Nothing beats the thrill and experience of having a perfect smile in spite of one’s age. But a bright and lovely smile is not always attainable as aging is inevitable. Fortunately, recent advancements in cosmetic surgery made it possible for middle-aged men and women to relive their younger days.
If you are looking for a way to counteract the effects of aging, you might probably be thinking of undergoing a facelift procedure. Facelift, also known technically as rhytidectomy, is a popular form of cosmetic surgery. In fact, it ranks sixth in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2008 list of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery behind the more mainstream cosmetic surgeries like liposuction and breast augmentation.
Apart from a brighter smile, you can eliminate loose skin folds in your neck and in your cheeks through an effective and successful facelift. Obviously, facelift if done properly will provide you countless of benefits.
The history of facelift can be traced way back in 1901 in Berlin, Germany when Dr. Eugen Hollander performed and documented an operation that closely resembles today’s modern facelift. Over the years, Hollander’s facelift technique has undergone various evolutions – finally achieving the perfect formula and balance that not only provides more vibrant smiles but also a huge boost in self-confidence and self-esteem.
A facelift is a basically a cosmetic surgery procedure in which incisions are made at the back of the patient’s ear and extending up to the hairline. After the incisions, the facial skin will then be separated from the deeper facial tissues using a scalpel or a pair of scissors.
This method is actually the traditional facelift technique hence, noninvasive approaches to facelift such as laser skin tightening and nonsurgical facelift have also been proven safe and effective. Actually, some patients prefer these alternatives.
Different types of people have different types of needs and thus requiring different types of facelift procedures. But before choosing what type of facelift to undergo, it is essential that you first determine whether or not you are a good candidate for facelift.
A good candidate for facelift is someone who is on his late 40s or even early 50s. People who are less than 40 years old should think twice before undergoing facelift as their facial skin has not yet fully sagged. For that sole reason, a facelift performed under 40 might be wasted.
Your health and medical condition should also be checked before you decide for a facelift treatment. Consulting your cosmetic surgeon and telling him of any existing condition or past illness is necessary for a safe and effective facelift procedure. If you have decided to undergo a traditional facelift, general and local anesthesia shall be injected that is why you need to fully disclose your entire medical history. Needless to say, there are some who are simply allergic to anesthesia.
Being aware of the possible side effects and complications of a facelift treatment should also be a top priority. There is always a risk against allergic reaction to chemicals especially if you undergo noninvasive facelift types. Excessive bleeding as well as dizziness are also common complications and should be monitored closely.
The risk against complications is further increased in patients who are cigarette smokers or to those who are suffering from hypertension and diabetes. More likely than not, a doctor or a cosmetic surgeon in his right frame of mind will discourage you from undergoing facelift if you have hypertension, diabetes or any other life threatening illness. It’s just not right and it’s just too risky.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that safe and effective facelift treatments do not end with consulting your cosmetic surgeon and disclosing relevant details and medical history. You need to invest time and effort in searching for the right cosmetic surgeon who will administer and perform your facelift.
You need to make sure that you are dealing with a legitimate and licensed cosmetic surgeon. You can do that by doing a simple background check or perhaps you can talk to some of his previous clients. Rest assured, you’ll surely get the information you are looking for with all the resources available at your disposal including the Internet. With a simple Google search or a click on your mouse, you can get info regarding a particular cosmetic surgeon or cosmetic clinic.
The cost of a facelift treatment should also be given close attention – indeed, cosmetic surgeries of the likes are expensive. In the United States, the cost of facelift varies from state to state. In New York City for example, you can get a facelift for around $10,000 but in some states the cost is normally pegged at $5,000 – 50 percent cheaper than the procedure done in New York.
Globally, the cost of facelift also varies. In Canada, a single operation will cost $7,000-15,000 while the same operation done in Panama will only cost $2,500.
After a successful facelift operation, a recovery and downtime stage that will often range to a week or two is necessary. During this time, heavy work is not permitted. More so, some people even hire a private nurse to accompany them during their recovery stage.
Undergoing facelift is a life decision and it is imperative that you are prepared emotionally, physically and financially before pursuing it. Above anything else, safety should be a primary concern not just of doctors and cosmetic surgeons but the patients themselves – in this case, YOU.
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