Facelift can change the appearance of the person quite significantly. When it is done well, it can take years off one’s age. You probably have heard about the nationally advertised facelift procedure and wonder it is for you.
It turns out there are many ways to do facelift. Some methods involve lifting of skin only, while others lift the superficial muscular aponeurotic systems (SMAS), and yet others lift the periosteum (deep-plane lift). The facelift procedures can be classified according to incision type/length as well. Some run deep into the hair line in the temporal area and back into the hairline behind the ears, while other methods present much shorter scars.
I generally do full facelift with short-scar minimal-access incision and elevation. Liposuction is included in the surgery if it is indicated. The benefit of full facelift is that it allow us to address the neck problems adequately. The excess fat can be suctioned out while the excess skin can be tightened. Of course, some patients will benefit from mini facelift with great resullts.
Many people are afraid to have the wind-blown look after facelift and it is understandable. Since gravity pulls down all structures down (think nose, breast, tummy, etc.) it only make sense to pull face back up vertically. However, due to the location of the incisions, the excess skin can be removed in front and behind the ears. This can possibly lead to the so-called wind-blown look.
The solution is two-layered lift. The SMAS layer is lifted upward while the skin is draped (not so tightly) toward the ear incisions. Since the SMAS layer is connected to the plastysma layer (the neck muscle), the neck is therefore tightened, too. In the end, a more natural and longer lasting facelift will result.
Of course, blepharoplasty (eye lid surgery), brow lift, filler and Botox injection can be done together with facelift and can enhance the results and achieve better harmony.
