Facelift: What’s in a Name?
March 15th, 2011
What’s in a name? I find it interesting that new terms used for cosmetic surgery procedures may often gloss over the seriousness of the surgery. The current euphemisms being used for a facelift are prime examples. As a result of this new terminology, I find patients do not want to hear that they need a facelift to correct their jowls or turkey neck. They prefer to hear words like facial rejuvenation, mini-lift, lower facelift, lunch-time lift, short incision facelift, short recovery facelift or better still (my favorite) the non-surgical facelift! A market driven economy has helped to put a happy face on anti-aging procedures, by trivializing this surgery to increase profits.
According to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, there were about 95,000 performed last year. Regardless of the trendy name, surgery is serious business. There is an element of swelling and bruising after facelift surgery, as with most facial procedures. It is difficult to cover or hide during the initial recovery period. For this reason, many patients choose not to be seen while they are recovering from a facelift. In a culture where youthful beauty is celebrated, few of us want to submit eagerly to the effects of aging. Surprisingly some patients are not self-conscience in the least and continue with all their social engagements.
Facelifts are also combined with many other facial procedures (nose surgery, eyelid surgery, facial implants, chemical and laser peels, and forehead lifts). When procedures are added to a facelift, it increases the amount and duration of swelling following surgery. Combining surgeries also increases risk factors. Because of the additional safety concerns, I strongly discourage patients from combining surgeries in my own practice.
Facelift Season?
February 7th, 2011
You wouldn’t suppose that there might be seasonality to cosmetic surgery, but over the past few years, I have noticed a pattern in my practice. In mid-January facelift consultations seem to spike. The Holidays are over, popular social events like summer weddings and reunions are more than several months away. The end of January and February seems to be the choice time for patients to explore having facial rejuvenation surgery. About 95,000 facelifts are performed each year. In Minneapolis, winter is a great time to recuperate without attracting too many questions and re-emerge to look rested and refreshed like returning from a relaxing vacation. Unlike the contestants of the reality show Bridalplasty savvy patients that opt for anti-aging procedures want to plan ahead to look their best, especially for important events. It is my recommendation that scheduling surgery well in advance of an important social occasion is optimal for a safe and stress-free recovery.
Next time: Is there a season for liposuction?
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