How Facelifts Have Evolved: Modern Techniques for Natural Results
You want to look younger, get rid of wrinkles and creases, and tighten up the skin and jawline. But–will the results look natural? Will your skin look too tight? Will it be obvious that you’ve had work done? These are all great questions, but don’t worry. With modern advancements and a skilled surgeon, facelift results can look more natural than ever and leave you looking and feeling like your younger self.
The History of Facelifts
Facelifts have come a long way. While the very first recorded facelift was performed in 1901, it didn’t gain popularity and become more mainstream until the 1970s and 1980s. During the period of early facelifts, only the top layer of skin was manipulated, and since facial anatomy was not especially taken into consideration, results were varied and often unnatural-looking. In the 1970s, a more modern, anatomically focused technique was introduced that worked with deeper layers in the face for a more natural-looking outcome and less overly tight skin. Early use of this technique, known as SMAS, became more standard during the 1980s, and facelift results began to head in the direction of natural-looking rejuvenation.
The Importance of Deeper Layer Manipulation
The first step in understanding how modern facelifts produce better results is to understand the nature of facial aging. While we can easily see the effects of aging in the skin with fine lines, wrinkles, and creases, there is more going on underneath. Volume loss happens with the reduction of underlying fat and less collagen production as we age. Facial ligaments, muscles, and other structures, including the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer, also lose elastin and collagen, causing them to sag and take on a less structured appearance. This is why deeper layer manipulation is a key aspect of modern facelift techniques in order to create a balanced look and not just tighter skin over lax facial anatomy.
Advanced Techniques for Natural Results
As facelifts have continued to evolve, additional techniques and approaches continue to improve the appearance of the results. The primary change in modern facelifts is the shift toward addressing more than just the top layer of skin. With underlying structures tucked and tightened and excess skin removed, all the layers can be repositioned in a way that brings harmony to the appearance and doesn’t look stark or overdone. Along with this change, many surgeons use options like fat grafting to restore natural, youthful volume. Some may even use Botox or fillers along with a facelift to enhance the results. Advances in wound care and scar reduction also add to a more natural final result, along with shorter recovery times.
Finally, for many years now, surgeons have been approaching facelifts, or rhytidectomy, as a fully personalized procedure. In the very early days of facelifts, the “cut and pull” method was basically a one-size-fits-all approach to attempting to make the face look younger. Now, plastic surgeons factor in the patient’s overall facial structure and proportions, their age at the time of surgery, and their ethnic heritage, along with their aesthetic goals to achieve ideal results for each unique patient. The ultimate goal is not to change your appearance but to enhance natural beauty.
Facelift Options: Minimal, Non-Surgical, Customized
Just like facelift surgical techniques can be fully personalized, there are different types of facelift options ranging from full-fledged rejuvenation to minimally invasive procedures. While full facelifts are often the best choice for individuals in their 50s or 60s, younger patients in their 30s or 40s could benefit from mini-facelifts or even minimally invasive procedures like Xact facial rejuvenation. These techniques offer less downtime, less scarring, and a tailored approach. Understanding all the options when it comes to facial rejuvenation is key to achieving your ideal goals.
The Future of Facelifts
As facelift techniques continue to develop, the focus on individualization and a shift toward natural aesthetics will continue to play into improved outcomes. Creating a refreshed, youthful appearance by utilizing innovation and contemporary techniques is the standard and will keep on developing for ultimate patient satisfaction.
A Modern Surgeon For A Modern Surgery
Critical for any medical or cosmetic procedure is choosing the right surgeon. For plastic surgery, your surgeon should be board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to ensure that they are following the most up-to-date guidance on techniques and have the skill necessary to perform them. When choosing a facelift surgeon, it’s also important to view their before-and-after gallery to see whether the typical outcomes they achieve are to your standards. Schedule your personalized New Jersey facelift consultation today with Dr. Christopher Godek, MD, and learn more about the exciting, modern options for your facial rejuvenation.