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Modern facelift techniques have evolved significantly over the past 15 years.
Whereas early facelift operations tightened only the skin, the modern facelift removes
excess skin, looseness (laxity) of facial muscle, and excess fat often found in the lower
face and neck. Further, the facelift is only one technique surgeons can use to restore
youth and beauty. Once the loose skin, fat, and muscle have been tightened, the quality of
the skin can be improved by laser and other peeling techniques.
Facial proportions
The way in which the facelift is performed is tailored for each patient.
Environmental factors (such as sun exposure and smoking) and certain facial characteristics
(including small chin, low eyebrow position, and overactive forehead muscles) can
make the face age faster.
The plastic surgeon examines facial proportions and may suggest additional minor
changes, such as enhancing the chin with an implant or elevating the eyebrows. Through
computer imaging, the patient can be given a picture of how these changes will make him or
her appear.
Improving skin quality
The facelift repositions muscle, skin, and fat. Additional procedures such as
laser skin resurfacing or chemical peels improve the quality of skin that has been aged by
the sun. The severity of the skin's aging or sun damage dictates what type of skin
resurfacing agent might be suggested. These agents include glycolic acids, Retin-A, laser
resurfacing, or chemical peels.
Minimally invasive techniques
Not every patient needs or is willing to undergo a facelift operation. Younger
patients may obtain significant benefit from smaller or more minimally invasive
procedures. Older patients may choose a smaller procedure to address a particularly
bothersome area of the lower face or neck. Liposuction (removal of fat using a suction
pump device), an isolated neck lift, or an endoscopic brow lift are examples of such
procedures.
What's the best choice for you?
While a facelift is often an excellent procedure to reverse facial aging,
additional procedures performed at the same time often enhance the result. In other
instances, more minor, alternative procedures may be the best choice. A plastic surgeon
can help you understand your options and determine what is right for you.
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