You can slow down but not stop the aging process. A facelift is a procedure that can help you overcome your problem by giving you long-term results.
What Is a Facelift and How Does It Work?
A facelift is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to treat and correct the signs of aging. A rhytidectomy is a medical term for the procedure. Those who opt for it do so in order to rejuvenate their appearance and appear years younger. Sagging skin, facial wrinkles and folds, and drooping are among the most common signs of aging that appear on the face, and this surgical procedure is intended to correct them. It can also be used to treat and correct wrinkles on the:
- Nose
- Eyes
- Mouth
- Forehead
Why Aren’t Facelift Results Permanent?
A facelift tightens the skin and, in some cases, the underlying muscle to reverse the sagging skin and soft tissue that occurs with age. While many patients report lasting results of up to 20 years, a facelift does not prevent further aging.
The type of facelift surgery you had, your age at the time of surgery, and the characteristics of your skin all influence how long your facelift results will last. Although genetics play a large role in skin type, environmental factors such as sun exposure, smoking, diet, and exercise also have an impact on skin elasticity.
Here are some of the most important factors to consider when determining how long your results will last:
Genetics and Skin Conditions
Our genetics, as with nearly everything body-related, play a key role in maintaining the benefits of facelift surgery. Patients with darker, healthier skin tend to have longer-lasting results than those with fairer skin tones or some form of skin damage. The age of the patient at the time of the procedure can also play a role, as patients who have a facelift before the age of 60 tend to reap the benefits for a longer period of time.
Facelifting Techniques
There are several different types of facelift techniques, each with a different level of invasiveness. The more invasive the procedure, the longer the results will usually last. For example, a full facelift produces the most dramatic results, which can last up to 15 years after the procedure. Less invasive procedures, such as mini facelifts or S-lifts, produce more moderate results that last between two and six years.
Additional Facelift Procedures
Facelift surgery is frequently combined with other facial plastic surgery procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), a brow lift (brow lift), and rhinoplasty (nose surgery). Adding these procedures to a facelift procedure enhances other areas of the face, resulting in a more dramatic and long-lasting end result. The aging process also results in a loss of facial volume. The loss of volume is what causes the elderly to resemble a skeleton. I frequently use the example of a pillow to explain to patients that the fabric has lost its elasticity and the stuffing has compacted. The problem is attacked from both sides with a combined approach of removing excess skin and adding some fullness. Fat grafting fillers, cheek or chin implants, and other volume enhancement procedures can help to improve overall results.
Lifestyle
The patient’s lifestyle, including their diet, exercise routine, and skincare regimen, can have a big impact on how long their results last. Patients who live a healthy and balanced lifestyle are more likely to keep their new youthful appearance for a longer time.
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