Am I An Ideal Candidate for a Facelift?

If you are tired of looking in the mirror and seeing lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, you may be giving some thought to undergoing a facelift. More than 120,000 of these transformative surgeries were performed in the U.S. in 2018, cementing its standing as one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Why is that? In decades past, the surgery earned a reputation for making the face look overstretched, frozen or expressionless. However, thanks to advancements in technology, modern-day facelifts for Northern Virginia area women and men are giving natural-looking results that make their faces look younger and more refreshed. The surgery is also less invasive than before, allowing patients to heal more quickly and experience a shorter recovery time.

Despite these improvements, it doesn't mean that a facelift is the right procedure for everyone. Several criteria go into determining whether a patient is a good candidate for this complex surgery. The plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston, VA are experts in the field of facial plastic surgery. Given their vast knowledge and experience, they can assess the cosmetic concerns of patients in Northern Virginia considering a facelift and if it is the best method for helping them reverse the hands of time.

Who needs a facelift?

In general, facelifts are effective at addressing and correcting conditions such as drooping jowls, skin laxity beneath the chin, and sagging skin in the middle of the face. Deep-set wrinkles under the eyes and facial creases that are prominent may also be improved. Individuals between the ages of 40-60 whose facial bone structure is well-defined and whose skin has retained a good amount of elasticity may be excellent candidates for the procedure.

Conversely, patients in their 30s and 40s who are just beginning to experience the early signs and symptoms of aging may be better suited for other, less invasive cosmetic procedures. For example, BOTOX and injectable dermal fillers are designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines as well as boost youthful-looking facial volume that may have begun to fade. Eyelid lifts, as well as forehead lifts, are also popular for creating a well-rested appearance.

According to a published study, patients who undergo facelifts during their 50s may actually experience longer-lasting results than those who choose to do at a more advanced age. This may be due to the fact that during this decade of life, the skin of patients considering a facelift in Northern Virginia still boasts enough elasticity to produce good results from the procedure. They also are less likely to experience post-surgical complications than older women and men. In most cases, the procedure can help to shave an average of 8-12 years from one's appearance.

No matter their age, patients who are considering a facelift in Northern Virginia should:

Be in good health

It is important to remember that a facelift is an elective surgery, meaning that a patient opts to have it. This requires that he or she be in good health prior to entering the operating room. This not only helps to ensure that excellent results are achieved, but also that the patient remains safe throughout the procedure. Being in good health is important in order to endure surgery, which is taxing on the body, as well as to heal properly after your facelift. Certain underlying medical conditions can increase the risk of experiencing adverse effects during and after the surgery and may impede your recovery. These may require treatment in advance of your facelift. The plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery will thoroughly review your medical records and advise whether it is wise for you to proceed with surgery.

Quit smoking

It's no secret that smoking is bad for your health. However, you may be surprised to learn that this habit can also interfere with your body's ability to heal following surgery. For smokers, the recovery time following a facelift may be longer than for nonsmoking patients. Following surgery, the blood transports oxygen and vital nutrients to the incision sites. It also moves waste and other surgical byproducts away from the area. Because smoking impairs circulation within the body, it can delay the healing process and cause related problems. There is also an increased risk for smokers to experience an infection following surgery, as well as such side effects as bleeding, discomfort, and more noticeable scars. Patients are advised to quit smoking and refrain from using any products that contain nicotine for at least 6-8 weeks prior to their facelift.

Have realistic expectations

As with any cosmetic procedure, patients considering a facelift in Northern Virginia must be able to set and maintain realistic expectations for their surgery, as well as its potential outcome. Having a clear understanding of what can, and cannot, be accomplished with a facelift is important. In the battle against the effects of aging, a facelift can be a powerful tool for eliminating the appearance of wrinkles and to restore a more youthful appearance. However, it should not be viewed as a cure-all for getting older. Even after surgery, the aging process will continue to affect the face. It may be necessary for patients to receive touch-up cosmetic treatments and other procedures in the future to help maintain their rejuvenated results. For example, if you find sagging skin along the jawline and upper neck to be bothersome later down the line, a mini facelift may be better than a traditional facelift to correct this issue.

Is a facelift for you?

It can be difficult for men and women in Northern Virginia considering a facelift to decide whether to move forward with surgery. This tried-and-true procedure can be effective for improving the appearance of sagging skin in the middle of the face, reducing jiggling jowls, smoothing wrinkles, and eliminating loose skin that hangs below the chin. The plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston, VA work closely with patients to help them get the noticeably firmer, smoother, younger-looking appearance that they want. Contact our office today and schedule a consultation to learn how a facelift can help you look and feel your best.