16 Aug Your Facelift Journey Begins Now
The first facial plastic surgery most people consider is a facelift. It is one of the most popular procedures at Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, whether you are thinking about a full facelift or mini facelift. Any surgery is a big undertaking that requires careful thought and research. If you’re just beginning to wonder if a facelift is for you, right now is the perfect time to educate yourself on everything this surgery entails.
A “facelift” can entail various different approaches and techniques. Unlike facelifts of decades past, today’s facelifts provide a natural look that can still take years off of your appearance. Incision sites are artfully hidden in the creases of the ear or, in some cases, in the hairline. When the latter approach is needed, this uses a “ponytail facelift” so that patients never have to worry about tell-tale scarring behind the ears.
The Difference of Today’s Facelift
In the 1990s and early aughts, facelifts were sometimes a punch line because of the extreme “windswept” look. This was caused by pulling the skin taut but not addressing signs of aging below the superficial layer. Of course, poor surgical skills also played a role in this unfortunate result. Today, a reputable board-certified surgeon does much more than trim away excess skin and pull the dermis tight. Underlying tissues and muscles are also addressed, which allows for a natural outcome.
The recovery period for a facelift is also surprisingly faster than many patients anticipate. In many cases, patients feel confident getting back to a lot of daily activities after just one or two weeks. However, this is still a major surgery that requires planning and support. Patients will need to take time off of work and require respite from household tasks (including most parts of parenting) for at least a few days post-operation. Having help in the home is essential for a smooth recovery.
There’s No Such Thing as an Easy Facelift
It is fantastic that today’s facelifts can look so organic, and a mini facelift is an option for younger patients who want to delay a full facelift by a few years. Still, facelifts are not an “easy” surgery that should be undertaken lightly. A highly skilled surgeon will often have a waitlist of several months for a consultation and longer still for surgery. Make ample use of this time to get more information on facelifts and make sure this is the surgery for you. In the interim, there are many non-surgical solutions for improving your skin—and many of these complement a facelift.
Bear in mind that a facelift will not change the quality of the skin itself beyond improving laxity. If your skin has hyperpigmentation, rosacea sequelae, acne scarring, or any other common skin condition, a facelift will not correct this. Instead, options like lasers, microneedling, or chemical peels can all be undertaken now in preparation for a future facelift. It is rare for a patient to require “just” a surgery or non-surgical treatment to achieve optimal results. Preparing the skin for a future facelift with non-surgical solutions can be a great way to make sure you are thrilled with the ultimate results.
Facelift Trends
The innovation of facelift techniques has led to even more people choosing this surgery. In fact, both men and women as young as in their thirties (and well into their golden years) are routinely choosing to turn back the clock with surgical intervention. Facelifts can restore a youthful appearance, helping patients to look more than a decade younger. Still, any surgery comes with inherent risks. The waiting period prior to a consultation is the perfect time to check in with yourself and be certain that this is the route you want to take.
Many people find that one full facelift is all they need and desire in their lifetime. Others realize 10+ years after their first surgery that they would benefit from a “refresher.” As long as a person is a healthy adult, they might be a good candidate for a facelift (or second facelift!). If you’d like to learn more about facelift options, connect with Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center today by calling the office or completing the online form.