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.
Peggy’s Blog: Facelift Recovery Conclusion
June 30th, 2010
I decided to share my experience on the blog because I think anyone considering a facelift can benefit from the experience of others who have had the procedure. Maybe the most important word to remember throughout your recovery process is “patience.” A facelift is not a quick fix, but major surgery and it takes time to lose the swelling, fluid build-up and it takes awhile for everything to get back to normal. I can’t wait to really see my own final result.
I also suggest that you shouldn’t go into it thinking it will make you look like a movie star when it is done.
Having realistic expectations is a topic that Dr. Bashioum discusses during an office consultation. I feel comfortable with the way I look now. My son was actually concerned I would look like some of the older women on TV that have had excessive cosmetic surgery, but he had no need to worry because that is not what I was seeking. A quick look through Dr. Bashioum’s Before/After photos shows his more natural approach for facelifts and my result is predictably in line with them.
In closing, I am pleased with my facelift results. Life is short, so I hope to live the rest of mine looking good!
Thank you for sharing this incredible experience with me.
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