Surgical Facelift: is it right for you?
Facelift is the name given to a group of several surgical procedures aimed at correcting or improving the visible signs of ageing that affect the human face. Also known as rhytidictomy, this procedure is perhaps one of the best-known weapons in the war against ageing.
With the passing of time, it is natural for the human skin to lose tone and elasticity, thus giving way to unsightly effects. This is when patients become concerned with the way their skin looks and usually seek for medical advice. Performed in cosmetic medical centers all over the world, facelift surgical procedures have proved to be effective and long-lasting solutions to deal with the effects of time on the human skin.
Originally, a facelift involved several days of hospitalisation and slow, painful recovery times. Nonetheless, with the latest technological developments, the procedure is now much less invasive and calls for shorter downtimes. Despite that, rhytidictony still remains a controversial issue with advocates on either side; the following review will help you decide whether this may be a suitable procedure for your case.
Types of Facelift
Unlike other cosmetic treatments that follow the one-shoe-fits-all model, facelifts are always different and vary according to the patient’s needs and the health professional’s expertise. However, these are the most widely sought-after facelift procedures:
- Full Facelift: This involves the tightening of skin, muscles and fat around the chin, neck and cheeks.
- Mini or partial Facelift: This is a smaller scale procedure that generally involves addressing the sagging in the cheek, neck and chin area, according to each individual’s needs.
Pros of Facelift
Holistic Approach to Rejuvenation
Unlike other procedures that are aimed at treating one specific area –such is the case of anti-wrinkle injections, for instance- surgical facelifts target several issues in only one procedure. In addition, whereas other treatments require lengthy sessions that take place over a period of time, a facelift is generally performed only once.
Long-lasting Effects
This is possibly one of the procedure’s greatest assets: duration. Once again, where other treatments require constant re-applying, surgical facelifts offer patients the chance to enjoy the results for a longer time. On average, the results may last for ten years or even longer, depending on each case.
Optimal Results
Few other procedures can offer the chance to deal with face contour so effectively. This is why a facelift surgery is the best choice for those who wish to reshape their neck or jawline. Furthermore, it can help patients look five or ten years younger. Finally, modern-day procedures offer results that make patients look younger without disfiguring their original faces. The effects have been reported as being more natural than other techniques that require implants or injections.
Cons of The Procedure
Surgical Risks
Despite having improved over the decades, a surgical facelift is after all, a surgery. This means that patients should know that there are certain risks associated with performing these types of techniques, such as bad reactions to anesthetics, bleeding, hematoma or infections.
Longer Downtime
Even though most procedures are performed in an outpatient setting, most people will need at least ten days before they can become fully active again. Even then, certain precautions must be taken.
Unwanted Side Effects
Although not frequent, the following unwanted effects may take place: nasty scarring, loss of hair and sensitivity, skin necrosis or facial asymmetry.
Our Final Word
Undergoing this kind of treatment is a decision should not be made on the spur of the moment. Consequently, consulting with a well-known, fully certified cosmetic surgeon is the first step to take before deciding whether a facelift is what you need.
