what it is.
After wrapping your head to reduce swelling, the first two days of recovery require special care and antibiotics before you return home. You’ll need to keep your head elevated for about 10 days. There is normally a follow up appointment after about 7 to 8 days, and another at around 12 days for removing stitches and scar management. You’re then ready to continue with skin care and have a check-in after about 3 months.
The Benefits of Face Lift
Face lift surgery reverses the signs of aging re-suspending a sagging face to take off the years so you’ll look in your prime for greater confidence. No claims are made, but it’s commonly assumed that face lift surgery takes about ten years off the clock. With no more loose skin specific benefits include a more youthful neck contour, reduced or removed jowls, smile lines, crows feet, or deep creases. A skilled cosmetic surgeon can restore facial contours, including the jaw line, increase symmetry, and decrease hollowing. A face lift procedure is often combined with other cosmetic surgery such as a neck lift, resurfacing, and eyelid surgery for a full facial rejuvenation.
Results of newer techniques are more natural looking, and last longer. With proper attention to aesthetics you and those around you will appreciate a unique, youthful, and harmonious appearance.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon
In choosing your plastic surgeon, education, training, and board certification are paramount. You also want a cosmetic surgeon experienced in aesthetics to tailor a procedure to your individual facial characteristics. At the same time they should also be fully up to date on latest in facial aging and natural looking rejuvenation results. You may also wish to choose a practice associated with a surgery hotel for your privacy, convenience, and comfort. Dr Ha recommends a 1 to 2 night stay at hotel next to the surgical facility for pain control and monitoring.
Dr. Ha has always been an outstanding individual. A high school valedictorian, he graduated with honors from Brown University and received a research scholarship at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Ha completed his internship and residency at the highly prestigious University of Texas Southwest Medical Center, and received a fellowship in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is well known for his aesthetic skill in highlighting each patient’s natural beauty and how his practice provides patients with a relaxed atmosphere. Conveniently located adjacent to the Dallas Day Surgery Center, the Cloister Luxury Hotel provides around-the-clock nursing care as well as concierge service.