As we age, skin naturally loses elasticity and volume. Collagen, keratin and elastin production decreases, which makes skin less supple. Sun damage and bad habits like smoking or an unhealthy diet contribute to and expedite the aging process, making the skin look more wrinkled, dull and slack.
For those looking to rejuvenate their appearance and reverse some of the tell-tale signs of aging, a facelift may be the best solution. Let’s take a closer look at what results the procedure can achieve, as well as what factors patients should consider when contemplating facial surgery.
The Procedure. Also known as a rhytidoplasty, a facelift creates a smoother, more youthful appearance by getting rid of excess sagging skin and folds. During a facelift, facial skin is lifted up, carefully pulled back and excess skin is trimmed. The surgery’s incision points are then discretely hidden along the patient’s hairline.
What It Can Do. By smoothing out and tightening the skin, the facelift procedure improves the appearance of midface sagging. It can get rid of the deep creases between the nose and mouth, which are known as the nasolabial folds, and diminish deep creases under the eyes. Facelift surgery can also smooth out and tighten areas of fat and slack skin in the jowls, lower face and upper neck, as well as loose skin and fat under the chin and jaw.
Combining a Facelift with Other Procedures. Although a facelift can significantly improve specific parts of the face, making one’s overall appearance more youthful as a result, the procedure does have its limitations. A facelift does not rejuvenate the look of the eyebrows, eyelids or nose. Patients looking to augment these areas specifically may consider combining a facelift with a brow lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or nose job (rhinoplasty).
Those looking to add volume and contour to certain areas of their face, such as the cheekbones or lips, can also consider injectable fillers, facial implants and skin resurfacing to enhance the effects of a facelift. To find out which procedures can uniquely enhance your facial features, contact Dr. Smith to schedule an appointment for a consultation to review the best procedure or combination of procedures to attain your desired results.
Facelift Procedure in Okatie
If you are interested in learning more about the facelift procedure or other plastic surgery options, please contact Smith Plastic Surgery at 843.705.8940 to schedule an appointment. For a map to our office, please visit here.
