People have been undergoing cosmetic surgery since the early 18th century. A lot of trial and error, as well as groundbreaking advancements in the medical field, have made cosmetic surgery a luxury that more and more people can enjoy.
With medical technology and procedural know-how being at an all-time high, plastic surgery is safer today than ever before. Despite this fact, it’s important to realize that not all interested parties are good candidates for a facelift.
What Exactly Is a Facelift?
Most people know what a facelift is by the results of the procedure. It’s a cosmetic change that results in tighter skin with fewer wrinkles, giving the patient a more youthful appearance. When performed by a competent and experienced surgeon, a facelift can be life-changing. The confidence of a younger, fresher visage can contribute to a more exuberant approach to life.
Facelifts are a procedure that many people across the world elect to have every year. In the United States alone, there are over 120,000 facelift procedures a year.
Not everyone knows what the facelift procedure actually entails. During a facelift, the doctor lifts facial soft tissue, thus the name, and removes excess skin. The surgeon then drapes the skin over your reshaped facial contours. Incisions can be made in the temple area near the hairline and continue down the front of the ears and ending behind the ears in the lower scalp area.
Factors That Can Get in the Way of Undergoing a Facelift
While most are good candidates for a facelift, some obstacles may prevent some prospective patients from undergoing the procedure.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can make it difficult or even impossible to have the procedure. Any medical condition that prevents blood clotting makes a facelift prohibitive.
People that suffer from high blood pressure or poorly controlled diabetes will likely be kept from undergoing a facelift. These conditions increase the chance of poor wound healing as well as heart complications and hematomas.
Blood-Thinning Medication
If you take any medication or supplements that thin your blood, you will not be able to move forward with a facelift. Depending on your condition and the reasons for taking the medication, your doctor will advise you accordingly. The list of blood-thinning substances includes aspirin, NSAIDs, fish oils and ginseng.
Blood thinners are not dangerous only for facelifts but for any type of surgery. Your body needs to have the ability to heal and for bleeding to be regulated. If you take any medication or substance, you suspect may affect your blood, let your doctor know. Even if it isn’t obvious to you, the surgeon will confirm whether it affects your ability to have the procedure or not.
History of Weight Fluctuation
Losing weight is a great way to improve your health and appearance. However, if you have a history of drastic weight fluctuations, facelift surgery can be a problem. Constant weight fluctuations can affect the condition of your skin and your face’s shape. Gaining weight will cause your strength to stretch and extra fat deposits will change your face’s contour. This can negate the effects of the procedure.
Smoking
Smokers may not necessarily be excluded from undergoing a facelift, but they in a higher risk category than non-smokers. A lifetime of smoking can increase the risk of post-surgery wound healing while hematomas and skin loss can occur. Discussing your history of smoking with your surgeon will help them decide if the habit is a limiting factor for you.
Before Undergoing a Facelift
The majority of reasonably healthy individuals should be good candidates. To ensure that you can move forward with the procedure, there are a few things you’ll need to do. Passing the following steps will guarantee that there are no obstacles in undergoing facelift surgery.
Undergo a Medical Exam
Your surgeon will conduct a physical examination to determine if there are any concerns with regards to getting a facelift. This medical exam will include taking your blood pressure and vital signs as well as checking your lungs, heart and other systems.
Discuss Your Medical History
Getting a thorough medical history of the patient is as essential as a medical exam. You will be asked to share the names and dosages of any medication you take regularly. This includes over-the-counter drugs as well as prescription medication, dietary supplements and herbal medications. Be sure to share any history with alcohol and smoking.
Have a Facial Exam
A facial exam entails taking photos of your face from several different angles. Your surgeon may take close-up shots of particular features to focus on. The goal is to understand the shape and contours of your face to arrive at the best options for your facelift. Bone structure and fat distribution are unique for each person visage. That’s why your surgeon will want to get as much information about your face as possible.
Go Over Expectations
Discussing your expectations for your outcome with your surgeon will help them understand your goals. A good surgeon will be sure to inform you about the changes you can and cannot achieve. A good understanding of your potential result will ensure that you are content with the outcome.
Be sure to be as specific as possible with your expectations. Talk about any wrinkles you hope to be rid of or any asymmetries you may notice in your face.
Getting a Facelift in New York City
If you are interested in exploring a life-enhancing facelift in NYC, you’ll want to consult with the best surgeons in the city. A competent and knowledgeable surgeon will ensure that your experience is safe and comfortable. Some bruising and swelling are possible, but your surgeon will be there to help you have a smooth recovery.
Imagine how an aesthetic improvement will enhance your overall quality of life. If you make your cosmetic procedure a step toward your happiness and not the focus of it, a facelift will boost your sense of completeness.
