Facing 2013: Facelift Options Explained
With the arrival of 2013, many patients desire a new look for the New Year. As we age, wrinkles, furrows, fine lines, and sagging becomes more prominent, especially on the face and neck. For patients looking to reduce these signs of aging in the New Year, facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. can visibly rejuvenate the face and neck. The procedure involves tightening the facial skin, removing excess fat, and lifting underlying muscles. Although facelift surgery is the most comprehensive procedure for overall rejuvenation, some parts of the face age quicker than others so the highly skilled plastic surgeons of Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. offer mini facelift procedures that are similarly performed but focus on specific areas of the face for more subtle results.
Upper, mid, and lower facelifts are the three variations of mini facelift procedures to help patients achieve their goals for the New Year. As the names indicate, each option pinpoints areas of the face. An upper facelift targets the forehead and brow to tighten skin on the forehead for a rejuvenated appearance. Like a traditional facelift, incisions are hidden in the hairline. Often, upper facelifts can be combined with blepharoplasty or eyelid lift for complete rejuvenation.
A lower facelift targets the lower third of the face such as the chin and neck to tighten sagging skin surrounding the jaw line. Depending on each patient’s individual facial structure, a lower facelift can also remove excess fat that contributes to the appearance of a double chin. An incision is made near the ear to minimize visible scarring. Neck lift surgery, which uses liposuction to remove fat, is commonly performed at the same time as the lower face lift for amplified result.
For deep wrinkles and furrows, a mid-facelift is performed endoscopically to sagging muscles and tissue found underneath. Areas of concern traditionally addressed by a mid-facelift are in the middle of the face at the triangular area formed between the corners of the eyes to the mouth. Small incisions are made based on which area(s) need excess fat and skin removed. A patient can also opt for facial implants or fat grafting to restore or augment facial contours. In some instances, our physicians may even use a more natural option of harvesting the patient’s own skin, bone, and tissue to augment the chin or face instead of silicone implants.
Patients who are not quite ready for a facelift procedure may be more suited for minimally-invasive treatments such as Ultherapy® skin tightening and facial injectables. Ultherapy non-surgical skin tightening uses ultrasound technology to penetrate deeper tissues and use the body’s own healing response to firm and tighten loose skin. Facial injectables such as Botox® and Juvéderm® reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
While facial rejuvenation procedures reduce the signs of aging, it will not stop the aging process or completely change a patient’s fundamental appearance. Patients should thoroughly discuss aesthetic concerns with their plastic surgeon to determine which option will best achieve their aesthetic goals. If you are interested in facelift surgery or other cosmetic procedures for a new look in 2013, visit our website or schedule a consultation today.
