Everyone naturally ages, but few people like to look old. Patients who present in my office to discuss correction of facial aging changes say “I want to look as young as I feel!” Today, many people are maintaining their health and activity levels, by taking proactive measures in their personal diet and exercise programs. This has led to a generation of individuals who want not only feel youthful well into their 50’s, 60’s & 70’s, but also want to look the part. Unfortunately, despite any individuals’ most diligent personal health regime, facial again changes continue to mount as the years go by.
Facial aging can be the result of both natural chronological aging and chronic ultraviolet exposure from the sun. Correction of sun damage changes can be accomplished to some degree by the use of superficial skin treatments involving the use of modalities such as skin peel, microdermabrasion and laser treatments. Chronological aging changes create the classic loose skin in the face and neck we commonly associate with old age. Loss of tissue elasticity creates loose facial skin and loss of support for underlying facial structures. With the help of gravity, typical jowls, frown lines and “turkey gobbler” necks appear.
Every patient’s aging pattern is different as is each their particular concerns with the changes they identify. In an effort to meet each patients individual needs, consultations are designed to discuss all available treatment options and tailor a surgical plan focused on the patients goals.
Over the last several years, classical facelift techniques have been in a head-on battle with minimally or non-invasive techniques promoted by practitioners who promise comparable results. Everyone naturally wants the most benefit with the least invasive surgery. Plastic surgeons across the United States have heard this demand and most are attempting to modify their techniques when appropriate to help shorten scars, decrease post-operative problems and speed recovery time.
In my practice, every patient’s concerns are individually evaluated. When minimally invasive techniques or short scar procedures can be utilized to solve a patient’s problem, these techniques are incorporated. When patients present with facial cosmetic problems that go beyond the scope of minimally invasive techniques, more classic surgical procedures are incorporated. But always with the thought in mind of offering the patient the best long-term benefit with the least risk and shortest recovery period.
