As you get older your skin loses elasticity and firmness. This can result in sagging skin, pronounced wrinkles, the appearance of jowls, and other negative signs of aging. In many cases the effects of aging can detract from your appearance and make you feel self-conscious. Fortunately cosmetic procedures such as facelifts can take years off your appearance and restore your self-confidence. Keep reading to learn more about this popular plastic surgery procedure.

What happens during a facelift?
The specifics of a facelift will depend on your individual needs and goals, but in most cases a facelift involves an incision made near the hairline. During the surgery, skin is lifted and underlying facial tissues are tightened and repositioned. After the underlying tissues have been put in place, the skin is tightened and extra skin is removed. This can give you smoother skin, more defined cheekbones, and make you look younger overall.

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions for aiding your recovery and most patients can return to non-strenuous daily activities 10 – 12 days after the procedure.

Who should consider a facelift?
While a facelift can be a good solution to the effects of aging, it isn’t for everyone. People who are uncomfortable with surgery or who are only looking for small, subtle enhancements may be better off with injectables like dermal fillers or Botox.

If you’re looking for more substantial and lasting results, a facelift may be right for you. The following people may benefit from a facelift:
• People who want to significantly reduce the signs of aging.
• People who want long-term results that last for years.
• People who want to improve their entire face, not just something specific such as their lips.

Combining Procedures
While a facelift can be done on its own, many patients choose to combine a facelift with other cosmetic procedures such as a brow lift, neck lift, or blepharoplasty. This allows patients to improve everything they want while only undergoing one surgery.

If you’d like to learn more about facelifts, and other cosmetic procedures that can enhance your appearance and help you reclaim your youth, schedule a consultation with Dr. Regina Rosenthal.