what facelift can and cannot do

Facelift is considered to be the gold standard in facial rejuvenation because it offers the most comprehensive results for patients seeking to turn back the clock on their facial appearance. That being said, there is a lot of confusion on what exactly the procedure can and cannot accomplish. In this blog post, New Jersey plastic surgeon Dr. Erwin Bulan sheds light on what you can expect with facelift.

FACELIFT CAN SMOOTH OUT FACIAL WRINKLES, CREASES AND LINES

Severe wrinkles, creases, folds and lines on the middle and lower facial areas can be smoothed out with facelift. During facelift, the surgeon creates incisions in or behind the hairline to elevate the skin and underlying tissues of the face to a higher position. Dr. Bulan is careful and meticulous in retightening the skin and tissues to create a soft, natural-looking appearance rather than an “overly pulled,” unnatural appearance.

FACELIFT CAN ELIMINATE LOOSE SKIN AND ADDRESS LOST VOLUME

One of the most common signs of aging is loose, excess skin on the jawline and cheeks. This, paired with the loss of muscle tone and fat, can create a saggy or sunken appearance under the eyes, cheeks and around the jaw. Facelift trims excess skin and redistributes fat and tissue as needed to create a youthful and more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

FACELIFT CAN CREATE A YOUTHFUL NECK

In addition to treating the middle and lower facial areas, facelift often incorporates neck lift to create a smooth and more attractive neck and jawline. Neck lift targets loose skin, excess fat and noticeable neck bands that often create an aged and haggard appearance.

FACELIFT CANNOT TREAT DRY SKIN, HYPERPIGMENTATION AND OTHER SUN DAMAGE

While facelift can treat premature wrinkles and lines, it cannot treat other skin problems caused by sun damage such as hyperpigmentation, dryness, dullness and uneven skin tone. Many patients choose to pair facelift with a non-surgical skin treatment like laser skin resurfacing or a chemical peel, which improve skin complexion and tone.

FACELIFT CANNOT STOP AGING

Facelift turns back the clock but it does not stop the aging process. Immediately after surgery, your face will continue to age as normal. Good skin care and healthy lifestyle habits (e.g., not smoking, regular sunscreen use) can help maintain your rejuvenated appearance for many years. Touch-up treatments with Botox, dermal fillers and other non-surgical treatments can also help.

To learn more about rejuvenating your appearance with facelift, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Bulan. Contact his Northern New Jersey practice by calling (973) 467-9744 today.