A rhytidectomy, or better known as a facelift, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can help in the fight against aging. While it’s a common procedure, there may be many things about it that not everyone is familiar with. In this post we’ll explain to you some of the must-know facts about facelifts.
Facelifts Have Come a Long Way
The first thing to know is that a lot has changed since the early days of the procedure, when surgeons focused solely on tightening the facial skin, which sometimes resulted in an unnatural pulled-back look. Today, a wide variety of techniques and facial fillers exist that help doctors achieve a smooth, natural-looking contour for their clients that effectively mimics the softness of youth.
The Facts About Modern Facelifts
- In the past, facelifts were often thought to be for women only. That is no longer the case. In men, rhytidectomy can produce dramatic results, removing sagging skin around the neck and jawline to restore a more chiseled appearance.
- Facelifts are now customized. Dr. Rod Rohrich of UT Southwestern Medical Centre, in addressing common myths about facelifts, notes that we all age differently, so there is no one-size-fits all solution when it comes to facelifts. A combination of techniques and facial fillers will be used according to your own personal problem areas and desired results to turn back the clock in a way that looks natural and not forced.
- Real facelifts are still best. Beware of quickies! Some salons and clinics market procedures that you can do on your lunch hour with almost no downtime. But unfortunately, many complications can result which you will then need surgery to fix. An invasive technique must never be rushed, and it should be performed by a plastic surgeon who is a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, in a fully equipped clinic that meets or exceeds provincial operating room standards.
- Fillers and Botox are not an adequate substitute for a true facelift. While more and more young people are using injectables to slow the march of time, no combination of Botox and fillers is going to be able to make a difference at a certain age. The benefit of using them while you can still get away with it is that while the results aren’t permanent, they are long-lasting (up to 1 year) and require little to no downtime.
The Future of Facelifts
As the popularity of facelift procedures grow, so do new advancements in the field. What can you look forward to?
- Topical applications of Botox that may one day be nearly as effective as the injectable kind.
- Increased uses for Botox including migraine cures, hair loss prevention, and acne treatment.
- New, longer-lasting injectables.
- Stem cells from your own fat, which are expected to replace synthetic fillers one day.
A More Youthful You Awaits
Wondering if you might be a good candidate for the dramatic age-reversing effects of a facelift? Why not schedule a consultation with Dr. Dickie at the Royal Centre of Plastic Surgery? During the consultation, you will have the opportunity to view various pre- and post-operative photos of other people who had similar signs of aging.
Let us help you achieve your desired look. We are committed to helping you look and feel great, so please contact us today to schedule an appointment!