A facelift is an elective procedure, and it is a major surgery. As such, you should not jump into it lightly without weighing whether it is right for you. If you are bothered by signs of aging on your face and neck, this procedure may be something to consider. Here are some reasons to get a facelift as well as reasons to pursue other facial rejuvenation procedures.
Reasons to Get a Facelift
1. Sagging Tissues in the Lower Face and Neck
Sagging facial and neck tissues are a common result of aging. Sagging occurs because of skin laxity, muscle laxity, and gravity. This sagging shifts the soft tissues of the face downward, creating gauntness above and puffiness beneath. A facelift can correct tissue sagging by lifting the muscles and skin back up to a more youthful position and recreating youthful facial contours.
2. Sagging Jowls
Sagging jowls form when the skin has sagged so far down that it is hanging below the jawline. Your jawline may be poorly defined, and your jowls may create pronounced lines around your mouth. A facelift can remove excess skin and lift the remaining skin and fat to correct jowls. Your jawline will be more defined, and your face will appear more lifted and awake.
3. Wrinkles in the Lower Face and Neck
Wrinkles are the result of sagging skin and tissue displacement. A facelift lifts the tissues of the face and neck and smooths out many wrinkles in the process. Excess skin is also removed, and the rest of the skin is pulled tight so that it lies flatter and smoother along the facial structure.
4. Excess or Displaced Fat in the Lower Face and Neck
Fat deposits can shift or collect in unusual places as we age. When excess or displaced fat is found along the jowls and on the neck, a facelift can be performed to improve the appearance. During the procedure, excess fat will be removed to rejuvenate the face and neck.
5. A Desire to Rejuvenate Your Face
If all of these signs of aging are present, what is left to consider is whether or not you truly desire this procedure. Do you want to improve your appearance so that you look as young as you feel? If you want to rejuvenate your face and restore your appearance, a facelift can help you achieve your goals.
Reasons to Consider Other Facial Rejuvenation Procedures Instead
The following may be reasons to consider other facial rejuvenation procedures instead of a facelift. Many of these serve as precursors to facelift surgery and can eliminate signs of aging so that you can delay facelift surgery.
1. Upper Face Wrinkles
Upper face wrinkles are not addressed in facelift surgery. Non-surgical treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport® can smooth out upper face wrinkles to soften your appearance.
2. Moderate to Severe Lower Face Wrinkles, but Minimal Sagging
If your lower face wrinkles are moderate to severe, but you have minimal skin sagging, fillers may be able to help. JUVÉDERM® fillers, RADIESSE®, Restylane® fillers, and others can reduce wrinkles and give you smooth, even skin.
3. Moderate to Severe Volume Loss, but Minimal Sagging
Moderate to severe volume loss in the face can sometimes be corrected through non-surgical treatments. Certain facial fillers can address volume loss and fill out thinning cheeks and lips.
4. Excess or Displaced Fat in the Neck
Excess or displaced fat in the neck can be removed through other surgical or non-surgical means than facelift surgery. Good options include liposuction for the chin and neck or KYBELLA®, a non-surgical injectable that can destroy excess fat beneath the chin.
5. Still in Your 30s or Younger
Most patients who are still in their 30s or younger are not yet good candidates for facelift surgery. If you are still in this age group, consider other less-invasive procedures before pursuing a facelift. Other facial rejuvenation treatments can significantly rejuvenate your appearance and may even allow you to postpone facelift surgery for several more years.
If you would like to rejuvenate your face, but you aren’t sure whether you should get a facelift, schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Oliver or Dr. Jack. Our plastic surgeons can expertly advise you on what will be best for your needs and give you the results you seek. To request your consultation, please call 205-298-8660 or contact us online today.