Plastic surgery used to be fairly simple. There were a set group of common procedures, and you chose based on what problem you were having. Today, there are many more options, from less invasive alternatives, to variations in technique. In fact, it can be very overwhelming when deciding which procedure is right for you.
Before you start wishing for the good old days, consider this: today’s procedures are much more customized, less invasive, and safer than they have ever been. While there may be more options, you needn’t worry. That’s because you’ll have the guidance of an expert plastic surgeon to help you choose.
One of the more modern takes on the facelift is the limited incision facelift. If you’ve heard of this procedure, then you may be wondering how it could benefit you. Here’s what you need to know about this procedure that’s optimized for a younger candidate with minimal jowls.
Limited Incision Facelift: Less Intervention, Excellent Results
Many people feel that they’re not old enough for a facelift procedure. Yet, they still find that they spend a lot of time poking and prodding at their skin in the mirror, hoping that the signs of sagging will retract and they’ll magically wake up looking years younger. If that describes you, then you might be a good candidate for a limited incision facelift.
A limited incision facelift is a great option for younger patients because it minimizes intervention while still producing excellent results. Limited incision lower facelifts have been called by many names, the most popular of which is the mini lift. However, these are just nicknames, and not the descriptive name for the procedure. The goal of the limited incision lower facelift is to tighten and lift the lower face through only small incisions around the ears and lateral neck. This procedure can produce enough lift and tightening to satisfy patients with minimal jowls. However, it may not be appropriate for older patients who need more tightening.
The Benefits of a Limited Incision Lower Facelift
The benefits of choosing a limited incision lower facelift are immense for the right candidates. If you’re a younger patient, there is likely no reason for you to go through the intensive surgery and recovery associated with a full, traditional facelift. Using the limited incision approach, patients have an easier surgical process, which lasts about 2-2.5 hours. Furthermore, the surgery can be performed in an office setting with local anesthesia and light oral sedation, minimizing the risk for complications.
Patients enjoy subtle but noticeable results. The skin and the face will look more youthful, taut, and smooth overall. The incisions are easy to hide under long hair, and the recovery time is substantially less than that for a full facelift. Patients have sutures removed in one week, and social activities can be resumed at that time. Some patients feel well enough to be social even before the sutures are removed!
A limited incision lower facelift is a great choice for a younger candidate who is active and has minimal neck banding and minimal jowls. The surgery can help slow down aging and keep patients looking younger longer. Patients with more advanced aging should still consider a more extensive facelift procedure for comprehensive results.
Is a Limited Incision Lower Facelift Right For You?
While it’s up to you and your plastic surgeon to figure out which procedure is most appropriate for your needs, there are some factors to consider before you go to your consultation. Ask yourself:
- Will a limited incision procedure get me the results I want, or will I need a more invasive surgery?
- Will a non-surgical treatment suit my needs instead?
- Will I need to combine the procedure with other surgeries to reach my goals?
Asking these kinds of questions will help you go to your meeting with solid goals for your procedure. This, in turn, will help you and your doctor make decisions about which procedure is right for you. Remember, complex procedures like the facelift will be tailored to suit your individual needs.
Choose the Right Facial Plastic Surgeon
Even before you’ve settled on a surgical procedure, your first big decision is choosing the right plastic surgeon to perform your procedure. Your surgeon will be the biggest factor in the success of your surgery, so it’s important to choose a board certified specialist you can trust. Dr. Edward Buckingham is a renowned facial surgeon, known for working with patients to come up with solutions to their aesthetic problems, with minimal discomfort and downtime. To learn more about working with Dr. Buckingham on your facial rejuvenation, call Buckingham Center today in Austin, TX at 512.401.2500.
