You hear a lot about “mini lifts,” “one hour lifts” and other trade name face lift procedures in magazines and on television. But because each face is unique, a customized face lift procedure becomes essential to get the best results. Dr. Leo McCafferty talks about how he helps patients find the right facial rejuvenation solution for them.
Posts Tagged ‘facial rejuvenation’
Why Customized Face Lift Procedures Are So Important
Monday, August 16th, 2010A Fresh Look at Eye Lifts
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010If friends, family and coworkers have suggested you look tired, but you really feel fine, perhaps there’s more to it than just getting a few more Z’s…
It might be the effect aging can have on the upper and lower eyes.
But don’t worry– a personalized aesthetic plastic surgery consultation could be the first step toward helping you look rested and natural!
The Face Facts
The first thing we do when a patient comes to us concerned they’re looking tired is perform a facial analysis, beginning with the eyes.
We analyze the eyes at the eyebrow, examining the level of the eyebrow relative to the eyelashes; low eyebrows can tend to make an eyelid look heavy.
We also examine the upper eyelids for hooding—that is, excess skin that can weigh down the upper lid. After that, we take a look at the fullness or “bags” under the eyes.
To ensure the end result will remain balanced, natural and harmonious, we also analyze the forehead, face and neck.
Looking Back to Look Forward
As a part of facial analysis, we recommend patients bring in photos of themselves, when they were younger. This helps us understand how the position of the features may have shifted over time, to ensure the patient’s look remains natural and personalized.
Eyelid Rejuvenation Where Less Really is More
Almost all problems resulting from eyelid surgery happen when the skin is overtrimmed, or overtightened— errors that can lead to disastrous results. That frightened or startled look associated with eye lifts happens when upper eyelids have been tightened too much, and no longer close properly over the eye. Sometimes the forehead itself has been raised too high, exceeding natural placement of the eyebrows.
This odd look can also lead to some dangerous complications, such as dry eye and chronic tearing– issues that are more than a nuisance; they can damage your cornea.
This is why we believe in taking a conservative approach with eyelid procedures. With careful pre-operative analysis and planning, we ensure the work we do is not only natural and rejuvenating, but completely safe.
Helping You Prepare for Eyelid Rejuvenation
If eyelift surgery is the chosen option for facial rejuvenation, we work with patients to:
- Minimize any medications or products that could increase bleeding
- Cease smoking, three weeks prior to surgery and two weeks afterward. Smoking and nicotine reduce the flow of blood and oxygen to the skin, which the skin needs to heal.
We also recommend patients take arnica, an herbal supplement that helps reduce bruising. All of these steps help reduce complications with surgery, making it as safe as possible.
A Painless Procedure?
Believe it or not, there really is minimal discomfort resulting from an eyelift. The procedure is done under a local anesthetic with sedation, so patients don’t see, feel or remember the surgery.
If you think an eyelift or other form of facial rejuvenation might be right for you, contact us for your facial analysis, and you might be on your way to a natural, more rested-looking you.
Putting Your Best Face Forward: Facelifts and Facial Rejuvenation
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010You’ve probably seen the names in magazine ads or on television: “Mini Lifts,” “Lunch Time Lifts,” Lifestyle Lifts,” “Quick Lifts,” “One-Hour Lifts,” and others. Maybe you’re wondering if one might be the right way to freshen your look.
When it comes to trade names for specialized facelift procedures, we believe these terms only add confusion.
No two faces are alike and, consequently, no two facelifts can be alike. A “mini-lift” for one person might be a “maxi-lift” for another, so we view facelifts, not as specific, one-size-fits-all surgery techniques, but as facial rejuvenation– a pre-planned process tailored specifically to help each patient look their personal best.
Careful Planning for Successful Rejuvenation
We begin by spending time with each patient, discussing the patient’s goals, what they like and don’t like about their look, and analyzing the face. At this point, we encourage a patient to bring in photos of themselves from twenty or thirty years ago—even high school yearbook pictures. This is not to try to take the patient back to that point in their life, but to better understand the facial features, their placement, and restore them so the patient’s look becomes refreshed and natural.
After analysis, some patients may find they don’t even need a facelift. Injectible fillers like Restylane or Juvederm may do the trick to restore deflation of the face. Fat injections can also be an effective tactic to plump the tissue. Even eyelid surgery alone can make a difference in creating a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Our consultation will help determine the right plan for you.
Preparing for a Facelift/Facial Rejuvenation
If surgery is the appropriate facial rejuvenation tactic to take, there are a number of things we ask patients to do to prepare:
- Stop smoking for three weeks prior to surgery and two weeks after surgery. Why? Smoking adds risk to any form of surgery. Carbon monoxide in cigarettes competes for oxygen in the bloodstream. This oxygen is necessary to heal wounds. Nicotine also narrows the blood vessels, constricting the blood flow to the tissue. These factors make it more difficult for wounds to heal, and increases the risk of infection.
- Take time for a proper skincare program, to achieve best results. Our in-house aestheticians consult with each patient about the patient’s current skincare regimen. We examine the products a patient is already using and may eliminate or add products to ensure success.
- Discontinue all vitamins and herbs that might thin the blood, and increase risks during surgery. It’s our job to analyze a patient’s medications, understand their social habits and suggest adjustments accordingly for safe, long-lasting results.
- Take arnica, a homeopathic medication, as well as eat moderate servings of pineapple. Both of these help decrease post-surgical bruising.
Recovery and the Results of Rejuvenation
In the past, facelift surgery was more invasive, leading to longer healing times, but with today’s smaller incisions, recovery time is shorter and more convenient, with minimal if any discomfort.
Twenty-four hours after facial rejuvenation, the bandages come off and are exchanged for a lighter bandage. In just 48 hours, patients can safely shower.
Seven days after surgery the last stitches are removed. At this point, one of our aestheticians will guide the patient with makeup. It’s not unusual for a patient to leave this appointment feeling confident enough to join friends for a lunch out!
In ten days, patients can return to work, normal activity, and normal makeup, with no one suspecting they’d had surgery.
During the second and third weeks, patients can return to low impact exercise—anything where the head remains above the waist, so swelling will not occur.
Discover A Fresher, More Youthful Look
With proper pre-operative planning, facial rejuvenation can be a safe, effective way to rediscover a refreshed and natural look.
Contact us today for your facial analysis consultation.
