If you have been thinking about undergoing a rhytidectomy, also known as a facelift, as a way to achieve a more youthful appearance, you will undoubtedly be in good company. To substantiate this claim, we need only take a look at a study published by EurekAlert, a trusted nonprofit news-release distribution platform. The study revealed that the total number of cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the United States reached 1.8 million in 2018. Of those, an estimated 121,211 were for facelifts.
It is also worth noting that facelifts have been and continue to be in high demand among millennials and baby boomers who, not surprisingly, want to look as young as possible for as long as possible. For reference, the total number of millennials, those between ages 23 and 38, in the United States numbered slightly over 72 million in 2019, according to the Pew Research Center. And baby boomers, those between ages 55 and 73, numbered a little over 71 million, according to the same study. In light of this data, most statisticians believe that facelifts performed in the U.S. will likely reach or exceed 200,000 within the next couple of years.
Having established just how in-demand facelifts are in the U.S., along with the demographic that these procedures appeal to the most, let’s take a moment to discuss what they entail. The primary goal of a facelift is to provide patients with a more youthful appearance. In short, this means resolving skin problems synonymous with aging, such as sagging or unsightly folds of skin that form on the cheeks and jawline. These two particular skin issues, which often stems from a loss of skin elasticity, can happen when individuals are in their late 30s to early 40s. For some people, early signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, can start when they are in their mid-to-late 20s.
That said, facelifts that are carried out by ENT doctors in Los Angeles and cosmetic surgeons will involve the practitioner making a series of small incisions and pulling back a flap of skin on either side of a patient’s face. From there, they will alter the tissue beneath the surface of the skin. Lastly, the practitioner will cut away excess skin and drape the flaps of skin back over the patient’s face before suturing it back into place, typically with dissolvable stitches.
Of course, the results of a facelift will not be immediately apparent as there will be swelling, bruising, and even some skin discoloration following the procedure. And an article published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveals the same, noting that it can take anywhere from 10 to 14 days for most patients to see any noticeable facial improvements after surgery. What’s more, it can take anywhere from 2 to 3 months before their face starts to look and feel normal again insofar as not feeling tight or overly sensitive.
For some people, undergoing a facelift alone does not provide ideal results since the procedure doesn’t do much to resolve wrinkles on their neck. And this is where platysmaplasty comes into the picture. Also known as a neck lift, platysmaplasty procedures are commonly performed alongside a facelift to allow patients to look more youthful from the neck up. For reference, an estimated 53,000 people underwent a neck lift procedure in 2017, according to an article published by the Insider. These procedures can significantly reduce the sagging skin and fat deposits that are responsible for wrinkles on a patient’s neck.
Generally speaking, individuals interested in rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty to achieve a more youthful appearance will seek out a licensed, board-certified cosmetic surgeon. Conversely, those who are interested in either of these procedures as a way to resolve disorders involving the ear, nose, or throat, for example, will often go to a Head and Neck Doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist, instead. That being said, otolaryngologists are just as capable as facial cosmetic surgeons when it comes to carrying out cosmetic surgery procedures. However, the additional education and training they possess make them a better choice for those struggling with health problems involving the structures of the head and neck.
Undergoing a Facelift, much like any other surgical procedure, does come with some risks. Some of the more notable ones include the following:
Hematomas – Some individuals will develop a hematoma as a result of undergoing a facelift. The same also applies to neck lift procedures. In layman’s terms, a hematoma is a clinical term that refers to a pool of blood that forms beneath the skin and causes severe swelling, which can damage not only the skin but also healthy tissue beneath it. This condition can occur in as little as 24 hours following a face or neck lift.
Scarring and hair loss – While the goal of undergoing a facelift is to improve one’s appearance, these surgical procedures can cause permanent scarring due to the incisions that must be made to the face. Fortunately, the scarring is usually slight and, in most cases, can often be concealed if the patient has long hair. However, it is worth noting that these same incisions can potentially cause temporary or even permanent hair loss.
Damaged nerves – Although rare, facelifts can sometimes result in nerve damage. Examples of nerve damage caused by a facelift can include an inability to make certain facial expressions or even a complete loss of feeling in one’s face. It can be either temporary or permanent.
Skin loss and infections – For some individuals, undergoing a facelift can cause a condition known as sloughing, which, in turn, leads to skin loss. This rare condition occurs when the flow of blood to the tissues in the face is interrupted, which is often the result of an infection that develops post-surgery.
In summary, a facelift can go a long way toward enabling individuals to look younger and may even allow them to feel better about themselves if they were struggling with low self-esteem. However, as with any surgery, there are some inherent risks associated with these procedures. That said, those who are considering them are encouraged to schedule a consultation with a prospective cosmetic surgeon. In doing so, they will gain more insights relative to what to expect before, during, and after their procedure. Contact our facial cosmetic surgeons in Los Angeles today!