What is a facelift?
Growing older does not mean you have to look old! A facelift is designed to tighten sagging skin of the face and neck; firm up muscle support; smooth creases around the eyes, nose and mouth; remove excess fat in the neck; erase bands in the neck; and improve the jawline.
Presentation is variable, across a huge spectrum. Some individuals present in their 40s with lax jawline and signs of aging in the neck, while others may present with significant laxity of the skin from the eyes down to the neck, with sun damaged skin and lines in the face. Face and neck lift approaches are individualized depending on patient presentation and goals. Some individuals want their outcome to be subtle and not noticed – this gentle result is possible.
The approach to a facelift depends on individual presentation, but in general, incisions are strategically placed in the natural creases of the hairline around the ear and possibly under the chin. The objective is a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance that looks natural, not different. Some individuals have minimal laxity along the jawline and treatment only requires a small incision around the ear, and surgery can be performed under local anesthesia in about 1.5 hours. While there are many new, less invasive treatments out there, a surgical facelift is still the gold standard in facial rejuvenation, a comprehensive approach in one encounter.
A facelift not only improves and refreshes the face and neck—it can actually improve skin quality. The healing process stimulates inflammatory mediators that can improve old scarring and poor skin quality. Results go beyond just facial tightening.
Who is a good candidate for a facelift?
Good candidates for a facelift in Maryland are men and women in good physical and psychological health who have deflation and wrinkles of the face, lax and/or irregular skin texture, and a poorly defined neck and jawline.
This procedure may be combined with a brow lift, blepharoplasty, facial fat grafting, neck liposuction or injectables to rejuvenate the entire face and neck. During the initial consultation you will discuss with Dr. Shermak what you would like to improve so she can understand your expectations and determine how to best achieve your desired results.
