Millions of men and women around the world find themselves keying into certain areas of their body they wish to alter, such as loose, sagging skin, fine lines, wrinkles, or excess fat. As you age, your body naturally loses key components that help to keep the skin elasticity high, increasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
In addition, there is a natural decrease in collagen, a key factor in maintaining tight, firm skin. With the endless possibilities of cosmetic procedures available today, a natural facelift procedure has proven beneficial for many reasons. Below we answer some of the questions surrounding a natural facelift.
What is a natural facelift?
A natural facelift is a cosmetic procedure with endless benefits. Formerly known as the Double C Plication technique, it is designed to gradually, naturally tighten the skin to tighten and sculpt the neck, face, and jawline of an individual seeking a more youthful appearance.
During a natural facelift, your board-certified plastic surgeon uses small, well-hidden incision sights to gradually tighten the muscle in the desired area allowing for a result that does not appear “done”.
Is there an ideal candidate for a natural facelift?
A natural facelift procedure is a commonly practiced cosmetic procedure that is available to men and women of all ages and ethnicities as an alternative to a traditional facelift (rhytidectomy). During a consultation appointment with your chosen board-certified plastic surgeon, you will undergo various testing to ensure you are overall healthy as health plays a large role in recovery and attaining the best results.
Many plastic surgeons will happily perform a natural facelift on men and women looking to achieve a natural, youthful appearance who are overall in good health and understand the procedure, the importance of rest and recovery instructions, as well as the risks that are associated with any surgical procedure.
It is important to note here that a natural facelift candidate cannot have poor tissue elasticity or be looking for extensive facial correction or reconstruction as this involves a much more in-depth, lengthy procedure rather than a natural facelift.
Before and After Facelift Examples at Houston Center for Facial Plastic Surgery
How do I know if I need a natural facelift?
There are several indications of a natural facelift that a person may experience leaving them more inclined to inquire about this common procedure. Many women and men seek consultation for this plastic surgery when they have one or more of the following:
- Decreased skin elasticity or sagging skin
- Jowls
- A double chin
- Excess fat deposits near the chin or jawline
- Sunken or hollow cheeks
- A lack of self-confidence
- Are not an ideal candidate for nonsurgical interventions such as botox
What are the benefits of a natural facelift?
When performed by a highly trained board-certified plastic surgeon, a natural facelift offers unmatched benefits in comparison to other more invasive surgical procedures available.
Some of the many natural facelift benefits include:
Natural, long-lasting results
Through a natural facelift, men and women can achieve natural, long-lasting results without having an “overdone” appearance. Many board-certified plastic surgeons report that a natural facelift will allow results lasting up to ten years, if not longer! If you are looking for natural results that will last longer than other nonsurgical treatment options available, schedule a consultation with your desired plastic surgeon today.
Balanced features
A traditional facelift is designed to address excessive midfacial aging and neck aging, however, a natural facelift is used to create a natural, balanced appearance by customizing the procedure to each patient. Your board-certified plastic surgeon may suggest adding a brow lift or other smaller procedures to your natural facelift to allow for optimal results.
A shorter recovery time
All surgical procedures require downtime after they are completed, however, the amount of recovery time needed depends on how invasive the procedure was. Experts report that the average patient who has undergone a natural facelift can return to work within one week following the procedure, though bruising and swelling can be expected for two or more weeks.
Confidence boost
Perhaps the most important thing we can do is to love ourselves, however, it can become difficult to do so when we are unhappy with our appearance when looking in a mirror. A natural facelift can take between 10 to 15 years off of your facial appearance by gradually tightening the muscles in the areas of the face you are unhappy with. When you feel comfortable in your skin you are overall happier and experiences fewer mental health issues such as depression or isolation.
How much does a natural facelift cost?
Natural facelift costs vary depending on many factors, including the board-certified plastic surgeon of your choice, how many areas of the face you wish to be tightened, as well as the general area the surgery is scheduled to take place as certain regions offer a higher cost of living than others. Generally speaking, a natural facelift can range $2,000 to $8,000 in cost.
Many plastic surgeons offer all-inclusive pricing to include office visits including pre-surgery and postoperative checkups, surgical fees, anesthesia, necessary prescription medications, and the needed garments that are to be worn after surgery.
You should remember that many cosmetic procedures are not typically covered by insurance providers therefore the patient will be responsible for paying the entire amount before surgery.
What is the natural facelift recovery time?
A natural facelift performed by a highly-skilled plastic surgeon offers a rather short recovery time in comparison to more invasive surgical procedures. Many board-certified plastic surgeons report that minor bruising and swelling may be present for up to two weeks. However, many patients feel comfortable returning to light-duty work within one week after surgery.
It is important to follow the strict recovery instructions provided to you by your surgeon as these instructions are implemented to promote healing and allow for optimal results without postoperative complications. If you have any questions regarding recovery instructions provided to you, you must contact your surgeon’s office for clarification as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Natural Facelift Procedure
Does a natural facelift hurt?
A person may experience swelling and discomfort following surgery, however, a natural facelift is not a painful procedure. You will be under anesthesia during the procedure, and will likely be provided prescription medication for pain management after surgery.
When can I work out after a natural facelift?
You should avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks following surgery. You should get your surgeon’s “all-clear” before participating in rigorous workouts.
Takeaway
A natural facelift is an excellent cosmetic procedure designed to provide a subtle, youthful facial structure without appearing “overdone”. Overall healthy individuals with a good understanding of the importance of following postoperative instructions are the ideal candidate for a natural facelift, as well as those who do not wish to achieve drastic correction.
Reach Out to Bradford Patt, MD for a Natural Facelift Consultation
To schedule your natural facelift consultation with Dr. Bradford Patt, MD. at Houston Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, please call (281) 649-7170 or complete the online request, and our professional staff will be happy to assist you!
