The Bare Aesthetics of Face Lift Surgery: Rejuvenated, Refreshed and Natural

Wednesday the 27th of January, 2010 No Comments »

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The process of aging is literally written on our faces. We can’t stop the process of aging, but there are increased options to rejuvenate and refresh our appearance. Our face is the first part of our body people notice and can leave a lasting impression. Many people, men and women, seek to pursue Face lift surgery as a means to achieve a refreshed and more youthful appearance, often wanting their appearance to reflect the way they feel. How often does someone say you look tired, and then you feel tired? Contrast this with being told you look well!

Prior to pursuing Face Lift surgery, there are various things to consider.

It is important to seek a consultation with a certified practicing Cosmetic Surgeon who is experienced in performing Face Lift surgery and can provide information about the various techniques available. Face lift surgery should not be a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Each individual’s characteristics and concerns should be evaluated by the Cosmetic Surgeon. For example, for one person a brow lift and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) may be recommended to address a heavy brow and sagging eye tissues. For another person, a face lift including a neck lift might be more appropriate to address sagging cheeks and jowls. For yet another person, the Cosmetic Surgeon may recommend a face lift with a blepharoplasty.

Face lift surgery should not result in a wind swept, stretched or tight look. An experienced Cosmetic Surgeon will seek a natural looking result that addresses lines and wrinkles without over stretching or pulling the facial tissues. It is also important to discuss with the surgeon where the incisions are placed. Again, an experienced Cosmetic surgeon will seek to hide the incision, for example behind the ear.

The use of ‘thread lift’ surgery is becoming more common. This type of procedure should be approached with caution as it is only suitable for a very limited range of patients and only addresses the sagging skin not the underlying soft tissue. Often patients who have had threads later seek face lift surgery, describing dissatisfaction with short term or minimal effect of the threads. Alternatively thread lifts can produce the “windswept” appearance and injure underlying nerves and structures.

This then presents complications for face lift surgery as the Cosmetic Surgeon has to work around or remove the threads, a difficult and complicated procedure. Patients seeking to address lines and wrinkles on their face with a surgical option need to carefully consider the available options, remembering to evaluate the potential effects and duration.

Some people choose to address lines and wrinkles through less invasive, non surgical options. These include anti wrinkle injections such as Botox® or dermal fillers such as Juvederm® or Restylane®. The effects of these products can be up to 3 months for Botox® or up to 12 months for dermal fillers like Juvederm® or Restylane®. These products may also be used by a Cosmetic Surgeon to enhance Face Lift surgery.