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20 Apr
2012
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1. The most common types of facial rejuventation procedures perfomed today are a traditional facelift, a mini-facelift, a neck lift (done on its own), a brow lift and upper eyelid/lower eyelid lifts. Are there any other lift procedures for the facial area that people should be aware of when considering facial plastic surgery?
Answer: In addition to the traditional “lifting” procedures, the biggest thing that has changed in my surgical practice is a new focus on “volumizing”–the best option for this is fat grafting. Softer, more youthful results are obtained by carefully adding fat to the valleys under the eyes, the hollows in the cheeks, and the folds around the mouth. At FACE, our patients always want a natural and fresh appearance and in my hands, the best way to obtain a spectacular result is to combine the “lifting” with fat grafting. I now combine fat grafting with the majority of blepharoplasty and facelift surgeries that I perform.
2. What type of scarring can people expect with a facelift or mini lift?
Answer: Any incision will leave a scar. When performed correctly, however, the scars associated with either a facelift of a mini-lift should be negligible. The majority of the scar is hidden in the temple hair and in the creases in front and behind the ear. A good facelift surgeon will pay great attention to the natural creases on your face, the pattern of your hair, and your skin-type in order to give you the best possible results. These scars generally heal as very fine lines that should only be visible to your surgeon. The traditional facelift incision includes a scar that goes into the hairline behind the ear which is used when more loose skin needs to be tightened and generally this additional scar cannot be seen because it is covered by your hair.
3. Are there any misconceptions about facelifts that you find patients have before consulting with a surgeon?
Myth #1:
“Facelifts produce an artificial, “operated” appearance to the face.”
Patients who are considering facelift surgery today are more educated than ever. The vast majority realize that a good facelift will produce completely natural-appearing results that will not look artificial or “over-stretched” in any way. That said, we can all think of examples of celebrities that have had poor, over-done results. The best way to reassure my patients of what to expect is to show them examples of patients who have had similar procedures performed at FACE. My patients do not come to me asking me to make them look like they are 30 years-old again. They want to look like themselves–just healthier, more refreshed, and rejuvenated.
Myth #2:
“A mini-lift is the way to go.”
Perhaps the biggest source of confusion that I encounter is patients asking for a mini-facelift or a “lunchtime facelift ” when it would be more appropriate for them to have a more complete procedure. Less is definitely not more–the last thing you want to do is have a procedure that produces a mediocre result or one that will last for only one or two years. A good facelift should give you effective results for seven to twelve years. Certainly a mini-faceilft is an excellent option for younger patients with early aging changes of the lower face, but if you are seeking correction of heavy jowls, sagging of the midface, or significant extra skin under the neck it may not be the right choice for you.
Facelift surgery is not like picking a combo from Burger King. It should be more like Susur crafting a perfect menu for you as an individual. That is why facelift surgery in particular needs to be performed by someone that can help you to make the right choices.
Myth #3:
“Facelifts are for women.”
Over 20% of the facelifts performed at FACE are on men of all different cultural and occupational backgrounds. In fact, men are undergoing plastic surgery procedures at a record rate which is continuing to grow. The most popular facial rejuvenation procedures in men include eyelid surgery, facelift surgery, hair restoration, chin augmentation, neck liposuction, and fat grafting to produce and maintain a healthy and masculine appearance.
4. I see on your website that for some patients you perform liposuction along with a neck lift. How does this procedure work? Which is performed first and is there a waiting period before the second procedure is done?
Answer: Neck liposuction can be performed either as an isolated procedure or in combination with facelift procedure. When used alone, neck liposuction can be used to slim excess fatty tissue in the neck as well as to help make the neck skin more taut and refined. While liposuction alone will not produce as dramatic a result as a facelift, it can be a good option for those wishing to avoid a more involved procedure.
More often than not, I will also combine liposuction with a facelift or neck lift procedure to give my patients a more sculpted appearance to the jawline. Again, it is the little refinements that make the difference between a good result and an incredible result.
5. What can prospective patients do prior to surgery to improve their results? And what should they avoid?
Answer: I advise my patients to try and be as fit for their surgery as possible-both mentally and physically. The great thing about facial cosmetic surgery is that it is an elective procedure and that means you can schedule your surgery at a time that works best for you. Facial plastic surgery is often a boost for a turning point in my patients’ lives and it is a great time to start a committed exercise program, improve your diet, and give up bad habits in order to help you not only look, but to feel your best. Things to avoid are a sedentary lifestyle and smoking. These are the two biggest factors that lead to complications with any type of surgery.
6. Although every procedure is different. Could you provide an estimate of the length of surgical time for each procedure (ranges are fine) and a price range as well?
Mini-facelift (2 – 3 hours, cost: 6,000-12,000)
Traditional Facelift and Neck Lift (3 – 4 hours, cost: 10,000-17,000)
Neck Liposuction (1/2 hour, cost: 2,000 – 3,000)
Fat Grafting (1 – 2 hours, cost: 2,500 – 6,000)
Upper Eyelid Surgery (1 – 2 hours, 2,000 – 5,000)
Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery (2 – 3 hours, 5,000 – 7,000)
Browlift (1 – 3 hours, 4,000 – 6,000)
7. Are there other factors that patients should be aware of when they are considering facial plastic surgery?
Answer: Undergoing facial plastic surgery is an exciting and incredibly rewarding experience. My advice to patients considering facial plastic surgery is for them to do their research. It is important to find a surgeon that is Board Certified either in Plastic Surgery or in Head and Neck Surgery with fellowship training in Facial Plastic Surgery. Choose someone that is focused on the types of surgery that you want rather than someone who dabbles in the specific procedures. Remember that deciding on your surgeon involves more than just the day of surgery–it is the start of a new relationship. That relationship should primarily be founded on trust, care and comfort. But it should also certainly involve fun and excitement.