The effects of aging are frequently first noticed in the face. This delicate area of the body is constantly exposed to adverse wind and weather, air pollutants and other substances. The skin is often damaged from years of sun exposure. Other things that can cause these effects include smoking, drinking alcohol, drug abuse, unhealthy lifestyles and not protecting the skin from cold, heat and harmful substances. Many women and a good number of men opt to undergo a facelift to improve their facial skin appearance, tone and structure.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon
The importance of choosing the right plastic surgeon for your facelift cannot be overstated. Working on the facial areas is a specialty in itself in addition to other plastic surgery training and skills. For the best results, always research the background, training and community reputation of any plastic surgeon that you are considering to perform your facelift. Select one that is double board certified for plastic and facial plastic surgery. Competent plastic surgeons will have previous patient before and after surgery photographs to show prospective new patients. Avoid doctors without the necessary credentials, training and experience. Plastic surgery requires more artistic talent and delicate work, so ensure that your chosen surgeon has good patient recommendations.
Why Listening to Your Plastic Surgeon’s Recommendations is Critical
It is critical to really listen to what your plastic surgeon is recommending as far as proposed facial surgery. Many people have seen celebrities and others that do not look natural following some sort of plastic surgery procedure. Some unscrupulous surgeons will perform work that their patients insist on even if they know that it will not look good afterward. A credible plastic surgeon will listen carefully to what their patient desires. Then he/she should be able to indicate realistic post surgical goals that the patient can be satisfied with. Always choose a plastic surgeon that insists on a thorough pre-surgical consultation appointment. This is when patients can voice all of their concerns and questions.
Reasons Why Patients Get Windswept Look From Overdone Facelift
Some patients do not have realistic expectations of what plastic surgery on the face can truly accomplish. Unfortunately, some of these individuals remain so obsessed with getting a specific procedure done even when not recommended by a reputable surgeon. They sometimes then will find a doctor or an unqualified medical practitioner that promises phenomenal results for large sums of money. Some individuals that get their facelifts done too often or in another country have been known to recover only to find that their face looks unnaturally stretched and “windswept” from an overdone element of the surgical process. This can be avoided by picking a board-certified plastic surgeon that has facial surgery advanced training.
What Should I Expect Following a Facelift Procedure?
There will be a recovery time following a facelift procedure. This is performed usually in a plastic surgery surgical center or the outpatient surgical department of a hospital. General anesthesia is used, and the patient will awaken in the recovery area. After being assessed by medical staff, the patient will need a prearranged ride home. Some facial swelling and mild discomfort could be noticed, but the surgeon will have medication and discharge treatments that can keep patients comfortable. Recovery typically takes about 5 to 10 days. The surgeon will see the patient the next day to change facial bandages and check the site. On day five the surgeon will remove the sutures. Some bruising can occur but subsides quickly with the proper treatments.
Can Non-invasive Cosmetic Procedures Work as Well as a Facelift?
There are a number of innovative, non-invasive, cosmetic procedures that can work wonderfully. These procedures and treatments include remarkable skin treatments, dermal filler injections, facial muscle relaxation treatments, CoolSculpting options and more. Many individuals can get satisfactory results by opting for one or more of these cosmetic selections. A trained plastic surgeon can discuss whether these treatments would be effective in each patient’s unique case during the consultation appointment.
Is it Possible to Get Eye lifts and/or Brow lift with a Facelift?
Many facial plastic surgeons will also perform additional procedures at the same time when a patient is having a facelift surgery done. This can include eye lifts and/or brow lift options. These procedures can be done separately also. Other procedures includes fat transfer and dermal filler injections to restore skin volume and moisture that gives a more youthful appearance.
Caring for Your Skin Following a Successful Facelift Surgery
Extra care of your facial skin following a successful facelift surgery can ensure that your spectacular results will stay around. Most plastic surgeons will recommend that their patients stop smoking, avoid alcohol excess and protect their skin when outdoors. This involves applying higher blocking sunscreen, clothing or hat protection and other common sense measures. Eating healthy, staying active, keeping weight down and getting proper rest all can help your facial skin stay beautiful for years and even decades. Each plastic surgeon will have specific discharge instruction for their patients to follow. Drinking plenty of water keeps the skin hydrated and looking rejuvenated. Proper skincare products should also be used for best results.
How Long will Facelift Surgical Results Last?
The length of time that facelift surgical results will last varies per the exact surgery. Some get a mini facelift which is beneficial for those with only minor lower facial skin sagging and issues. Comprehensive facelifts are more involved, and the surgeon can customize each procedure to target the specific unique areas that every patient has. Potentially, the effects can still be visible years later. Gravity, skin care, patient health, age and other factors determine any future aging results.
To learn how a facelift might benefit you, access Weber Facial Plastic Surgery Center in Denver, CO for intriguing details and case specifics. Schedule an informative consultation appointment with dual, board-certified, Dr. Stephen Weber, MD, FACS today.
