Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)
Do you believe that your face is giving away your age? Is your face aging faster than you feel? Typical areas of concern are the appearance of lines around the mouth, a draping neck line (jowls) and heaviness in the lower cheek. A facelift may seem like a drastic measure, but it may be the answer for you.
A consultation with Dr Gavin Sandercoe will help you understand how you can achieve the rejuvenation that you are looking for. The modern options include everything from anti-wrinkle injections to a traditional face lift operation. Dr Sandercoe does not perform thread lifts.
What is involved in a facelift?
In the last few decades, the different techniques of facelift procedures have expanded dramatically. However, at the core of all these techniques are still a few basic principles. These are:
1. Elevate the facial skin from an incision that will heal well and be barely visible once healed
2. Resuspend or manipulate the facial structures (neck, cheek tissue, deep structural support) into a position that is more typical of younger patients
3. Redrape the skin so that there will be no tension on the wound and excise any excess skin in a manner that the scars will be hidden
4. Close the wound under as little tension as possible, again to hide the scars as well as possible
A facelift alone addresses the lower face and neck. In order to appear in balance, the mid face, eyes and brow need to be assessed and may benefit from rejuvenation at the same time.
Which technique of facelift is best for me?
From a patient point of view, there are two broad categories of face lift surgery based on the incision length – a standard facelift or short scar variation. Patients that wish for a shorter operation with less downtime often choose a short scar approach. The longer scar gives greater access to achieve greater effects in more areas. The procedures that are done through the incision will be matched to your needs.
When should I think about a facelift?
A facelift is not for everyone. Patients that benefit the most from their facelift are in their 40s or older, non smokers in good physical condition and near their ideal weight. Adjunctive procedures such as anti-wrinkle injections and chemical peels are often helpful in getting the greatest result from your rejuvenation. For some patients, the non surgical options create enough improvements for satisfaction.
Want to discuss your options?
Sydney Plastic Surgeon Dr Gavin Sandercoe and his team will help you decide which course of action is best for you to achieve the appearance you are aiming for. Find out more during a surgical consultation.
