16 Jan 3 Signs It’s Time To Ask About Facelifts: Benefits Of Rhytidectomy
Time To Consider A Facelift
Most teenagers and young adults enjoy smooth and tight skin, but by age 30, the first signs of aging in the form of wrinkles appear. A decade later, what was once a fine line is now multiple deep wrinkles, folds, and even sagging skin. Aging is a natural part of life, but these cosmetic issues do not reflect how most individuals feel on the inside. Most people in the late 30s, 40s, and 50s are still working, attending social gatherings, or preparing for other stages of life. A rhytidectomy can help smooth wrinkles, tighten skin, and create a more refreshed and youthful appearance.
What is rhytidectomy?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure growing in popularity and acceptance. The goal of a facelift is to lift and firm sagging skin, address wrinkles, and help reduce the signs of aging. Facelifts can make patients look 10 or more years younger. The procedure is done with extreme skill and precision and is only performed by surgeons with multiple years of training. Facelifts target the mid to lower part of the face and are often combined with other procedures like a neck lift, brow lift, or eyelid lift. There are also different types of rhytidectomy, such as the deep plane or mini facelift. The surgeon will discuss the best procedure for the patient based on factors like age, health, expectations, and individual needs.
Performing a facelift
If a patient opts to proceed with a rhytidectomy, the surgeon will start by making incisions along the hairline, often close to the patient’s ear. The skin is then separated from the connective tissue to access fat, muscle, and other parts of the facial anatomy. The surgeon will reposition tissue and muscles based on the type of facelift. An additional procedure may occur for complete facial rejuvenation. Excess skin is removed, and the surgeon will restore the skin at the hairline with special stitches. Facelifts need several weeks for healing and recovery but have high success and satisfaction rates. Deciding on a facelift is a difficult decision. However, there are 3 signs that can prompt an individual to speak to a surgeon about rhytidectomy.
1. Sagging skin appears
The face consists of muscle, tissue, bone, and skin. Like other body parts, the face can lose muscle tone, and the skin can lose elasticity. Over time, these changes lead to wrinkles, folds, and sagging skin. The changes are subtle at first, then over several years, become more pronounced. Some individuals will notice these changes in the cheeks and neck, with more sagging skin than usual. A friend or family member may comment on the changes, or there may be a clear difference in photos from a few years ago. These are all signs to discuss anti-aging options with a surgeon.
2. Cosmetics and in-office procedures are failing
Some people recognize the signs of aging early and take immediate action. For instance, serums, eye creams, and anti-wrinkle solutions can help with skin cell turnover and tightness. For many people, in-office procedures, such as microneedling, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing, are a more practical option. Dermal fillers and injections can also provide transformative effects. At the same time, non-surgical options can become ineffective over time. Creams, injections, and in-office procedures cannot remove sagging skin. A facelift may be the next step in the long-term anti-aging game.
3. Confidence is low
More and more individuals are starting businesses, staying social, and forming new relationships later in life. Despite these achievements, there can be reduced confidence due to wrinkles and sagging skin. More people are recognizing the changes in appearance thanks to extensive time on video calls. Other individuals feel wrinkles and sagging skin negatively impact certain opportunities, careers, or personal relationships. This is a great impetus to discuss facelift options with an experienced surgeon.
Take the first step
For the right candidate, a facelift can provide a host of benefits. The procedure tackles jowls and sagging skin and may create a smoother, more defined jawline. Facelifts also remove sagging skin, smooth deep wrinkles, and help restore confidence. With a younger, refreshed look, some people enjoy a new lease on life, land more opportunities at work, and have a more robust social life. There is no shame in wanting to address sagging skin and signs of aging. An experienced surgeon can help address these issues while preserving a natural appearance.