Facelifts are known as one of the most popular cosmetic plastic surgeries for over 100 years! While advanced technology has allowed for more efficiency, the fundamental procedure still remains the same. Patients of all ages should be weary of claims that a facelift doesn’t require extensive work, or that simple shortcuts exist that can off-cut costs while providing similar results. A facelift is not a procedure to be taken lightly, and for those considering undergoing the procedure, we recommend that they put more emphasis on choosing a surgeon who is honest, experienced and will perform the surgery correctly and best suited to the individual patient. Not doing so may lend displeasing, unnatural and/or mediocre results, leaving patients returning to the surgical room to address their concerns more extensively.
Although cost is always a factor, paying to get a facelift by an experienced, board-certified, highly-referred facial cosmetic plastic surgeon like Elements’ Dr. Adibfar would be a wise choice. Not only does he possess highly-regarded, extensive experience and artistic skill, he also consults with his patients honestly and compassionately, giving them the foundational knowledge needed to choose which surgery best suits their body, goals and lifestyle.
Facelift surgery, also known as a rhytidectomy, can be broken down into two sub-categorical surgeries. Both procedures are effective, however each are best suited to particular candidates depending on their age, skin condition and facial muscle structure. These two procedures are the traditional Full Facelift and the Mini Facelift. As with any plastic surgery, ideal candidates are always those in generally good health and of normal weight who don’t smoke and who carry realistic expectations.
As we age, external factors such as sun damage and gravity, along with lack of skin elasticity, loose skin around the eyes and jowls, flat and droopy cheeks, and weakened facial tone and muscles, may make us appear older than we feel. Fortunately, Elements’ board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Adibfar effectively addresses his patients’ facial concerns and weaknesses which include sagging cheeks and jowls, as well as other signs of aging including deep furrows around the nose, wrinkles around the mouth, as well as weak neck or plastysma muscles.
Essentially, a facelift procedure involves tightening facial muscles while addressing the jowls and loose neck muscles. A full facelift is best suited for mature patients who need more extensive work. Although more expensive, a full facelift will benefit these patients most because it will provide ample correction, and more effective, longer-lasting results. During a full facelift, neatly hidden incisions are made in front and behind the ears, as well the back of the hairline. The skin is then carefully separated from the tissue and the deeper tissues are lifted and elevated to tighten the face. Any remaining loose skin is then removed, and the available skin is pulled upright and sutured along the initial incision lines along the ear and hairline. A small incision is also made just under the chin to allow Dr. Adibfar access to the patient’s neck muscles. Tightening these neck or plastysma muscles is also referred to as plastysmaplasty. Once the plastysma muscles are tightened, the small incision is neatly stitched leaving the neck looking tighter.
A mini facelift is best suited for younger male and female patients with no apparent work needed in the neck area. Less surgery time is required, which means a more swift recovery for the patient as well. Mini facelifts specifically address areas of the face above the jaw line. Patients may opt for a mini facelift because they are concerned with their sagging cheeks and/or jowls. The procedure is performed similarly to a traditional full facelift, excluding the need to make an incision under the chin to access the neck muscles. The incisions are also made around the ear and in the hairline, and deeper tissues are elevated while being tightened and secured. Dr. Adibfar also removes any excess skin before closing the incision.
After full recovery, patients’ results are staggering. A facelift can often take 10 years or more off the face of a male or female patient. Their cheekbones appear highlighted, their jawline more defined and their neck tighter and more youthful looking. Folds disappear and patients notice drastically improved definition in the neck, chin and jawline. Although patients will require help from a trusted relative or friend after the surgery, after one full week patients are able to resume their normal daily routines while the incisions continue to heal.
It is not uncommon that patients often compliment their full or mini facelift with a brow lift, eyelid surgery, facial implants, fat grafting, and/or laser resurfacing or perioral dermabrasion for optimal results.
As previously mentioned, patients should always choose their surgeon based on training, quality of work and experience. Elements’ Dr. Adibfar is not only a cosmetic plastic surgeon, but more specifically, an expert facial surgeon whose understanding of facial contours, angles and symmetry lends the most natural looking and long-lasting results.
Click here to book a consultation with Elements’ board-certified, cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Adibfar.