Facelift surgery has been popular for decades. However, alongside consistent interest has been lingering fears related to this procedure. The most common concern that patients have is that the results of a facelift might be too much, that they will look tight and windblown. This is usually not the case. One of the critical factors to an optimal outcome from facelift surgery is to select a board-certified plastic surgeon to conduct this procedure. Beyond that, it is necessary to understand what a facelift can and cannot do.

Why Choose to Have a Facelift?

When we have so many non-surgical treatments available, why would a person choose to have a facelift at all anymore? Injectables like Botox and dermal fillers can achieve impressive results. In fact, injectables make a fine complement to facelift surgery for many of our patients. However, the primary limitation of this method of facial rejuvenation is that results last months rather than years. This is the reason why facelift procedures are still in demand; because patients want to look several years younger for several years at a time.

If you’re considering a facelift, know that your procedure can:

• Reposition muscle and other superficial tissue. The modern techniques employed in facelift surgery achieve better results than those used years ago because surgeons now do much more than pull back and remove excess skin. Today’s facelift procedures involve repositioning of muscle tissue over the bony structure to provide more support and a slower aging process.
• Pass the “street test.” Here is where you really want your facelift to count. The ultimate goal of surgery is to look younger, not “done.” The street test dictates the success of a facelift. Passing the street test means people would observe your face and never know you’ve had work done.
• Turn back the clock 7 to 10 years. The average rejuvenation of a facelift is said to be 7 years. Patients can maintain this by practicing good sun habits (wear sunscreen!) and utilizing quality skincare products. Injectables and routine non-surgical treatments also help to extend the results of a facelift.
• Facelift surgery cannot:
• Improve the tone or texture of the skin. If part of your concern is that your skin has become rough or mottled with sunspots, know that a facelift will not correct these problems. However, laser treatments can! Many people schedule laser skin resurfacing to coincide with their facelift to achieve maximum rejuvenation. The use of medical-grade skincare products is also recommended.
• Lift the brow. A common misconception about facelift surgery is that a full facelift will correct the signs of aging on the entire face. Not so. The forehead and brow area are not included in facelift surgery, only the lower face is involved in the procedure. If the eyes and brow are a concern, blepharoplasty or brow lift surgery may be performed at the same time as a facelift.

Learn more about facial rejuvenation and modern facelift techniques. Contact our Cincinnati office at 513.985.0850.