Face Lifts at Age 50 and Older
Surgical and Non Surgical Anti-aging Procedures
Media and marketing inducements to improve facial appearance and turn back or delay time introduce the consumer to a dizzying array of choices. Aging gracefully is still a choice. Gathering information is crucial for a happy outcome and self acceptance.
Rhytidectomy or Surgical Face Lift Cosmetic Surgery
SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) involves incision with lifting and re-draping of facial muscles and skin. The procedure is done under anesthesia, requires suturing, and a recovery period. Results are usually esthetically pleasing and long lasting. Continuing modifications in the original procedure of the 1970s have improved the outcome.
Disadvantages of a surgical face lift include:
- Possible hospitalization and overnight stay
- Possibility of scarring
- Potential for nerve damage
- Unmet expectations
- Possible complications typical for any surgery, including infection
- Recovery time including some bruising, pain, and swelling
- Expensive
Non-surgical Suspension Techniques, Thread Lifts
Variations of a non-surgical face-lift have been created over the past decade. These affect the brow, midface, and neckline or jowl. Also known as a feather lift or lifestyle lift, the skin is lifted to hang by the temples or ears. Local anesthesia is used. Non-surgeons in outpatient facilities can do the procedure. The cost is significantly less than a surgical facelift.
Some disadvantages of thread lifts include:
- Temporary results since only the skin is lifted. The skin eventually stretches and a repeat procedure is needed.
- Migration of threads possible
- Scarring
- Infection
- Visible sutures in thin-skinned individual
Lunch Time Lift
This is a confusing misnomer for several procedures of varying amounts of time including injections to thermal applications and lasers to minor surgery. Prices depend on the procedure, where it is done and who is doing it.
Thermage
This is a collagen activating method using heat and radio frequency to tighten the skin laxity. It used to be painful but has been improved to a relatively painless procedure producing modest improvement immediately and some continued tightening over the next 6 months. Results are dependent on the right candidate and the operator’s technique. There is no recovery time. It is not recommended for someone with heavy jowls and deep wrinkles.
Laser Lifts
Fraxel, Titan, Polaris resurface the skin providing some tightening and lift with a refreshed appearance. Fine lines can disappear. There is redness, swelling and a brief recovery period. Sunscreens are mandatory thereafter to maintain benefits. Skin color is not exclusive to these procedures as it might be to a phenol peel or CO2 laser.
Before and After Cosmetic Procedure Photos
Check that the photos comply with cosmetic photography standards for accurate depiction of procedures.
- Both sets should be without makeup and the same distance from the photographer.
- The light should be from the same direction (from below gives more hollows or shadows but directly on with flash will erase all lines and irregularities.)
- The background should be blue or a similar shade without distractions to pull the eye.
- Frontal shots should be from the crown to the chin or jaw.
- Both before and after photos if at a 45-degree angle should have the tip of the nose touch the tip of the cheek.
- Hair should be off the face.
- Preferably no jewelry should be worn to distract the viewer.
Men and women over 50 have many options and a broad range of prices if they wish to delay an aged appearance. At times several modalities, along with botox and fillers are employed. Always consult with more than one facility and feel comfortably informed before making any final decision.
anti-aging, cosmetic surgery
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Health & Wellness
Latest Articles