A face lift (or rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that can improve the appearance of your face. It uses a variety of surgical techniques to restore your face’s youthful contours. You can also improve your appearance through an exercise regimen. Before considering face lift surgery, it is important to determine your goals.
Mini-facelift
Mini-facelifts are performed through small incisions near the hairline and earlobes. The tissues are lifted, and the remaining skin is then pulled taut. The procedure can smooth out wrinkles and jowls and can also address jawline laxity. The recovery time is short, and the results can be dramatic.
A mini facelift is an excellent solution for those patients who have only minimal concerns and are not interested in undergoing a more extensive procedure. While the results are not as dramatic as a full facelift, they are a great solution for lines near the mouth, loose skin around the neck, and sagging in the chin. If you’re interested in getting a mini facelift, you should consult a cosmetic surgeon to learn more about the procedure and how it can benefit you.
Because a mini-facelift is less invasive than a traditional facelift, the recovery time is significantly shorter. Most patients are able to return home the same day. However, minor bruising and swelling are common after the procedure. During this recovery period, you should stay away from strenuous activities. The doctor will also give you detailed instructions about postoperative care.
Scarring
Scarring after a facelift can be an unfortunate side effect. However, a few lifestyle changes can help to minimize the amount of scarring. Keeping a healthy diet is critical to minimizing scarring. Consuming foods rich in zinc can also help to reduce the chance of scarring. Using creams and lotions with vitamin E can also speed up the healing process. If scarring is a concern, speak with your surgeon to discuss the options available.
It’s best to avoid the sun while recovering from a facelift. Exposure to the sun can permanently darken your scars. To avoid the sun, make sure to wear sunscreen and wear a hat whenever outside.
Incision placement
Incision placement is crucial to the success of any facelift surgery. Ideally, the incision should be short, hardly noticeable, and hidden behind the hairline. A surgeon should never create an incision that extends into the sideburns or in front of the ear. Unfortunately, many plastic surgeons choose to make incisions that are too short, which can leave the patient’s skin puckered and nearly unnoticeable after the procedure.
Incision placement is vital, as the incisions must be oriented correctly to minimize distortion during the closure of the wound. It is also important to choose an incision or excision site that parallels the lines of relaxed skin tension.
The incisions for a facelift usually begin at the bottom of the sideburns and curve backward behind the ear. These incisions are hidden by the patient’s hair, and they allow Dr. Beale to access the deeper facial soft-tissue layers and lift sagging skin. A separate incision may be necessary under the chin if the surgery is to tighten the muscles and skin in the neck.
