When you look in the mirror, do you see sagging skin around your jaw and neckline? Have the fold lines between the nose and corners of the mouth deepened over the years? Have you developed jowls that make you look older? Are you dissatisfied with your facial appearance and desire a fresh, more youthful look? Then a facelift may be the right procedure for you.
What Is A Facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to correct skin sagging, particularly in the lower two thirds of the face. Typically, the jaw and neckline are targeted. The surgery will improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck. Patients can look years younger as the facelift restores the contours of the face.
What Causes Facial Skin To Sag As We Age?
A number of factors can affect skin laxity in the face. As we age, the skin naturally thins and loses elasticity. It becomes more susceptible to wrinkles, sagging, and moisture loss. Collagen provides structure and support for the skin, but the body produces less and lower quality collagen over the years. Existing collagen also breaks down, and it becomes harder for the body to produce more.
Sun exposure, genetics, and even some medications play a part in the skin thinning as we get older. Lifestyle choices including smoking, alcohol use, and diet also contribute to premature aging and thinning of the skin. Additionally, loss of facial fat can lead to the appearance of sunken or hollow cheeks.
How Can A Facelift Help?
A facelift is a highly individualized procedure. During a facelift, the surgeon can sculpt or redistribute fat from the face, jowls, and neck. Facial muscles can be lifted to help bring them back to a more youthful position. Excess skin is trimmed away as the skin is repositioned over the uplifted contours.
A facelift is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. Incisions may be made around the ears, in the hairline, and underneath the chin. A good candidate for this surgery is a nonsmoker who has realistic expectations for the procedure.
Are The Results Permanent?
A facelift will not stop the aging process. The results are not permanent, as the skin may sag again with age. In general, a facelift lasts about ten years. Since a facelift only addresses the lower two thirds of the face, a patient may choose to have other procedures at the same time. An eyelid lift, brow lift, or neck contouring may address other areas of concern and help the patient achieve their overall goals of facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Cristina Keusch is a Board-Certified plastic surgeon, experienced in facelift surgery. Take the first step and book a consultation today.
