The following article will explore the question, ‘ What is a face lift procedure?’, provide a summary of the various face lift options, and detail the expected recovery time.
Understanding Facial Aging
In our early thirties, there are changes in our skin resulting in aging.. Skin is composed of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acids. There is a gradual loss of all these components with age. Annually we lose 1 % of our collagen. By the time you enter your forties, the collagen in your skin has decreased by approximately 20%, and in the three years following menopause, women lose an additional 30% of their skin collagen content. The loss of collagen and elastin results in crepey, sagging skin, loss of the youthful full cheeks, deep creases, jowls and an aged neck. The rate of aging is also accelerated by factors such as poor nutrition, smoking, physical environment, genetics, and weight fluctuations. A face lift procedure reverses the visible signs of aging in the face and neck by repositioning the deep cheek tissues and jowls, tightening the muscles in the neck and face, and removing the skin laxity and wrinkles.
Face Lift Surgery: What It Entails
During face lift surgery excess skin and fat is removed. The underlying facial muscles and deep soft tissues are repositioned to restore a youthful appearance. The skin of the face and neck are re-draped to create natural looking, long-term facial rejuvenation.
What does a face lift look like?
- Elimination of jowls
- Lifting and repositioning of sagging cheeks
- Creation of a more defined jaw line
- Tightening of facial and neck skin
- Removal of excess skin and lines
- Removal of the heaviness of the neck
Exploring Techniques
There are various types of face lifts available. The procedure best suited to your unique facial characteristics and specific goals can only be determined with a thorough consultation.
Face and Neck Lift
Dr. Barr does a deep plane facelift, also referred to as a dual plane or a composite facelift. This procedure reverses the visible signs of aging in both the face and neck by tightening and repositioning the muscles and skin in those areas. The descent of the cheeks, loss of cheek volume, deep nasolabial folds, sagging jowls and excess skin in the face and neck are addressed with this method.
Mini Face Lift
Dr. Barr offers a mini facelift also known as a MACS lift. For younger patients looking to improve the early signs of aging, the mini face lift may be an ideal option. This procedure corrects the cheek shape and volume, removes the appearance of sagging skin in the lower half of the face (nasolabial folds and early jowls) but does not include the neck. This is an ideal procedure for those patients in their forties and early fifties with minimal aging in the neck.
Short Incision Face Lift
As its name denotes, short incision face lifts are performed through a much shorter incision than traditional face lifts. The incision lines for this procedure are hidden in the natural creases in front of the ear only. This may be an ideal option for those individuals who do not require significant skin removal to address the signs of aging.
Thread Lift
While many patients are comfortable pursuing more invasive procedures to achieve their aesthetic goals, some individuals may not need a facelift and can be rejuvenated with a “thread lift”. Although there is some misconception that this is a new type of face lift procedure, thread lifts have been used in practice for many years. What are thread lifts? It is important to note that thread lifts are not a surgical procedure. Thread lifts can be done in less than 20 minutes with only a small amount of local anaesthetic and you can return to full activity immediately afterwards. Using special threads and technique, a thread lift can elevate facial skin and soft tissues, reposition and support cheeks, jowls and brows, and create a more youthful facial shape. Depending on your age and goals, each thread lift procedure is individualized to address your specific facial rejuvenation needs.
Choosing the Right Approach
Dr. Barr focuses on each of his patient’s unique facial characteristics and their specific goals to provide a patient specific plan to provide you with the most optimal results.
The consultation process provides an opportunity for you to express your concerns in detail, and enables Dr. Barr to carefully examine your face, neck, forehead, and eyebrow area. The various surgical and non-surgical treatment options will be discussed. Dr. Barr will explain which face lift approach would be best suited to you. The hallmark of a face lift performed by Dr. Barr is a natural-looking, smooth and noticeably younger facial contour. A commonly asked question during consultation is , ‘ what does a face lift cost?’. Pricing for your face lift will depend on which type of face lift procedure you have and whether you have concurrent procedures along with your face lift. A detailed quote will be provided to you during your consultation.
What to Expect After a Face Lift
While face lift recovery time can vary , most patients are able to be up and around within a day, but are instructed to limit themselves to light activities for two weeks. Fine sutures around the ear are removed painlessly duringthe follow-up visits at 7 to 8 days and again at 12-14 days following face lift surgery. Some patients will have swelling and some mild bruising for 7 to 10 days following their procedure butare able to mask any residual bruising with makeup and return to work and social events within 10 to 12 days. Face lift patients canreturn to the gym for unrestricted heavy lifting , aerobic events, and running by four weeks following their procedure.