A Facelift Turns Back the Hands of Time - By: Dave Stringham

A facelift can improve the most visible signs of aging by sculpting and tightening the deeper structures and foundation of the face and neck. As we age, the effects of gravity, sun exposure, weight fluctuations, smoking, heredity, and the daily stresses of life begin to reveal themselves in our faces. Facelift surgery can bring youth back to a patient's face. In youth, the face is firm and smooth due to good skin elasticity and proper positioning of normal facial fat. As we age, skin elasticity and muscle tone weaken, and facial fat descends, causing prominent skin folds, deep creases between the nose and corner of the mouth. Jowls become prominent along with fat deposits and loose skin in the neck.

A facelift won't stop this process, but it can "turn back the hands of time." A facelift (technically referred to as Rhytidectomy) is designed to reduce much of the looseness and many of the heavy wrinkles and folds in the face and neck. It will also improve the contour of the jaw and necklines. A facelift will not, however, completely remove every fold, line, and wrinkle. There is limited improvement around the eyes and with fine lines of the facial skin. A facelift alone will not improve "smoker's lines" around the mouth, acne scars, or a poor complexion. Other options exist to treat these problems, including laser treatment, dermabrasion, and chemical peels.

Many facelift procedures are combined with a forehead and brow lift, upper and/or lower eyelid surgery, and "cheekbone" (malar) augmentation. Frequently, chin implants are placed to improve the profile proportions of the jaw line and increase the projection of the chin. These additional procedures may be performed at the same time and in combination with facelift and neck lift surgery or as independent procedures at a later date.

Plastic surgeons offer a wide range of facial implants to enhance facial features. Facial implants can be used exclusively, but are often incorporated with other facial cosmetic surgery procedures such as a facelift, rhinoplasty, brow lift, or eyelid surgery.

Facial implants add contour to the facial structure and create more attractive proportions. They are commonly used for the chin, jaw, and cheeks. Facial implant surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. A similar procedure is performed for most facial implants. A small incision is made (often inside the mouth) near the location of implant, a "pocket" is created on top of the bone and the implant inserted. The incisions are sutured for healing. Normal activities may be resumed approximately one week following surgery. Strenuous activity is not recommended for at least one month.

About the Author

Dave Stringham, the President of LookingYourBest.com writes about plastic surgery in Miami, Florida and facial rejuvenation plastic surgery procedures such as browlift, otoplasty, rhinoplasty, and rhytidectomy.

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