Facelift

WHAT IS A FACE LIFT

A facelift is rejuvenation surgery that goes beyond just tightening skin. A modern facelift usually extends below the skin to address the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) by repositioning underlying facial muscles as well as reducing excess skin. True masters of the procedure do even more. Fat and tissue contribute as much to facial appearance as the underlying muscle and the overlying skin. A truly complete and comprehensive facelift with the most natural outcome will reduce, redistribute and in some cases add fat to the face.

The modern facelift has moved away from using skin tension to contour the face. As a face ages the changes include fat loosening and descending to sit lower in the face. The result is that the face looks longer and more square in shape. Young faces tend to be tapered or angular. Thus, the most important aspect of a facelift is to improve facial shape while limiting signs that a surgical procedure has been performed.

To best determine what is right for you, consult a plastic surgeon who is not only qualified and experienced in these procedures, but one who also has an artistic vision. The difference between a good facelift and great facelift is the difference between a plastic surgeon who can simply restore youth versus one who can visualize and create youthful beauty. This means a plastic surgeon must look at each feature individually as well as at the face as a whole. Then he or she can define what to correct, how much to correct and how it will all work together to make you look 10 or more years younger, without appearing like you've had facelift surgery.

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