Modern Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures. In the US alone, in 2018, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that over 121,000 surgical facelift procedures were performed. Modern facelift procedures are not like those performed 20 years ago when the face looked unnaturally pulled back as if the individual was in a wind tunnel. Fortunately today, the results of a modern facelift performed by an experienced and board-certified facial plastic surgeon like Vancouver’s Dr. Denton can thankfully be described as “natural-looking.”
The Evolution of Surgical Facelifts
A modern facelift has been carefully designed to remove the signs of ageing and refresh the appearance of the face. They are meant to address wrinkles, sagging, folds and fatty deposits among other facial features.
Initially, facelifts were performed by pulling and tightening the facial skin and then removing any leftover skin. This approach sometimes led to multiple procedures. This approach also only addressed issues on the surface of the face and resulted in a stiff and unnatural startled appearance. However, due to surgical advances in facial surgery, a modern facelift looks natural and the face is truly rejuvenated.
Modern techniques used by Dr. Denton in our Vancouver surgical suite, which is accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, result in longer-lasting and a more natural facial rejuvenation. This is because modern surgical facelift techniques like deep-plane facelifts don’t just address the skin, they also deal with structures beneath the skin like muscle and fat deposits. Dr. Denton accesses the deeper layers of tissue between muscle and fat called the superficial muscular aponeurotic sheath (SMAS) which he then manipulates to achieve the desired result. By also working on this layer of facial structures he is able to achieve results that tighten the skin and lift the face as well. Consequently, he is able to achieve dramatic improvements in the neck and jawline, jowls and facial wrinkles in both men and women of all ages.
Faster Recovery Time
Due to the fact that modern facelifts are performed using fewer and smaller incisions, the time for healing and recovering from a typical facelift is much less than it used to be a few decades ago. As a result, patients can return back at work 10 to 21 days after their surgery.
Typically there is also very little pain following facelift surgery but a dull headache is not uncommon. Patients, however, should not hesitate to take the prescribed pain medications if they need them.
Longer Lasting Results
Because modern facelifts address issues that are related to underlying muscles and the desired distribution of fat pads in the lower face, midface and neck areas, the final result is not only more natural but also longer lasting. An expertly performed facelift will make you look seven to ten years younger, but you need to keep in mind that you will continue to age normally.
Some facelift patients may be satisfied with only one facelift but there are others who opt to have touch-ups and may have multiple facelifts during their lifetime. It’s also important to realize that individuals who take the time and effort to care for their skin, maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly can expect to prolong the result of their facelift.
Consult with a Qualified Facial Plastic Surgeon
If you are considering a surgical facelift procedure because you feel that your appearance has become tired-looking, you should consult with an experienced and qualified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Denton who can advise you as to the best course of action for you. Dr. Denton will discuss the benefits and any considerations which are related to your unique situation, needs and expectations. He believes that you should be treated as an equal member of the decision-making team because informed patients make good decisions.
At Dr. Denton’s Vancouver state-of-the-art non-hospital cosmetic and facial plastic surgery clinic, computer imaging is used to assist both patient and surgeon in making the best possible decisions. A high-resolution digital photograph on the clinic’s imaging computer, allows you to preview the changes that can be anticipated following your facelift.
A cosmetic surgical facelift procedure can be extremely beneficial and rewarding. Not only can it rejuvenate your appearance but it can also boost your self-confidence and help you look more rested and much healthier.
Schedule your facelift consultation here today!