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Of all the challenges face lift surgery presents, perhaps the most difficult for a prospective patient is evaluating the array of procedures marketed today. In fact, face lift surgery occupies that very uncomfortable juncture where marketing and medicine mix—to the detriment of the patient. Sorting through the hype and gaining a foundation of understanding is a very important step in ensuring you achieve the face lift results you’re hoping for.
As a plastic surgery writer with years of experience, I may be able to help with a few do's and don’t's. This may require going out on a limb more than usual, but fighting marketing hype requires some risk! Here are my suggestions:
DON'T consider a procedure that uses barbs and sutures, threads, wires or ribbons like the Feather Lift, Thread Lift and so on. These techniques, which work through tiny incisions and barbed threads running under the skin’s surface are not performed much anymore because they don’t work very well.
At best, patients spend a few thousand dollars for some improvement that doesn’t last. At worst, patients spend several thousand dollars only to experience threads and/or barbs emerging from under the skin, visible thread lines and other undesirable results. Many women find themselves seeking a traditional face lift later, having the threads removed and paying more in the long run.
DON’T be taken in by branded face lifts like the Lifestyle Lift, QuickLift and Weekend Lift, marketed by franchise-like organizations. The proposition is compelling: a quick procedure under local anesthesia that’s less expensive than a traditional face lift and involves a short recovery time. The reality, for many patients, is quite different. Unsolicited reviews rate these procedures at 30 percent to 50 percent satisfaction, with patients citing horrible sounds and smells, persistent pain and an unexpectedly long recovery.
The best reason to run like the wind from face lifts with tempting names is that patients are so often unhappy or even outraged with the results. The quick, mostly superficial approach to tightening tissues results in extra pulling on the wounds, meaning some patients struggle with wide, angry scars. Others report persistent numbness. Many say they look worse than before surgery.
DON’T be overly wowed by surgeons who have a procedure named after them. After all, they are the ones who have done the naming. It usually means the physician has taken a normal procedure, tweaked it to some extent and named it to make a marketing splash. Since all good face lift surgeons customize their approach to each individual patient’s needs, fine-tuning a procedure is not too impressive. When other surgeons begin to adopt the same technique, then you may want to take notice.
DO take some time to understand traditional face lift vocabulary and techniques. One important thing to know about, for instance, is the SMAS or superficial musculoaponeurotic system. This is the system of facial muscles that underlies the skin. In the traditional face lift, most surgeons will elevate the SMAS to take tension off the skin before pulling the skin up and eliminating the excess. Many believe this step is essential to achieve lasting results.
DO be open to newer techniques that many plastic surgeons find intriguing, such as the MACS lift, or minimal access cranial suspension lift. Contrary to the procedures mentioned above with the gimmicky brand names, this is a procedure developed by European surgeons that is gaining attention among board certified plastic surgeons in the United States. A scientific study presented in a plastic surgery magazine shows 80 percent of patients to be happy or very happy with their results a year after surgery.
DO learn about the various options for scar placement, including in front of the ear, inside the ear, around the back of the ear and into the hairline. Understand that the more dramatic the results you’re seeking, the more/longer incisions your surgeon will need to make. Many doctors perform a kind of mini face lift, sometimes referred to as a “limited face lift” or an “S lift,” for younger patients. These are legitimate procedures designed for people without excessively droopy skin around their lower face.
DO be ready to speak up about your wishes for improvement and listen to the input of more than one prospective surgeon. Seek out board certified plastic surgeons or facial plastic surgeons who will do the same—offer candid observations and expert input and listen carefully to you.
As you have an open, honest discussion with a prospective surgeon, try to put aside thoughts of names, price tags and recovery times for various procedures for a bit. Work together to develop a plan that will address your concerns about your looks—an approach that’s uniquely right for you. Make sure you understand the reasoning behind the surgeon’s recommendations. Then think it over. You’ll know what’s hype what’s right.
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Ideally try to find someone who's done it and see at their results in person! Talk to them about their experience.
March 31, 2010 - 8:57amThis Comment
Susan: That windswept look can be due to the skin being pulled too much to the side rather than both up and to the side. Or, it may result from too much tension on the skin without enough elevation of underlying muscle and tissue (as in some of the branded face lifts).
The traditional face lift has been around for decades now, and a good, board-certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon should be able to achieve good results. As a patient, the very best thing you can do to make this happen is research, research, research. Understand your target procedure and all its possible twists and variations. Learn about recovery, risks and complications. Understand surgeons' credentials including board certification. Learn about anesthesia options and facility accreditation. View dozens and dozens of before and after photos. Visit forums and chat rooms and email people who have gone through the procedure.
This will take time, but you'll feel better and better about your choices as you learn. And your results will be worth the investment!
March 30, 2010 - 4:46pmThis Comment