The opportunities to rejuvenate your appearance are numerous but nothing is more effective than SMAS advanced facelift procedures performed by qualified, skilled, and experienced board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeons like Dr. Denton in Vancouver, BC. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Denton can advise you regarding your facelift or any other facial rejuvenation procedure you may be considering. He performs cosmetic surgical procedures, including facelifts, eyelid lifts, and brow lifts, at his private and fully accredited state-of-the-art surgical facility in the heart of Vancouver’s medical corridor, just one block from Vancouver General Hospital. Dr. Denton believes that his patients must always be fully informed in order to make the best decisions, which is why we would like to discuss some of the most common facelift myths and misconceptions.
Myth #1: Facelifts are for Older Individuals
It is generally believed that in order to undergo a facelift procedure, a person should be well into middle age. In fact, the majority of individuals, mainly women, choose to rejuvenate their appearance in their 50s when signs of aging become highly noticeable.
However, nowadays, there is an increasing number of younger women, as well as men, who decide to optimize their appearance and maintain their youth longer by having their facelift procedure between the ages of 30 and 39. This can be more effective and beneficial since the skin and muscles of younger individuals respond better to surgical procedures. What’s more, recovery is much shorter and the possibility of complications also decreases. Of course, when facelift patients are younger the results are much more natural and may last longer.
Another factor that should be considered is that we all age at different rates due to genetics, environmental factors, lifestyle habits, and state of health. For example, individuals who live in areas where they receive excessive exposure to the sun or smoke or are regular drinkers of alcoholic beverages may experience signs of aging at a much younger age.
Myth #2: Facelifts are about Tightening the Skin
Signs of aging are often associated with loss of facial skin elasticity and excess skin sagging. In fact, traditional surgical facelift procedures tried to reduce the signs of aging by performing skin-only facelifts to tighten the skin. However, the results of these procedures did not last very long and after repeat procedures, the person had the unnatural windswept look or a permanent startled appearance.
The skin-tightening only approach to facelifts fails to address the fact that there are also issues with facial muscles and fat tissues. Facial muscles become loose and fat begins to atrophy with age. Consequently, modern facelift treatments like the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS ) 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 which he manipulates to achieve the desired result. By working on this layer of facial structures, he is able to attain 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.
Myth #3: Facelifts are for Women
Although both men and women experience facial aging, the majority of surgical facelifts are performed on women. However, statistical reports presented by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), indicate that facelifts are becoming increasingly popular with men as well. Just like women, men would also like to rejuvenate their appearance and look as young as they feel. As men begin to show signs of aging, the wrinkles and reduction in jaw definition can make their face look angry so they would like to make their appearance look friendlier as this would benefit them careerwise and socially as well.
There has also been a misconception that if a man has a facelift his appearance will become more feminine. This couldn’t be further from the truth, as a skilled facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Denton, can actually help men create a more masculine appearance with a more defined jawline, and chiseled and youthful look.
Myth #4: Non-Surgical Facelifts Produce Similar Results as Surgical Facelifts
Dr. Denton offers his Vancouver, BC, patients both surgical and non-surgical treatments to rejuvenate their appearance. However, non-surgical treatments and soft tissue augmentations cannot produce the same level of results as surgical facelifts. Non-surgical treatments can help reduce minor signs of aging for individuals who may not need a surgical facelift. The results of non-surgical procedures also don’t last nearly as long as surgical facelifts since the injectables used are absorbed by the body. Consequently, you would need regular touch-ups to maintain the desired results which could end up making your non-surgical facelift as or more expensive than a surgical facelift.
Myth #5: Recovery Time for a Surgical Facelift is Long
Modern facelifts procedures like SMAS do not involve a long recovery time nor is the recovery painful. Dr. Denton normally removes stitches and surgical clips over the first 7 to 10 days. It is normal for swelling to wax and wane over the first 7 to 10 days. Most facelift patients are back at work 10 to 14 days after their surgery. Typically there is very little pain following facelift surgery but a dull headache is not uncommon. You should not, however, hesitate to take the prescribed pain medications if you need them. Please, note that your recovery may be influenced by how well you take care of your skin after the surgical procedure and your body’s natural healing ability.
Myth #6: Facelifts are Permanent
Unfortunately, even surgical facelifts are not the fountain of youth. A surgical facelift can rejuvenate your appearance and help you look younger but it cannot stop the aging process. Your face will continue to age. Although results vary somewhat from patient to patient, you should expect to turn back the clock for seven to ten years.
Naturally, how slowly you will age after your facelift can depend on several factors relating to the environment, genetics, lifestyle habits, general health, and the surgical facelift technique used to perform the procedure. In order to slow down the effects of aging, you need to eat a healthy diet with minimal intake of alcohol, avoid exposure to the sun, and use high-quality skin care products to protect and hydrate your skin. You should also keep in mind that older individuals will not enjoy the same facelift longevity compared to younger individuals since skin laxity will be quicker for those in later middle age.
Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Denton
If you are considering a surgical facelift procedure because you feel that your appearance has become tired-looking and does not reflect how you feel, 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.
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.