Facial aging occurs due to skin changes and changes in the deeper soft tissues of the face. Natural aging, skin type, gravity, sun exposure and other environmental aspects, facial movement, and routine skin care are among the many factors that cause folds, wrinkles, lines and creases to form on the face. When performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, a facelift in NYC can address most of these concerns.
Understanding Facelift Procedures
Facelift surgery can address mid-face sagging, creases below the lower eyelids, creases along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth, facial fat, jowls and double chin. Traditional facelifts involve the use of various surgical techniques to improve the visible signs of aging in the face and neck. A deep plane lift reshapes the entire face the neck, brow and both upper and lower eyelids.
The incision typically begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear and ends in the lower scalp. Fat may be sculpted or grafts placed in areas with volume loss, such as the cheeks, under-eye areas and lips. The procedure also involves repositioning of the facial fat pads and sometimes, lifting of the deeper layers of the face, and the muscles. Excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is redraped over the uplifted contours. Another incision under the chin may be needed to improve aging concerns in the neck. The incisions are closed with sutures or skin adhesives.
Modern Facelift Techniques
Today, conventional facelift surgery is competing with minimally-invasive techniques. According to a recent report published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), procedures such as the mini facelift, S-lift, neck lift, or endoscopic facelift have attracted the interest of patients who may have previously been intimidated by the concept of a surgical cosmetic procedure. For instance, the short scar face lift or mini facelift which involves a only short incision below and behind the ear can improve the lower portion of the face, and is ideal for younger patients with mild to moderate aging. In the S-lift, a small skin flat is raised, which allows for a small elevation of the face. A mid-face lift is also a minimally-invasive procedure that improves the area beginning below the eye to the lower cheek area, including nasolabial folds. A neck lift is performed using extremely small incisions, usually placed discreetly behind the ears and under the chin. The modern facelift is therefore less intimidating for patients and can provide very natural-looking results when performed by a skilled plastic surgeon.
Unlike invasive surgery, modern facelift techniques are subtle and can be customized to suit the needs of the individual patient. Concerns relating to skin tone and texture imperfections can be addressed by nonsurgical procedures such as Botox and laser resurfacing. Plastic surgeons may combine a facelift with laser treatment to enhance outcomes.
NYC plastic surgeons also offer non-invasive facial rejuvenation options.
Each individual may have distinct concerns and procedural steps can vary significantly from patient to patient. However, as the ASPS report notes, the conventional facelift or rhytidectomy surgery is still the most effective option for longer term improvements in age-related changes to the skin, fat and other tissue in the face and neck.