A facelift procedure can rejuvenate the appearance of the face, producing a more youthful and refreshed look. In today’s youth-oriented culture, a procedure such as a facelift may help active older patients look as young as they feel.
It may seem as though just about any patient may be a good candidate for a facelift. Depending upon a number of factors, this may not actually be the case. Dr. John Griffin will take a thorough medical, family, and lifestyle history during the initial consultation visit in order to determine if the patient is indeed a good candidate for a facelift surgical procedure.
Facelift Procedure
There are several types of facelift procedures, depending on the area of the face that is being targeted. However, the basic procedure is often very similar. An incision is made just along the hairline, and the skin and tissue are lifted up and pulled tight, before being sutured back to the face. Excess skin and tissue are then removed.
Depending on the extent of the work to be done, the procedure may take anywhere from one to two hours. Most patients can resume normal activities within a week or two following the procedure.
Who Is a Good Candidate for this Procedure?
The best candidates for facelift procedures will be approximately between the ages of 40 and 70, with some signs of aging, but still with some elasticity to the skin. They should be in general good health.
- Medical: Due to potential problems with anesthesia, patients should not have a history of stroke, cardiac, or pulmonary conditions. Patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, stroke, or high blood pressure, should have their conditions under proper medical control before undergoing any cosmetic surgical procedure. Patients who take blood thinning medications are at an increased risk of excessive bleeding during or after the procedure. Dr. Griffin recommends that these patients discuss with their primary care doctor their plans for a facelift surgery.
- Family: A good candidate for a facelift procedure will also not have any increased medical risks in their family. A proper family history is necessary to determine if the patient may be at a higher risk for complications. In the family history, Dr. Griffin will ask about any family history of chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, or cardiac problems. In many cases, patients may not be aware of their increased risk, which is why this part of the patient’s health history is so important.
- Lifestyle: Patients who are good candidates will not smoke or consume alcohol. Both of these habits will increase the risk for complications both during and after surgery. Patients who do smoke or drink alcohol should stop doing so beginning two weeks prior to the surgery until at least two weeks after the surgery. However, it is best if they discontinue use altogether.
It may seem as though all of these questions are overly intrusive. In fact, these questions help Dr. Griffin determine if the patient is a good candidate for a facelift procedure. To schedule a facelift consultation, contact Dr. Griffin’s practice.
