For a lot of people, plastic surgery might be something that they’re nervous about. It can even be seen as “taboo” to talk about in some contexts. With that said, it’s a perfectly normal part of our modern world!
In fact, for a lot of folks, it’s about making themselves feel more confident. It’s not about serving anyone else. That message can sometimes get lost in the shuffle, but that’s the important thing about any plastic surgery procedure.
Once you make sure you’re doing it for yourself, then it can be about reclaiming your confidence. Facelifts are one method of doing so. If you’d like to learn more about what facelifts are and how they work, you’ve come to the right place. You can get an idea of how they work here: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-1877-9371. Let’s dive in!
What Are Facelifts?
First thing’s first – let’s define what facelifts are. Medically, they are known as rhytidectomies. There are a few different types of them, but we’ll cover the basics first.
Essentially, it’s a type of cosmetic surgery. The aim is usually to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck. You can achieve a more youthful appearance by tightening underlying muscles, removing excess skin, and recontouring the face.
Facelift Goals
We can look at this more specifically now. Usually, one goal is to reduce sagging skin in the midface, jowls, and neck. It can also reduce sagging skin in the midface, jowls, and neck.
Improving jawline definition is another aspect of this. Finally, you can achieve a natural, rejuvenated look without an overly “pulled” appearance. If any of that sounds appealing to you, this may be something to consider.
How They Work
To an extent, this may depend on what type of facelift you’re getting and the facility you’re getting it done in. For instance, a Stratus facelift in Columbus may have a slightly different order of things. Still, no matter where you’re looking in Ohio, the process will be somewhat similar.
The first step will be anesthesia. These procedures are usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. You can always ask your surgeon about it if you’re unsure.
In terms of what incisions are made, it will of course depend on what you’re having done. They are typically made around the hairline at the temples. They then continue in front of or behind the ears, and sometimes under the chin, depending on the extent of the lift needed.
Again, if you’re concerned about any of that, you can talk to your surgeon. They can walk you through exactly what will be done. That way, you can have some peace of mind before the procedure.
From there, there is muscle and tissue tightening. The surgeon lifts and tightens underlying muscles and tissues to restore a more youthful structure.
Excess skin is then trimmed. The remaining skin is re-draped smoothly over the face and neck. This is known as skin re-draping.
Finally, they will need to close the incisions. Sutures, skin adhesives, or clips are used to close them. Overall, while it can sound daunting, the process isn’t too bad.
Types of Facelifts
As we’ve mentioned, there are a few different types to be aware of. Of course, there are traditional ones. These ones address the cheeks, jawline, and neck.
Mini or short-scar facelifts are another type. You can read about them in this article. They focus on the lower face and jowls, with smaller incisions. The recovery time might be faster here, hence the name.
Deep plane facelifts are meant for those who want long-lasting results. They involve lifting deeper tissues for a more natural and longer-lasting result. The trade-off is that they are fairly complex and may take more time for recovery.
Endoscopic facelifts use small cameras and instruments through tiny incisions. This is done for patients who want less invasive corrections. You can always ask your surgeon what they recommend, if you aren’t sure what you want.
Recovery and Results
The recovery process will look different for everyone. We all heal in our own ways. Still, we can offer a basic overview of what you can expect. After all, this is the part that tends to worry people the most.
In terms of recovery time, you will usually experience some bruising and discomfort for one to two weeks after. There may also be swelling. Patients are usually told to avoid any strenuous activity during this time.
For many folks, the results will last from seven to fifteen years. You can see why a few weeks of discomfort is worth it for so many! After all, the results can last many years, and you’ll see that visible improvement almost right away.
As with any procedure, though, there are some risks to keep in mind. Infections can happen, along with scarring. Some patients have bad reactions to anesthesia.
Still, with professional surgeons here in Columbus, Ohio, you’re in good hands.
Final Considerations
Still trying to decide if a procedure like this is right for you? There are some final things to think about.
Ideal candidates are typically healthy individuals with realistic expectations. Age is a factor, but it’s not the most important thing. In fact, overall health and skin elasticity are more critical.
You can also combine facelifts with other procedures. That can improve overall rejuvenation, if that’s what you’re after. Examples include eyelid surgery, brow lifts, and fat grafting.
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