A face lift, known clinically as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at contouring the face to create a more youthful appearance. People who opt for this surgery wish to reduce sagging skin in the cheek and jawline areas, and to address other facial features that have been affected by age. Depending on the type of facelift performed, the surgeon will need to make small incisions near the hair line and near the front and back of the ears. While there is usually minimal scarring during a facelift because of the placement of the incisions, some people are still at risk of developing abnormal scars. Luckily, treatment options are readily available and can be purchased through your physician or online.
Types of facelifts
Standard facelift
Also known as a traditional facelift, this procedure addresses moderate to advanced problem areas in the face and neck affected by age. For this surgery, a plastic surgeon will make incisions near the hairline, temples, around the ears, and the lower scalp. Excess fat that has accumulated in any of these areas may be removed and redistributed to other areas. The incisions allow the surgeon to tighten the skin and contour areas marked by wrinkles and sagging skin to achieve a more youthful look. The forehead, cheek, and jawline can all be improved with a standard facelift. Any excess skin that remains after the skin has been tightened is excised and the wounds stitched closed. Recovery time is based on the extent of the procedure and may be longer than “mini” facelifts.
Mini facelift
Patients who experience mild sagging in the skin and want to achieve minor changes in the face and jawline are ideal candidates for this procedure. This surgery is considered minimally invasive because it allows a surgeon to make smaller incisions in the skin compared to standard facelifts. Minor incisions are typically made near the hairline and above each ear. The surgeon will life and tighten the skin to correct sagging and wrinkles brought on by age or sun damage. Due to this surgery being more limited in scope than a traditional facelift, only local anesthesia is usually required and downtime during recovery is shorter.
Is a facelift right for you?
There is no right time or age to get a facelift. If you are an otherwise healthy adult, you can get a facelift at any age. Our skin begins showing signs of aging after the age of 30 due to genetics, sun damage and other factors, so some people may opt for this procedure sooner than others. If you are a smoker, you will want to stop smoking months before and after your procedure to allow your body to optimally heal the post-surgical wounds. Smoking and drinking can also cause damage to your skin and speed up the aging process, nulling the effects of a facelift after some time. An important factor to consider when opting for this procedure is to have realistic expectations. While a facelift can help you look younger, it does not stop the aging process. Eventually, your skin will lose its elasticity and sag again. In such a case, you might want to consider an aesthetic procedure such as Botox, microdermabrasion, or laser peels.
Post-operative scar management
Scarring is a possibility with any invasive procedure and patients want the most effective products to treat their scars. Medical-grade silicone gel is a safe and clinically-proven topical solution for the prevention and management of hypertrophic and keloid scars. Silicone is a safe treatment modality that works through the mechanisms of dermal hydration and collagen regulation. Scars need an ideal healing environment, otherwise known as homeostasis, to heal optimally. Silicone gel induces moisture at the scar bed while allowing oxygen to pass through its semi-permeable layer. This has the effect of normalizing collagen production in the affected area, thus flattening and reducing the appearance of the scar. Silicone gel is hypoallergenic and can be purchased through your physician or online at biodermis.com.
Biodermis is an innovative market leader with 30 years of expertise in the medical silicone industry. Visit Biodermis.com today to explore a complete range of scar management and post-operative care solutions.
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS: REFER OR RESELL?
Biodermis offers custom tailored referral programs designed to simplify and reduce the cost of your patients' post-op care. Additionally, we offer professional pricing if you opt to retail our products. Give us a call at 800.322.3729, and we will be happy to provide additional details on these programs.
