Many of us get to a point where we start to notice the facial signs of aging. It may be the sagging, sun-damaged skin or progressive loss of volume in our face that leads us to the conclusion that the reflection looking back at us is not who we remember! Many turn to Dr. Google to explore what options they may have to help address the ongoing aging signs. Most appealing are the nonsurgical options or more abbreviated surgical procedures offering “facelift results” at a reduced cost and downtime.
There are many names for these “less invasive” procedures: liquid facelift, filler facelift, laser facelift, quick lift, mini lift, or weekend facelift. All imply surgical facelift results at a more convenient timeline.
Part of innovation and improvement relies on new items to be introduced and implemented. In some cases, it can result in a new upgraded way to achieve a goal. Facial rejuvenation is no different. We have made significant improvements in treating the skin’s surface and restoring volume loss with lasers, injectable fillers, or using one’s own fat. Technology, to date, has been unable to match the surgical outcomes and longevity of a traditional surgical facelift. Quicker recovery times, shorter scars and lower price points seldom translate into what board-certified plastic surgeons can achieve with a facelift.
What are the differences? Minilifts are more limited operations that often result in “mini” results and “shortened” longevity. A traditional facelift and in the case of what Dr. Kenkel performs, a high SMAS facelift requires extra work to get to the more mobile part of the face to allow for successful repositioning of the fatty tissues to help restore it to a more youthful appearance. This simply cannot be accomplished with an abbreviated procedure. This is a critical component to achieving natural results and longevity of a facelifting procedure. A more traditional facelift does require a trip to the operating room with a 10–14-day recovery. There simply is no comparison to what you can achieve with a high SMAS facelift. It should give one a good 8–10-year result in most cases. Longevity of a procedure is influenced by many factors including type of procedure and the quality of tissues used.
Timing for a more involved procedure is an important consideration when exploring options for facial rejuvenation. Patients undergoing a facelift will need a good 10-14 days before they can go out into public, and may still have some swelling of their cheeks, particularly if fat grafting is performed. If the eyes are also addressed, it could be a week more of recovery. In the end, it is worth it for natural, long-lasting results.
Patients frequently ask, “when is the best age to consider a facelift?” This is always a very difficult question to answer because we all age so differently. Relying on a simple number is never accurate and it is truly patient specific. Furthermore, how we approach a female is very different than how a male is treated and rejuvenated. How each sex ages and what is aesthetically pleasing is quite different.
We are fortunate to have all the tools available to us to treat the spectrum of patient needs. When you come to visit Dr. Kenkel, he will perform a detailed analysis of your face and ask for your specific goals. With that information in hand, he can best select what options you have to achieve those objectives. Dr. Kenkel is always honest and will share what he believes to be the best option for you. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kenkel please click here.
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