Is It Time to Talk About a Facelift?

Posted July 09, 2019 in Facelift

Facelift surgery is only one way to restore a youthful facial appearance. Facelift surgery reduces or eliminates signs of aging on the middle and lower regions of the face that result from time, sun damage, and other environmental factors. This procedure trims sagging skin and tightens facial tissues to restore facial fullness, taut skin, and an overall healthy appearance. A facelift can be combined with a neck lift and eyelid lift for complete facial rejuvenation.

Most patients begin to consider a facelift between 40 and 60 years of age. We now offer FaceTite™ and AccuTite by InMode, to correct and tighten areas on the face and neck, if you are not ready for a facelift yet. FaceTite™ and AccuTite are minimally invasive procedures performed under local anesthesia or light sedation.

When Is a Facelift Appropriate?

Sagging of the Midface

Age, sun damage, and external factors like diet, smoking, and pollution wreak havoc on the skin by decreasing the production of collagen. Collagen is the protein that gives skin its strength, structure, and elasticity. Without collagen production, the skin and muscles will begin to loosen and gravity will begin to cause significant signs of facial aging. The midface will start to sag, creating a deflated appearance, causing folds and creases in the nasolabial area. Facelift surgery tightens the underlying tissues, restoring fullness to the cheeks and smoothing facial wrinkles.

The Development of Jowls

Jowls are also caused by a loss of facial integrity. When the cheeks sag, they fall toward the jawline. Since it cannot go any farther than the jaw, the skin ends up sagging off of the chin and jawline to create jowls. Facelift surgery restores these fallen tissues to their natural elevation.

Vertical Neck Banding

A neck lift is commonly performed alongside a facelift to target vertical banding and excess skin on the neck. Men and women often forget about the neck when they are taking care of their skin, even though the neck is just as exposed to sun damage and environmental factors as the face.

Performing both a facelift and a neck lift ensures balance and harmony between the two areas.

When Is Facelift Surgery Not Right?

Minor Lines and Wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles develop on the face for many reasons, and while they may be unwanted and annoying, they are not always severe enough to require invasive surgery. AccuTite and FaceTite™ can address these issues and may even delay the need for a facelift.

Dermal fillers like JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, and RADIESSE® are non-surgical and non-invasive injectable alternatives for patients with mild to moderate signs of aging. These fillers plump areas of volume loss and stimulate collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Aging of the Upper Face

Facelift surgery targets the lower regions of the face. A facelift does not address facial aging of the forehead or eyes. If your aging concern focuses on the upper third of your face you may not be a facelift candidate. You may just consider a brow lift, eyelid lift, or even BOTOX® Cosmetic. A brow lift addresses lines and wrinkles on the forehead and between the brows. A blepharoplasty targets drooping eyelids and puffiness below the eyes, and BOTOX® Cosmetic offers non-surgical relief from crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines.

If you think you may be ready for facelift surgery or would like more information about FaceTite™ and AccuTite, contact Dr. Cohn by calling (205) 590-9900 or by filling out our online contact form to set up a consultation.