What is Face Lifting?
As we age, our skin and tissues naturally lose their elasticity. This causes sagging and wrinkling. A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that can lift and tighten sagging facial tissues.
This procedure involves removing excess skin, smoothing out creases or wrinkles, and tightening facial tissues. It does not include a brow or eye lift, although these may be performed at the same time.
This treatment focuses only on the lower two-thirds of the face and often the neck or décolletage. People get this treatment for many different reasons. A common reason is to help reduce the signs of skin aging.
Purpose of Face Lifting
The goal of a facelift is to improve the appearance of skin that changes with age. Aging causes skin to become looser and less prone to breakage. Fat deposits are reduced in some areas of the face and increased in others.
To restore the appearance of firm skin like when it was young, this procedure can be done. A facelift can address age-related changes, such as:
- The appearance of sagging cheeks.
- Excess skin on the lower jaw.
- Deep folds of skin from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
- Loose skin and excess fat on the neck.
Please note that this procedure is not a treatment for fine lines, sun damage, wrinkles around the nose and upper lip, or uneven skin tone.
Benefits of Face Lifting
The benefit of this treatment is to improve the appearance that changes due to aging. That way, the skin can look younger and firmer, so that self-confidence can increase.
When Should You Do a Face Lift?
Face lifting can be done if you experience signs of aging on your skin, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and fine lines. However, not everyone can get this treatment. Especially those with certain medical conditions, which affect the body’s ability to recover.
The best candidates for this treatment are those who have signs of facial aging, but still have skin elasticity. Generally, people are in their 40s to 60s, although people younger or older than that range can still undergo the procedure.
Face Lifting Procedure
There are many steps involved in a face lifting procedure. The procedure begins with anesthesia. The doctor will perform the surgery while you are under general anesthesia or IV sedation. The doctor will choose which procedure is best for you depending on several factors.
After receiving general anesthesia, the procedure involves making incisions. Depending on the type of treatment you receive, your doctor may make incisions in several places such as:
- On the hairline and temples.
- Around the ears.
- On the lower scalp.
- Under the chin.
- In the mouth.
The size of the incision will also vary depending on the type of treatment you receive. Your surgeon will discuss this with you before surgery.
After making the incisions, the doctor will reposition or remove facial skin and/or fat and tighten facial muscles. Depending on the type of treatment received, the doctor may perform only one or all of these procedures.
After the procedure, the doctor will close the incision with one of the following options:
- Dissolving stitches.
- Stitches that need to be removed after a few days.
- Leather glue.
Places to Do Face Lifting
Face lifting can be done in hospitals or beauty clinics that have adequate equipment.
Be sure to choose a reputable place and consult a dermatologist before undergoing the procedure.
