Facial Rejuvenation FAQ
What Is The Difference Between A Facelift And A Necklift?
A facelift is a cosmetic procedure that provides a more youthful appearance by removing excess sagging skin and tightening the deep facial tissues and muscles of the face and neck. During a facelift procedure, both the face and neck are being treated together. On the other hand, during a necklift procedure the neck is rejuvenated alone. For example, if a patient has flaccid skin only in the neck area, then a necklift would be recommended. However, if a patient is concerned with more advanced aging changes, then a neck lift which includes a lower face lift may be ideal. For instance, the lower face and neck would be re-draped together, causing a tighter, smoother look. Thus, it would not involve surgery to the upper face. For younger patients who don’t have significant skin excess, but are concerned about how to get rid of a double chin, then submental liposuction may be the best surgical option. This major neck rejuvenation doesn’t require incisions around the ears, just a small incision under the chin. During a consultation, we can navigate which facial rejuvenation option is the best fit for you. We can discuss all these options and provide you with answers and realistic expectations for the outcome version of the procedure. While selecting the best plastic surgeon for you, make sure to discuss a custom tailored option for your particular needs.
Differences Between Male Rejuvenation Procedures and Female Rejuvenation Procedures
When performing a necklift procedure, the goal is to create the maximum possible definition along the jawline and a sculpted appearance between the area under the jawline and the neck. In the same way, both men and women benefit from this outcome. In a woman this contoured jawline can give the aesthetic of an elongated neck, while in men it can look rugged and visually appealing. However, in other areas, the approach can be quite different. Specifically, in female blepharoplasty surgery where the goal is to create a full and very smooth contour for both the upper and the lower lids. In contrast, the male blepharoplasty surgery requires a more conservative approach to skin excision and a willingness to leave a few creases in order to maintain more masculinity around the eyes. Additionally, the brow area requires different approaches to surgical techniques for men and women. The brow position for a female patient should be slightly above the orbital rim. During a conservative browlift surgery, you achieve an elegant, rejuvenated, beautiful, classic appearance. Yet with the male browlift surgery there is a more cautious approach. The male brow is perfectly placed at the orbital rim or even below the rim. When performing this procedure, one has to be careful not to feminize the male face by over elevating the male brow. Lastly, another area that needs to be assessed differently because of the difference between female and male anatomies is the midface. In female facelift surgeries, the intent is to create more midface fullness in order to maximize fullness over the anterior lateral cheek bone. However, in a male patient that method significantly feminizes the face, so it’s an outcome that should be avoided at all costs. In essence, female facial rejuvenation surgery often involves fat grafting and suspension of the midface, whereas, in male faces that is typically not done.
What is the difference between a short scar facelift and a traditional facelift?
A face lift with no scars sounds enticing, and a short scar facelift may sound like a good idea, but does not always yield the best results. A short scar facelift is a type of facelift where the scars are moved from behind the ear to in front of the ear, claiming less dramatic scars but instead doing the opposite. The short scar facelift doesn’t really live up to its name, also lacking the rejuvenation results expected. The scars from the short scar facelift can be deceiving in photos as sideburn hair can distract from the true nature of the scarring. I have seen many short scar facelift patients who have been unhappy with their results. In fact, the main frustrations that patients have experienced were: being unable to conceal the scars on their temple and sideburn area and secondly, noticing very little improvement and sometimes complete lack of improvement in the contour of their jawline and neck. In essence, the short scar facelift attempts to transfer the primary area of skin mobilization and removal from the area behind the ear where scars are actually very easy to conceal to the area in front of the ear where scars are much more difficult to conceal, causing inadequate skin re-draping in the area of the lateral neck. If a patient is seeking a dramatic enhancement of the jawline and neck contour, then it is imperative to re-drape the skin into the area behind the ear which is done in a traditional facelift. In effect, the re-draping of the skin gets rid of the loose, hanging skin and turns it into a smooth, rejuvenated look. If done properly by an experienced plastic surgeon, a traditional facelift creates the dramatic and youthful result patients are looking for and once healed result in almost invisible scars. The traditional facelift allows patients to feel confident wearing a ponytail or updo hairstyle without feeling self-conscious.
