As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and gravity takes effect. This will cause sagging of the neck and jaw line and descent of the volume (fat) to a lower position. Most people seeking facial cosmetic surgery want to look better, but they don't want to look dramatically different. Patients requesting evaluation for a facelift feel that their facial features do not reflect their youthful spirit and energy level. They are looking for ways to refresh and rejuvenate their appearance. We at Iowa Plastic Surgery believe that the outcome of your facial surgery should be very natural in appearance. A great result is both in what you see and what you don't see.
Modern facelift techniques have evolved significantly over the past 15 years. Early facelift operations tightened only the skin, while the modern facelift removes some excess skin, but repositions the volume and fat of the face into a higher position. This restores the face to a natural, triangular youthful appearance, rather than a pear-shaped, older looking appearance. The procedure can also improve the contour of your lower jaw and jowls.
Some doctors have stated they can do a weekend facelift or promote "secret" proprietary operations. There are no secret operations and ethical surgeons abide by the American College of Surgeons standards to share information. Generally, lesser operations may mean lesser results and may not last long. Some people are candidates for a lesser variation, such as the MACS lift, which tightens the deeper tissues and restores volume with a shorter incision.
With a healthy lifestyle, the effects of a facelift may last for many years; in some cases, the improvements are permanent. In fact, most patients never need another facelift, but may do fat transfer for further improvement to restore lost volume.
It's extremely important that you are in good, general overall physical and mental health, and it's crucial that you have realistic expectations.
Our own Bobbi Lucas (IPS licensed aesthetician) recently had a facelift in August and she shares her story with us.
"After a few life events, accompanied with aging, I was looking a little tattered and tired.
At Christmas '08, pictures were taken of me... I didn't recognize myself, it was a side profile. I knew at that moment that something was going to change. I consulted with Dr. and he made a few recommendations. He stated the neck would be improved dramatically by a facelift, which bothered me the most.
I committed to myself that day, I was going to do a facelift for correction to the neck and jowl areas. I made a few changes to my diet. I increased my intake of fruit and decreased the number of calories that I was to consume in a day and I cut back on salt and anything that I thought that may cause blood thinning or additional bruising or swelling. And I started walking a few times a week.
I have had the opportunity at IPS to work with several of the facelift patients and I knew that they are concerned about their recovery. They become very impatient; they want to sport their new face.
Aug. 13th, '09, I arrived for surgery at 6:45 a.m. I was taken into the operating room at 7:30 a.m. after a brief meeting with Dr. Van Raalte. I was very nervous, but his confidence and concern in my well-being was very reassuring. I woke up in recovery and immediately looked for the clock, it was 11:40 a.m. I was sitting in my daughter's family room by 1:30 p.m.
I returned for my post op at 9:00 a.m. on Friday morning. The bandages and the drain were removed. I was able to shower and did so with no difficulty. I told the friend staying with me at this time that she could return to her family and that I would call her on an as needed basis. As of Saturday morning, I did not need anymore of the pain medications. I actually went out that evening with my grandsons for a nice little stroll around the neighborhood.
I am amazed at how little discomfort there has been with this procedure. I still have some bruising and swelling. I returned to work on Monday, August 24th. I am constantly staring in the mirror in admiration. The incisions have pretty much faded already, it's amazing!
You do such good work, Dr. V!"
Bobbi
