04 Feb Facelifts Turn Back the Clock
Let’s discuss some of the most common questions when it comes to facelifts, including, “How much younger will I look?” “Will the scars be noticeable?” “How long will the results last?” At John Park MD Plastic Surgery, we specialize in natural-looking facelifts that can take a decade or more off of your appearance. Studies have shown that, on average, a traditional facelift helps a person look 12 years younger. There are modifications of the traditional facelift, such as a mini facelift, that are better suited for younger patients who aren’t an ideal candidate for a full facelift. A mini facelift understandably does not offer as dramatic of results, but those results aren’t necessary for younger patients.
It is important to note that a facelift doesn’t freeze time. Instead, it truly turns back the clock in regards to the face and neck skin and underlying tissue. Today’s facelifts are designed to be both dramatic and organic-looking. Long gone are the days of a “pulled” look with obvious incisions. The latest techniques and approaches allow leading surgeons to remove excess skin while also manipulating underlying tissue to give truly amazing results. It’s not only skin that ages, but also the tissues below the surface. It’s important to address both in order to ensure a patient genuinely looks more youthful.
The Reality of Today’s Facelifts
A traditional facelift calls for incisions that are well hidden in the crevices of the ears as well as a small, single incision below the chin. Facelifts address skin laxity of the lower half of the face and the neck. A traditional facelift includes a neck lift. This is important to understand, since some patients also want to address signs of aging on the upper half of the face, such as around the eyes and on the brow. This area would require other surgeries, such as a blepharoplasty or a brow lift. However, most patients in their 50s, 60s, and better are most concerned about the laxity in the lower half of the face as well as the neck—that’s exactly what a facelift is designed to treat.
When a facelift is fully healed, patients are often ecstatic about the results—but want to know how long these results will last. A facelift is a surgical procedure, so the results are to some degree permanent. However, there is no method that freezes the results. The skin and underlying tissue will continue to age as normal. There is no way to predict exactly how the skin will age because we are all unique. Genetics play a role, but so does the care of your skin in the past and after undergoing the facelift. There are certainly things you can do to extend the results.
Making the Most of Your Facelift Results
If you do not currently have a high-quality sunscreen and sun protection regimen, it’s never too late to start one. UV damage is the leading cause of early signs of aging. Avoiding the sun during peak hours, wearing wide-brimmed hats, and properly applying sunscreen every 75 minutes when you’re exposed to UV rays all help in ensuring the results of your facelift last as long as possible.
There are also non-surgical treatments you can opt for after your facelift to extend the results. For example, a chemical peel or laser skin rejuvenation are great options. Bear in mind that a facelift will address excess skin, skin laxity, and underlying tissue but does not improve the quality of the superficial skin. For example, if you have dark spots on the skin, they will still be there after a facelift unless they are exclusively in an area that will be trimmed away. Combining non-surgical treatments with a facelift is a fantastic way to optimize results.
Your Best Secret: A Facelift
Some people love to talk about their cosmetic surgeries with others, while some prefer more discretion. If you fall into the latter category, you can rest assured nobody will be able to spot your facelift incisions. Today’s incisions are so tiny and so well hidden that only a trained professional who is actively looking for the incisions will be able to find them. Of course, many people will notice that you look absolutely fantastic, but they won’t particularly know you got a facelift unless you explicitly tell them.
To learn more about facelifts, schedule your complimentary consultation with John Park MD Plastic Surgery today by completing the online form or calling (949) 777-6883.