Face Lift Surgery

     The facial aging process does not happen all at once. Instead, there are slow, almost non-apparent changes that involve several components of the face. The skin envelope is the main reflector of the aging process, which eventually affects all the tissues of the face. It slowly degenerates over time, resulting in the loss of elasticity, dehydration, and atrophy. With increasing laxity the face sags, creating folds of skin. The skin's outer layer appears tired and may have numerous fine lines and even deep wrinkles.
     The rate of aging is often hereditary, but it can be accelerated by abuse (i.e., sun, wind, tension, food, drink, and smoking). Re-absorption of fat in some areas of the face along with atrophy of its muscles will further aggravate and accentuate laxity of the skin. In time the skull becomes thinner and smaller, thereby causing excessive overlying skin tissue in the face due to shrinkage of the bones themselves.
     Aging is different in each of us. The deep wrinkles of the skin are most apparent in the forehead, between the eyebrows (alabella frown lines), at the outer comers of the eyes ("crow's feet"), and at the junction between the upper lip and cheek (nasolabial folds). If you look closely, finer wrinkles and etching of the skin are seen throughout the face. Often there is puffiness associated with parts of the aging face, the eyes, and the jowls and of course with many, the double chin. We are not always aware of the overall toll aging is taking on our face. Seldom do we notice that the tip of the nose droops, causing it to appear larger and longer.
     Not all aging signs or combinations of the above problems are seen in everyone. At least a few are apparent, however, in an aging face. This is why face-lift surgery is designed and tailored for each individual. The Face lift (rhytidectomy) operation is most frequently referred to when one mentions surgery for rejuvenation of an aging face. It is designed to lift sagging facial tissue and folds of skin, which have developed in the cheeks, along the jaw, and in the neck. This operation consists essentially of the tightening and redistribution of facial and necks skin with excision of the excess.
     Most people assume that a face lift operation implies surgery of the total face. This is not always the case. It usually is done for the face and neck (not the forehead or eyelids). Sometimes only the face is done and occasionally only the neck. Various other procedures may help to achieve total facial rejuvenation. It is suggested that every possible procedure that is needed be performed, if possible.

When to Have a Face Lift

     Often the question is asked, "When should I have a facelift?" A rhytidectomy can be done when the signs of aging begin to manifest themselves, or it can be done long after these physical defects are well established (i.e., the aged person who desires to look much younger). This means as late in life as seventy or eighty. Though it is possible to have some things done no matter what your age, the results depend on the skill and experience of your surgeon and the condition of your skin, muscles, and bones. If the surgery is done at a younger age, the effects are longer lasting.

What to Expect

     The amount of improvement in the face is directly related to the amount of facial deterioration. If the degree of facial skin laxity is pronounced, the results of surgery will be dramatic; if it is slight, the improvement will be subtle. Either way your face will look less tired and more alive. If a patient is eighty and has had no surgery before having a face-lift, people may easily see the difference. The dramatic change in appearance will be somewhat startling. This is especially so if, in addition to the face-lift, the patient has other procedures.