The Psychology of Facelift Surgery

One of my favorite surgeries to perform is the facelift. Seeing the twinkle in the eye and the smile on the face of my patients when they see the final results is breathtaking. Not only is it an emotional experience for them, but it’s an extraordinary reminder of how far we’ve come as partners on this surgical journey.

When my patients first come to see me, the most important thing I can do for them is to listen. They tell me about their desire a have a more beautiful, younger or vivacious appearance. We spend a lot of time discussing their “problem areas” and what can be done to correct them. But that’s not all. We take the time to explore their “why.”

The “Why” of Knowing the “Why”

Aesthetic surgery is unlike any other surgical procedure. It is elective surgery meaning it is initiated by the patient. When a patient wants to undergo aesthetic surgery, they have a distinctive “why, and this tells me what they are expecting with the surgical outcome.

If a patient wants to look like a celebrity, the risk of disappointment is great after surgery. And it is this emotion that can lead to a more damaged self-view and a drop in self-esteem.

However, if a patient simply wants a better version of themselves, then he or she will be more satisfied with the surgical experience. And it is this result that we aim for in the field of aesthetic surgery.

Getting to the Nitty Gritty

When patients come to see me, I ask questions such as…

·      What area of the face seems to be “flawed”?

·      Would other people perceive it to be normal?

·      Why do you think it’s flawed?

·      Does the problem area cause pain or get in the way of everyday activities?

·      What are your expectations before, during and after your facelift surgery?

·      Is there someone you would like to resemble?

·      Will this surgical procedure be a boost to your self-esteem? How so?

·      Are you looking to simply change your appearance or do a total life makeover?

·      Why have you chosen this time in your life to seek aesthetic surgery?

Understanding the Psychology of Facelifts

Many would-be patients want to look and feel better, and some want the advantage of a boost in confidence because they are dating again or want to advance in their careers.

Sometimes patients want to shake things up during or after a traumatic event. They may be going through a dramatic change – the loss of a job, divorce or the death of someone who is close to them. It’s common to want to shake things up after such events, but it may be a good idea to postpone elective surgery until the issues have settled.

And still, there are those who want to play up to external influences such as cultural, social, physical and sexual influences. Sometimes they are pressured into having facelift surgery to keep the attention of a significant other. If this is the case, I believe it’s good for my patients to hear themselves tell me if this is the cause because it may prompt them to reconsider unhealthy relationships.

Naturally aesthetic surgery isn’t off the table in situations like these, but it is helpful to know what patients are dealing with so I can address their concerns and support them emotionally throughout the surgical process.

At Your Service

If you would like to learn more about the consultation process, contact us today. And be sure to ask us about our January special. Save 5% on a lower facelift and 10% on a mid or full facelift.*

*To take advantage of this special offer, you will need to pay a booking fee before January, 31, 2014. All procedures must be complete by May 31, 2014.

Sources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7360810

When is the Right Time to Have Your Facelift Surgery?

If you’ve considered a facelift surgery, you’ve probably thought about the timing of this procedure.

“When is the right time to have my facelift surgery?”

“Is it too late for me to get rid of these [insert your problem area]?”

These are common questions, and I always tell my patients that the timing entirely depends on you as a patient. It also depends on the internal and external effects that cause your face to gradually age.

·      genetics

·      overall health

·      amount of sun exposure

·      the quality of food and amount of water consumed on a regular basis

·      addictions to nicotine or drugs

But despite all of these, there are also under-the-surface changes that cause patients to turn to facelift surgery for an improved appearance.

After one’s 24^th birthday, collagen in the face slowly becomes less elastic. The soft tissue thins and features begin to sag. Plus, the fat that was once evenly distributed begins to lose volume as it shifts and drops to the lower half of the face. This can give the appearance of bags in the chin and around the neckline.

Here are some gradual affects that occur in one’s 40s, 50s, 60s and so on:

·      Forehead – Forehead tissue broadens causing the eyebrows to droop. Also, the hairline begins to thin.

·      Eyes – The cheekbones descend and offer less support. The eye sockets widen and lengthen making them appear to be deeply set. The soft tissue sags around the eyes and eyelids.  

·      Nose – As the patient ages, the connective tissue in the nose weakens. This causes it to droop or elongate, and possibly develop a small but pronounced dorsal hump. Also, the tip of the nose broadens and adopts a bulbous appearance.

·      Cheeks – The cheeks often sag leaving one with jowls.

·      Mouth – The corners of the mouth tend to droop which causes a slight frown.

·      Ears – Ears lengthen as cartilage grows.

·      Jaw – When the jawbone thins, it causes the facial structure to lose its more sculpted appearance.

And yes, one cannot get away from the generalized wrinkling of the face. Fine wrinkles (due to smoking, sun damage or genetics) and deep wrinkles (the pulling of muscles) can add years to one’s face.

Naturally, there are some things you can do to give your countenance a much more youthful glow.

1.    Use sunscreen daily and by wear wide-brimmed hats.

2.    Use exfoliant creams to get rid of dead skin and moisturizers to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

3.    Prescription creams such as Avage, Avita, Retin-A and Renova can reduce wrinkles and induce collagen production in the dermis.

4.    Botulinum toxin injections like Botox, Myobloc and Dysport treats lines on the forehead and between the brows while restraining the muscles that form expression lines.

5.    Dermal fillers treat those lines which have been caused by the loss of collagen and redistribution of fat.

6.    Laser treatments get rid of freckles, liver spots, broken capillaries and acne scars.

While the above rejuvenation tips will help you delay the aging process, they are temporary and need to be repeated often. For something that will last for at least five years and can be repeated once or twice in a lifetime, the facelift surgery is the ultimate treatment.

A facelift will remove excess tissue while lifting skin that sags. The end result will be a refreshed, more natural appearance.

Some patients, many of whom are in their 40s, opt for a mini facelift. This is a good time to begin the age-defying surgical process as the early one addresses bothersome areas, the better their appearance in the long run. The mini facelift treats the lower eyelids, cheeks and mid-face areas. It reestablishes facial balance while lifting the lower face and neck.

Many patients in their 50s and 60s opt for either the lower facelift or the full facelift surgery.

·      Lower facelift – tightens loose skin on the jaw and neck as well as removes deep wrinkles along the corners of the mouth

·      Full facelift – treats all sections of the face for a smoother appearance

So, to answer your questions:

“When is the right time to have my facelift surgery?” – If you’re over 40 and have been considering a facelift, now is the right time for a consultation. From there, we will determine your ideal time.

“Is it too late for me to get rid of these [insert your problem area]?” – It’s never too late.

As a plastic surgeon, it is my pleasure to help you determine the best timing for your facelift surgery. Together, we will chart a safe and realistic course of action so that your surgical experience will bring you the highest level of satisfaction.

If you’d like to learn more, contact us today. And be sure to ask us about our January special. Save 5% on a lower facelift and 10% on a mid or full facelift.*

*To take advantage of this special offer, you will need to pay a booking fee before January, 31, 2014. All procedures must be complete by May 31, 2014.