Undergoing a face lift (rhytidectomy) allows for the lifting and tightening of the skin on body parts like the neck and face. This cosmetic procedure redefines the face’s contours, making patients look more youthful. Unlike anti-aging procedures like Botox, a rhytidectomy provides long-lasting results, keeping you looking younger for a longer time.
Before performing this procedure, your cosmetic surgeon examines you to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the surgery. Here are some factors that doctors look at to determine if a patient is a viable candidate for a face lift:
Visible Signs of Aging
As people age, their skin loses elasticity, and they may sag around the cheeks and neck. They may also have wrinkles in some areas, like around the eyes, forehead, and corners of the mouth. Loose or sagging skin looks like excess skin in the face and neck area, creating the effect of jowls. The underlying muscles on your face may also weaken over time, making your face look tired or deflated. A cosmetic surgeon can easily resolve all the above signs of aging with a face lift, restoring your youthful appearance. Cosmetic surgeons mostly operate on middle-aged to older adults, as they show most visible signs of aging.
Good Skin Condition
The condition of your skin impacts the outcome from facial surgery as your skin must be able to conform to the newly adjusted contours of the face. Your skin must be supple and have enough elasticity to allow the surgeon to gently stretch it during the surgery. If you smoke or have excessively thin or damaged skin, you may not get optimal results from anti-aging surgery. Consult your surgery on the steps to take to enhance your skin’s condition before undergoing facial surgery. Avoid excessive sun exposure, stay hydrated, and avoid anti-inflammatory drugs before your rhytidectomy.
Healthy Lifestyle
Anti-aging surgery requires you to be in good health for a smooth procedure and quick recovery. During the initial consultation with your cosmetic surgeon, they may check for conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or autoimmune disorders, as they can complicate your surgery. Many surgeons require patients to be non-smokers because smoking slows down healing, increasing patients’ risk of infections and scarring post-surgery. Plastic surgeons advise patients to quit smoking a few weeks prior to surgery to improve their chances of a proper recovery. They also recommend losing excess weight before the surgery because significant weight fluctuations after rhytidectomy can cause loose skin again.
Book Your Face Lift Appointment Today
A face lift provides a longer-lasting solution for patients looking to reduce the signs of aging and restore their youthful appearance. Before booking you for face cosmetic procedures, surgeons examine your health and skin condition to determine if you qualify. Besides your physical readiness, have realistic expectations of what the surgery can accomplish. Ask your cosmetic surgeon for before and after pictures of patients they have worked on so you know what to expect during and after surgery. Consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon for guidance on whether to undergo a face lift today.
