The technical term for a facelift is rhytidectomy
which means wrinkle removal. Although a facelift will
not remove all wrinkles on the face, it can lift and rejuvenate
the skin of the face, often giving a less tired or aged
look. A facelift can elevate the jowls, reduce the depth
of the crease from the nose to the mouth (naso-labial
crease), reestablish the jaw line, and tighten the neck
skin. Frequently a facelift is combined with an eyelid
lift and a brow lift to rejuvenate the entire face.
There are different types of incisions for
facelift. Smaller more limited incisions are becoming
popular, however more traditional incisions which must
extend into the hairline are sometimes required. The decisions
for which incisions depends on the desires of the patient
and the degree of laxity of the skin.
A facelift will not change your fundamental
appearance and will not arrest the aging process. As a
matter of fact, the process of aging begins the minute
you first stand up after the facelift procedure, when
gravity once again begins its downward pull against your
skin. However, the aging will progress from a more youthful
version of yourself because of the facelift.
A facelift is best for men and women who
feel that their outward look does not reflect their inward
youth. These patients want to look as good on the outside
as they feel on the inside. Good candidates include: Healthy
individuals who do not have any life threatening illnesses
or conditions that may adversely affect their ability
to heal. Smokers are at a higher risk for complication
than non-smokers.
