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.
When to Consider Cosmetic Surgery, When not to
March 9th, 2011
Cosmetic surgery may make you look better and this physical change often results in feeling better. When is surgery a better option than embarking on a concerted effort to exercise and eat a healthy diet? Certainly these simple changes can accomplish some things, all without the need for surgery. There are some instances when surgery is the only remedy.
Loosing unwanted weight and toning muscles often does the trick to boost morale and usually results in an overall improvement in appearance. Besides the simple changes becoming a potential health benefit, people often report a better sense of well-being. However, there are no exercises, no magic lotions or potions to get rid of droopy eyelids or sagging jowls. This type of normal aging contributes to looking tired and perhaps looking older than one would choose. These conditions require cosmetic surgery to correct the problems. Likewise, many of the permanent physical changes that women experience due to pregnancy, may also be corrected with cosmetic surgery.
The association between looking good and feeling great can be a powerful one. When used properly, elective cosmetic surgery can make you look better. So just like a great new haircut, by making you look better, it often makes you feel better.
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