In the search for a youthful appearance, facelift surgery has almost become ubiquitous. Over time, old misgivings about have the operation have faded, and now it has become one of the most sought after cosmetic procedures around the world. Indeed, although this procedure has been in use for a long time, many are unsure if they are a good fit for the procedure. This article attempts to clear up some of your questions.
A facelift is a surgical procedure, and some people end up developing serious complications after the surgery. Therefore, you must know if you are a good candidate for a facelift before you book an appointment. Obviously, your doctor will be the best source of information for you, but there are questions you can ask yourself as well. Here are some of the main factors that determine a person’s suitability for facelift surgery.
Overall Health
Facelift surgery is an extremely invasive procedure, and therefore, it is not suitable for anybody whose overall health is in question. Any plastic surgeon worth their salt would never take on a patient intent on cosmetic surgery if their health was compromised. Doctors even ask you to do several medical tests to determine your general health and suitability. If you have any pre-existing conditions that wouldn’t show up in routine screenings, let your doctor know about them before the surgery. Depending on the situation, the consequences could be severe.
Skin Condition
Facelift surgery works best for someone whose skin still has some level of elasticity and suppleness. The best skin for this type of cosmetic surgery is one that still can bounce back when pinched. But if your skin has suffered prolonged sunburns or other types of complications, you should reconsider your decision to have a facelift procedure because you might end up doing yourself more harm than good. Also, several lifestyle factors, such as smoking and excessive drinking, may hinder you from having a facelift.
Natural Bone Structure
Your natural facial bone structure plays a big role in determining your facial appearance. So, the results you get from the facelift procedure will depend on how aesthetically-balanced your facial bone structure is. If your bone structure is faulty, it might be wise to start by rectifying any structural issues through grafting and other restorative procedures like rhinoplasty and genioplasty before you go for a facelift.
Unrealistic Expectations
Undergoing a facelift is a personal decision that requires serious reflection and soul-searching. You should never undergo this procedure due to peer pressure or the desire to please someone else. Most importantly, you must have realistic expectations and clearly understand what you can and cannot achieve with a facelift. A seasoned plastic surgeon will speak frankly about your expectations and whether they are possible to meet.