Facelift ranks as one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures around the world. If you have a problem with sagging skin, wrinkles, or fine lines, a facelift is the most effective and long-lasting way to get a fresher, younger look. Although they are highly sought after, facelifts are not for everyone. Here is how to know if you’re a good candidate for this plastic surgery procedure.
Your Overall Health
A facelift is a surgical procedure, so you should be in good overall health in order to be considered a good candidate for it. It’s important to inform board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Dallas Homas and Dr. Lisa Brostrom of any preexisting medical conditions during your consultation with them. Our doctors will make an assessment to determine whether you can have a facelift or if a non-surgical procedure would be better suited for your goals. Generally, the healthier and fitter you are, the better you will fare surgery and recovery.
Your Overall Skin Condition
A good candidate for a facelift should have good facial elasticity. This is because your skin and underlying muscles and tissues will be manipulated during surgery, so your skin must be supple and strong enough to return to normal after the procedure. Factors like sun damage and smoking, which can affect skin elasticity and healing ability, can come into play in determining if you’re a good candidate for facelift surgery. It’s important to be open and honest with Dr. Homas or Dr. Brostrom during your consultation and talk about lifestyle factors that can affect the surgery’s results.
Your Facial Bone Structure
Facial bone structure should be well-balanced for those who are good facelift candidates. Anyone’s facial bones should be strong enough to withstand the surgery. And although it may not be able to be performed at the same time as a facelift, if you have problem areas related to your facial structure, such as a weak chin, there may be plastic surgery procedures to correct them as well.
Realistic Expectation of Outcome
The best candidates for facelifts have realistic expectations when it comes to the outcome of the surgery. Although the surgery can rejuvenate your face, it will not give you a totally different appearance, and the work is usually somewhat subtle.
Age-Appropriate Procedures
There’s no perfect age to get a facelift, though many patients get the procedure before age 50. There are a variety of procedures available based on your age, goals, and health. For example, younger patients may want to only have one part of their face worked on while older patients are looking for a procedure that works on their entire face.
Less Invasive and Non-Surgical Options
Some people who want facial rejuvenation but are wary of the invasiveness of cosmetic surgery prefer a less invasive procedure that involves less or no surgery at all. Treatments such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery involve less surgery than a traditional facelift, reducing procedure time and recovery time.
Non-surgical facial procedures include injectable treatments like Botox and dermal fillers, as well as microneedling and chemical peels. These procedures require no downtime and can be temporarily effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles and evening skin tone and texture.
Facial Rejuvenation in San Antonio
A facelift is an excellent way to reverse the signs of facial aging, but it’s not right for everyone. Whether you want to try a non-surgical alternative or are ready to schedule your facelift surgery, a consultation is the first place to start. If you’re in the San Antonio area and are interested in getting a facelift, contact New Image Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. You can reach us by calling (210) 988-9819 or contacting us online.
