Facelift Fact or Fiction?

There’s a lot of misconceptions around facelifts. Whether it’s how they work, who they work for, or anything in between, it’s important to know the facts before booking an appointment to ensure you get the results you want. The truth is, facelifts are a complicated process with lots of extenuating circumstances and it’s important to know how they work so you’ll know what to expect. This week, we’ll take an in-depth look at facelifts and figure out what’s fact and what’s fiction.

Claim: Facelifts work for everyone.

Consensus: Fiction

Only your doctor can tell you if a facelift is right for you. Some people want a facelift and end up needing only a few sessions of injectable fillers to achieve their desired look. For others, a full surgical facelift may be the best way to rejuvenate the face. For still other patients, only certain areas of the face might need surgical intervention instead of undergoing the full procedure. It is impossible to assign a blanket cure to every face as every person has different problem areas and different expectations.

Claim: Facelifts are not useful for fine lines and wrinkles.

Consensus: Fact

If your only concern is a couple wrinkles on the corners of your eyes and sides of your mouth, a full facelift may not be for you. A facelift involves surgery, so a smaller procedure may be beneficial without causing unnecessary trauma. Dermal fillers are a great way to smooth skin without a full facelift if the problem areas are minor.

Claim: If you get a facelift you’ll look terrible in 5 years.

Consensus: Fiction

While it’s true that facelifts have gotten a bad rap in the past for looking overdone and obvious, they have made huge strides in the last few decades. By adding fat grafts or other facial fillers and spending more time improving the deep structures of the face, surgeons are able to more accurately create a youthful look without over working the skin or stretching it in an unnatural fashion.

Claim: Facelifts will make your face fat.

Consensus: Fact

This one is a definitely a fact, but not for reasons you think. Part of the aging process of the face means sagging and wrinkling in the face. However, what most people forget to mention is that this happens because much of the fatty tissue loses elasticity and begins to droop. Most plastic surgeons now make sure to either graft fatty tissue or include fillers in facelift surgery to combat the wind tunnel look of overly stretched skin which some people still associate with facelifts. Fatty tissue is typically added to the cheeks, lower eyelids, or nasolabial folds (laugh lines).

Claim: You can get the same results from fillers like Botox.

Consensus: Fiction

Fillers like Botox are used for surface level imperfections. Facelifts are surgical procedures which actually alter the deep contours of and overall structure of the face. As we mentioned earlier, Botox and similar facial fillers should be used for surface level issues like wrinkles and fine lines. Facelifts should be reserved for more serious signs of aging like sagging skin on the face and neck, excess fat under the chin, or the appearance of jowls.

Claim: Facelifts are only for old women.

Consensus: Fiction

Facelifts can be useful for any walk of life. Plenty of men get facelifts and older people are not the only demographic who could benefit. Many people middle aged and younger can show premature signs of aging for any number of reasons. If problem areas are popping up and making a patient feel insecure, there is no reason that a facelift cannot be discussed as a viable option. However, as mentioned before, facelifts are not for everyone and input from a board certified surgeon is crucial in making that decision.