19 Jun 2024 | by Dr. Vickram Tandon
Facial aging doesn’t happen overnight. It is a gradual process of degrees. Beginning at 25, your skin and tissues start to lose about 1.5% of their collagen and elastin. The first is what provides structural foundation while the latter is what allows the skin to stretch and retract when you smile, laugh or frown, for example. Certain lifestyle choices such as sun exposure, diet and a subpar skincare routine can speed up the process, but at some point in time, the skin on your face will start to sag. While there are any number of non-surgical modalities to improve skin texture, moderate to severe skin laxity is an issue that is best addressed with a surgical facelift. So, here are some tips to decide: Are you ready for a facelift?
Ideal Facelift Candidate in Boston
Deciding whether or not you are ready for a facelift is really a personal decision. My job as your plastic surgeon is to listen closely to what bothers you about your appearance and then to perform an in-depth physical exam in order to assess:
- Skin texture
- Degree and location of skin laxity
- Pockets of fat, if any
The ideal candidate for a facelift is any man or woman who is dissatisfied with the appearance of his or her face, and who is:
- In good overall health
- Within 10 lbs. of a maintainable goal weight
- Non-smoker
As mentioned, the general demarcation line between a non-surgical intervention and a surgical one is the kind of moderate to severe sagging in the facial tissues that result in deep wrinkles, “jowling” and/or a double chin.
Understanding Pros & Cons of a Surgical Facelift
As with any aesthetic procedure, there are going to be pros and cons to a surgical facelift. I am always very upfront about communicating with my Boston area patients so they understand exactly what to expect in terms of the procedure itself as well as any necessary recovery. I’ve found this to be a critical component to patient satisfaction. On the plus side, a surgical facelift is the gold standard for lifting and repositioning the skin and tissues of your face into a more youthful looking contour. It is a one-and-done procedure, meaning that you do not have to come in for multiple treatments over time, and it also delivers a long-lasting result.
On the con side, a facelift is going to require more downtime for recovery. How much time is going to really depend on your body’s unique healing ability and the complexity of your procedure. During your initial consultation, I will be able to give you a more exact timeline for when you can return to your normal routine. In general, most patients can go back to work after a week, but it will take 2-3 weeks before I release you to intense exercise.
To find out more about a facelift, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Vickram Tandon at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call 617-402-2768 to schedule a consultation.
