5 Common Facelift Misconceptions Debunked

Many men and women are bothered by signs of aging such as folds, wrinkles, lines, and creases. This has fuelled the demand for facial cosmetic surgical procedures. For instance, a  facelift in Manhattan can take years off your appearance and provide a more youthful, refreshed look by reducing lines, wrinkles, folds, and sagging skin. However, there are several misconceptions regarding the procedure, which often prevent people from going ahead with it. If you are considering a facelift, knowing the facts is important to make an informed decision.

Here are 5 common facelift misconceptions, debunked:

1. Facelifts Are Only for Women: A common misconception is that a facelift is only for women. The truth is that both men and women alike can benefit from the lifting power of a facelift. The procedure can impact a person’s life in profound ways. In fact, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), facelift surgery topped the list of male cosmetic procedures in 2020.
2. Only older people can get a Facelift: There’s no ideal age for a facelift. Though timing is an important consideration when it comes to having a facelift, if you notice mild laxity, it’s better to get corrected before it gets worse. Generally, skin laxity becomes obvious between the ages of 40 and 60. Patients who get a traditional facelift before age 50 may see optimal results because they tend to have more skin elasticity.
   
   To know if you need a facelift, look for  concerns such as jowls, significant lower face wrinkles, poor jawline definition, sagging neck tissues, and muscle banding on the neck, feeling like you don’t look as youthful and confident, or looking tired, sad or angry when you don’t feel so – that indicate you are ready to have this cosmetic surgical procedure.

   Moreover, everyone ages differently. So if you’re interested in a facelift, schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon who is experienced in performing facelift and let them determine if it’s too early or just the right time to have one.

3. Facelift recovery is long and painful: Conventional facelifts do have a longer recovery and would be painful, but now NYC plastic surgery practices provide facelifts using advanced minimally-invasive modalities that provide dramatic results with hardly any downtime and short recovery.
   
   During the recovery period, patients might notice slight swelling and bruising in the treatment sites. The extent of swelling and inflammation after a facelift will depend on the nature of the procedure and technique used. Patients can expect the majority of their swelling to dissipate after 3 – 4 weeks post op. Moreover, recovery is influenced by how well the patient takes care of their skin after the facelift procedure and the natural healing ability of the individual.

   Read More: HOW LONG DOES SWELLING FROM A FACELIFT LAST?

4. A facelift is permanent: When performed by a qualified surgeon, specialized and experienced in the treatment, the results are almost permanent. But then, even if a facelift can rejuvenate your appearance, the procedure cannot stop the aging process and the face will continue to age. Moreover, any fat cells that remain can increase in size once you gain weight. So facelift results may not always be permanent. Also, facelift results vary from patient to patient, and depending on how old you were when you had a facelift, a proper facelift should last 10+ years. The longevity of facelift results depends on many factors such as history of sun exposure, skin quality, genetics, age, smoking history, and the technique used. Keep in mind that taking care of your skin will make facelift results last longer. As new fat cells tend to appear with weight gain, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight is the key to long-lasting results.
5. Facelifts are One Size Fits All: Facelift procedures are not same for all patients. Some patients might just want to address mid-face concerns while others might want to address the lower face. An expert plastic surgeon will work with you to create an individualized plan that targets your specific problem areas. For instance, while some people might need a full facelift, others might benefit from other procedures such as a cheek implant, brow lift or blepharoplasty.

So, things that people commonly worry about when considering a facelift just aren’t true. If are thinking about addressing signs of facial aging, consider a facelift in Manhattan. Choose an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery practice that has surgeons who have the specialized skill required to perform this procedure. Only an expert can help you understand what options might be best for you and provide a personalized treatment that is customized to fit your needs.