At Kovanda Aesthetic Surgery, we believe that age is not just the number of birthdays celebrated; it’s a state of being. No matter your numeric age, your own mentality and vitality are ultimately responsible for who you are. Unfortunately, our bodies tend to advance in age whether we like it or not, and sometimes at a rate that does not properly synch with how a person feels inside. With a facelift, you can achieve a more youthful and energized look for years, even as time continues to march on.
Although there is no way to pause this process, some apparent effects of aging can be temporarily reduced through plastic surgery. If you are in the Minneapolis area and interested in facelift surgery, take note of the information below to see if you may be a good candidate.
Facelift Before & After
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Facelifts Techniques (Incisions) to Consider
Before determining if you are a candidate for treatment, it is worth considering which type of facelift may be better suited for you. In a traditional facelift (also called an SMAS facelift), an incision is made along the hairline that extends around the ears. From this incision, subcutaneous tissues are repositioned, and the skin is re-draped and pulled taut. In a mini facelift (also called a MACS facelift), a few small incisions are placed behind the hairline, from which muscles are repositioned and skin is tightened.
The type of facelift you choose may be dependent on a few factors. Here are the key points for consideration:
- Full facelift: A conventional facelift can address a wider range of cosmetic flaws, with more pronounced results. Patients who want a more substantial change, or who are certain they want the benefits of a facelift, are likely good candidates. However, a full facelift utilizes a larger incision, resulting in a larger scar and longer recovery time.
- Mini facelift: Because the incisions are smaller and placed above the hairline, a mini facelift offers less noticeable scarring. Likewise, patients experience a quicker procedure and easier recovery. Although the results are more subtle, this may be beneficial for patients looking for a less dramatic change in appearance.
Common Problems Treated by a Facelift
A facelift can primarily address signs of aging below the eyes – most notably, the cheeks, mouth, jawline, and upper neck. By removing excess fat and skin and tightening the underlying muscle structure, patients gain a smoother overall appearance. More specifically, a facelift targets the following problems:
- Wrinkled skin
- Lines between the mouth and nose (the nasolabial folds)
- Sagging cheeks
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Jowling near the jawline
- Loose skin at the upper neck
Patients with a large degree of loose skin near the jawline and neck may be better suited for a full facelift, as a mini facelift cannot target the lower face as easily. On the other hand, patients who are just beginning to show signs of aging, such as younger patients in their 40s, are often great candidates for the mini technique.
Who is a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery
The best candidates for any facial plastic surgery are those in good overall health. When patients have a strong immune system and few risk factors, they also tend to have a satisfying experience from start to finish. Along these lines, patients should discuss their medical history with their surgeon, especially regarding any diseases or conditions that may compromise their health. Heart disease, diabetes, bleeding abnormalities, and tobacco use are a just few of the risk factors that should be discussed.
It may seem counter-intuitive, but good candidates for a facelift also have some semblance of skin elasticity. It’s true that most patients seek a facelift specifically because their facial skin is sagging, but the more elasticity remaining, the better the skin will be able to heal and conform to changes. For this reason, younger patients in their 40s or 50s often achieve the best results.
Finally, all candidates for plastic surgery should have appropriate expectations for treatment. A facelift can last a decade before its effects fade, and is therefore not a permanent solution. Rather, patients should understand what a facelift can achieve in the near future, as well as its practical limitations.
Schedule a Consultation
The best way to evaluate your candidacy for treatment is through a personal consultation with Dr. Kovanda. From there, your risks can be assessed and the proper surgical technique can be recommended for maximum satisfaction. Contact us to schedule your initial appointment at (612) 335-9032.
