How a Facelift Improves Aesthetics

Photo of older smiling womanAs the aging process, gravity, and repeated exposure to certain environmental elements take their toll, the skin can begin to wrinkle and lose definition. This can make patients appear much older than they actually are. With a full facelift, Dr. Horn can help patients experiencing:

• Loose and sagging skin in the cheek area
• Creases and sagging beneath the eyes
• Deep folds alongside the nose extending to the outer corners of the mouth
• A general loss of youthful contouring

Patients between the ages of 40 and 60 are the most common candidates for a full facelift. It is important that you still have a good amount of elasticity in your skin, and you should also be in good health to help prevent infection and other complications. Those who either want to avoid surgery or do not qualify for the procedure can discuss alternative options with Dr. Horn.

Choosing the Right Technique for Your Needs

Depending on your unique concerns, Dr. Horn may recommend combining a full facelift with a neck lift. A neck lift can address sagging skin along the jawline that creates the appearance of jowls, in addition to excess skin beneath the chin, which can contribute to the appearance of a double chin.

In some cases, a temporal lift may be sufficient to address problem areas. This type of lift can address wrinkles and sagging skin in the outer brow area. Although it is a less invasive procedure, for the right patients, it can achieve dramatic results.

The Facelift Procedure

A full facelift can take two to three hours, depending on the extent of work required and whether it is combined with other procedures. Once you are under the effects of general anesthesia, Dr. Horn will create incisions within your hairline. This will ensure minimal scarring. He can utilize either the SMAS (submuscular aponeurotic system) or MACS (minimal access cranial suspension) technique, depending on your individual needs. Both advanced methods lift and tighten the skin and underlying tissue. If necessary, Dr. Horn will place sutures in the muscles and then reposition or remove fatty tissue. The incisions are then closed and surgical dressings are applied.

Full facelifts are a popular way to reduce signs of aging by tightening the skin to eliminate lines, wrinkles, and sagging tissues.

On average, patients spend one to two nights in the hospital and wear a support bandage for about two weeks. Most patients return to work within three weeks and are back to their full activity level within six weeks. As the swelling and bruising dissipate, patients can expect to enjoy a more youthful appearance with smoother skin, free of lines and wrinkles.

Schedule Your Facelift Consultation

If early signs of aging are causing you to feel dissatisfied with your appearance, contact us today. During a facelift consultation with Dr. Horn, he can determine your candidacy for the procedure and begin planning your optimal treatment.

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