Sometimes, deciding on the right procedure for you is even harder than deciding to get plastic surgery in the first place. If you’re struggling with common signs of facial aging, like lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, then your first thought might be to get a facelift. But when considering whether or not to get a facelift, there are several factors you need to think about first. Not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure, and there are alternative treatments that could potentially be a better fit for you, depending on your situation. So is a facelift right for you? You can start to figure that out by asking the following questions.
What are Your Symptoms?
Although most people think of wrinkles when they talk about aging, there are many other signs of aging that can affect a person’s appearance. Often, sagging skin, volume loss, and “brown spots” or other skin irregularities make a person look much older than just wrinkles alone. Facelift surgery can create dramatic improvement and make a person look years younger, but it can’t fix every symptom of aging.
A facelift can address sagging skin, some wrinkles, and overall facial aging caused by gravity and collagen loss. Other problems, like superficial skin issues, volume loss, brown spots, and certain wrinkles require alternative treatments, like laser skin resurfacing, fat transfer, or Botox. Many people choose to undergo a facelift and then add on these treatments to enhance the results and correct other problems.
Where are the Signs of Aging Located?
It’s an oversimplification to say that a facelift rejuvenates the entire face. In reality, a traditional facelift only addresses the middle and lower face, often incorporating a neck lift for better results. That’s why it’s perfect for sagging skin, jowls, and deep folds in the lower face. If you’re noticing more signs of aging in your brow and eye areas, then a facelift might not be the best option for you. A brow lift, eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), or another procedure may be a better fit.
How Advanced is Your Aging?
Facelifts are intended for people with moderate to severe signs of aging who want to see dramatic results. Notice that this question has nothing to do with your age. That’s because people age at different rates, and in different areas more quickly than others. Depending on your lifestyle and genetics, you could have a lot of collagen loss causing sagging skin or you could just have minor signs of aging that don’t require surgical correction.
How Much Downtime Can You Take?
It’s important to realize that a facelift is major surgery. While techniques have gotten much gentler over the years and not everyone needs the full, traditional facelift, patients are still looking at a week or two of downtime at a minimum. You’ll also have to postpone exercise for a month or more after the procedure.
If you work full time or you have to look after small children and pets, it could be difficult to get the time you need to rest and recover properly. Since good healing is essential to getting optimal results, it’s important to make sure you can devote enough time to getting better after the surgery.
Do You Have Any Health Problems?
Because facelift surgery is cosmetic and voluntary, a reputable plastic surgeon won’t move forward with the procedure unless you are healthy enough to undergo both the procedure and the recovery period. If you have any health problems, it’s important to get them under control before you have a facelift procedure. It’s something you’ll need to mention to any plastic surgeon you consult with as well. They will put your safety first and may suggest alternative treatments if they feel that a facelift is unsafe for you.
Why Do You Want a Facelift?
As with any plastic surgery, it’s important to choose the procedure for yourself and your own happiness, not to please someone else. You should be happy and excited about moving forward, not full of doubt. While it’s normal to feel a little nervous, you should also be sure that getting a facelift is what you want before moving forward.
Discuss Your Options with a Plastic Surgeon
You don’t need to know for certain whether or not a facelift is right for you before discussing your options with a plastic surgeon. In fact, talking with a plastic surgeon about your goals can be a great way to help you decide which treatment or treatments is best for you. A skilled facial plastic surgeon can perform an exam and put together a treatment plan to help you reach your goals, taking your lifestyle, health, and budget into consideration.
It’s important to go to a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for advice about your facial rejuvenation options. Choosing a skilled provider you can trust is key in making sure you have the best experience possible. If you’re looking for a specialist in the Austin area, then consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Edward Buckingham, a renowned facial aging expert and skilled plastic surgeon. Dr. Buckingham will help you customize a plan that you can feel confident and excited about. To learn more, contact Buckingham Center in Austin, TX at 512.401.2500 today.
