Do you have the face of a 50-year-old but the spirit of a twentysomething? It happens to all of us: eventually our faces lose the fight with gravity and before we know it, our cheeks and the tissues around and below our jaw have lost elasticity and are sagging. For most of us, it’s the neck and middle and lower areas of the face that are first affected. One of the top three requested procedures at Columbus Cosmetic, the facelift (rhytidectomy) is perfect for getting rid of that excess skin and then raising and tightening all the right areas for a face that reflects the age we really feel.
What really happens during a facelift and will I look “fake” afterward?
The primary objectives of the facelift are to reposition the muscles and tissues for a more youthful look and remove unnecessary skin and fat that are contributing to jowls and wrinkles. Incisions are customized for each patient, but generally they extend from the sideburn, around in front of the ear, and then behind the ear in the hairline. If necessary, an additional incision will be made below the chin. Once the muscles and tissues are rearranged and the extra skin removed, you’re left with not only a face that has literally been lifted, but less tissue and skin for gravity to battle with again. For most of our patients, the benefits of a facelift will last around 15 years.
As with all procedures, Dr. Houser and Dr. Kraft will spend plenty of time listening to the outcomes you desire most. They may even ask to see younger pictures of you as a reference to discuss what may, and may not, be possible. Some patients want very subtle and natural-looking changes for their face, and others want dramatic results. With lots of listening and information exchange, Dr. Houser and Dr. Kraft’s goal is to create the best match between a patient’s vision and their post-surgery reality.
There are so many options that may improve my face. How do I choose between the facelift, brow lift, the mini facelift, or injectables?
If you are looking for substantial changes that will give you a more defined jawline, more noticeable cheek contours and much smoother skin in the lower face and neck area, you should consider the full facelift. To create a change in the upper face, across the forehead and between the brows, a brow lift can be combined with the facelift or obtained separately.
But if you’re just starting to notice early signs of aging, or if you have a thinner face with less tissue overall to work with, you may benefit most from a mini facelift, which takes a little less time to perform and needs less recovery time. Finally, if you are not interested in surgery, (e.g., maybe you are a smoker and do not want to quit smoking during the times recommended before and after surgery), our wide range of injectable options to remove wrinkles and smooth skin may be just what you’re looking for. No need to decide right now – schedule a consultation with Dr. Houser or Dr. Kraft and they’ll help you determine which option, or combination of them, will help create the look you’re seeking.
“Dr. Houser is fantastic. He was recommended to me by a friend and I couldn’t be happier with my cosmetic results. Thank you, Dr. Houser and the nurse who took care of me on my surgery day!!”
What is recovery from a facelift like?
Your procedure will be performed on site, in the same convenient location of all your prior appointments. Columbus Cosmetic is proud to be an accredited surgical facility through the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, which can only be accomplished by providing the highest level of patient care, safety, cleanliness, and emergency response procedures. Most procedures are performed under twilight sedation, which allows for faster, less painful recovery and less postoperative nausea and vomiting. Every individual’s recovery time is unique, but most patients recover from a facelift in about two weeks; the full effects of the surgery will be visible at about 1-2 months.
Call Columbus Cosmetic today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Houser or Dr. Kraft, and find out how to create the best reflection of your true self!
