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.
Season for Lipo?
February 9th, 2011
There are about 285,000 liposuction procedures performed each year. Springtime is the prime season that I see an uptick in calls from patients asking about liposuction. As the temperatures finally begin to moderate in Minnesota, consultations in my office gradually switch from a focus on facial rejuvenation to body contouring procedures. Spring is also a popular time to escape from cooler climates. Perhaps it’s only a coincidence, but my patients often mention plans for vacations like cruises and island getaways. It makes sense that liposuction might offer a boost for looking good in beachwear.
Liposuction and liposculpture also continue to be very popular year-round as new techniques are always hyped in the media. However, the lipid or fat reducing method remains basically the same, but the new trendy gimmicks make great headlines. I find that refined traditional liposuction is quite effective in body sculpting surgery.
Next time: Summer Accessories
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