Dr. Patt knows it’s not an easy choice to undergo a facelift; however, a well-informed patient is a confident one. Those considering a facelift should learn about the procedure as well as various alternatives. Most patients have been considering the procedure for a long time before they actually meet with a facial plastic surgeon. Most patients consider a rhytidectomy because they are bothered by the appearance of sagging skin at the neck and jawline. At the same time, those that grow tired of coming in periodically for ultherapy treatments, soon make the transition to the lift that lasts, the facelift.
Facial Aging Process
Everyone ages at different rates, and the aging process affects everyone’s appearance differently. However, there are a few common determining factors, such as heredity, diet, and environment. The latter two factors are somewhat controllable. Smoking prematurely ages the body, damaging the skin and other organs. For those seeking to erase years from their appearance and undue specific damage to skin, will need to be properly assessed by a cosmetic surgeon to notify patients of possible options and to help set expectations at a realistic level.
Facelift Candidates
Anyone in general good health can get a lift if they desire. While smoking can cause severe risks for patients having a facelift, so can pre-existing chronic health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes. Patients should learn about the procedure they choose and investigate their options as far as methods and surgeons are concerned. The most important part of the process is for the patient to feel comfortable with the surgeon and with the decisions they make. At the same time, for those who may not be the best candidate for rhytidectomy, there are other options, like ultherapy, dermal fillers, and Botox that may be effective yet temporary options.
Recovery
Since facelifts are permanent and invasive surgical procedures, it involves incisions strategically placed within the patient’s hairline. The patient can expect for the face to be wrapped in compression bandages for a minimum of 2-5 days following the procedure, and depending on what has been done. Most procedures are done under anesthesia, and the patient is recovering for a few weeks afterward. Once the doctor determines that the incisions are healing as desired, the patient may apply makeup and moisturizer roughly ten days after the procedure. There may be swelling for a month or more, along with various physical restrictions, and results may not be visible for up to 90 days after surgery.
Many patients who aren’t ready for a facelift consider an ultherapy treatment, which uses ultrasound energy into the skin’s deepest layers to stimulate natural collagen production and tighten the skin’s appearance. Recovery time is extremely minimal, and results are usually immediate. With ultherapy however, the results don’t last as long as a facelift, and patients will need to repeat the procedure once the skin starts to age again. Yet, if you’re considering more permanent results, contact Dr. Patt for a facelift Houston consultation, and for more information.
