“How much younger will I look after my facelift?” This is possibly the most popular question asked by individuals interested in this facial rejuvenation procedure – and rightfully so. A facelift can be a truly transformative experience that can affect us at the deepest level of how we feel about ourselves. Even more so than a financial investment, this type of surgery can be an investment in our emotional and psychological well-being. If you are at an age when you are starting to long for the vibrant look of your younger years, a facial rejuvenation procedure is as close to a time machine as one can get. And a facelift can be truly life-changing.
So, what is the answer to this aforementioned question? Here we’ll take a look at the different elements involved to give us a better idea.
Age Perception Is A Multifactorial Process
During facelift consultations, Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevich, NYC’s top facial plastic surgeon, often tells his patients “Your face will still be your face; it will just look years younger.” But, how much younger exactly? While the results are different for everyone of course, on average, in Dr. Konstantin’s opinion a facelift can take approximately 10-15 years off a person’s appearance. There have been considerable advancements in facelift techniques since this procedure was first performed in the early 1900s. It’s no wonder the modern version of this type of surgery can accomplish a truly incredible rejuvenation and effectively reverse noticeable signs of aging.
The perception of age depends on multiple elements such as a person’s skin quality and texture, facial contour, the look of sagging and presence of skin laxity. For example, if someone’s age appearance is most heavily influenced by the jowls, sagging flat cheeks and excess neck skin, this person would have the most significant rejuvenation with a facelift. Alternatively, if an individual’s aging appearance stems from dull looking skin, deep wrinkles, hollowness of the cheeks and prominent forehead creases, a facelift alone may not address these specific signs of aging and therefore have a limited rejuvenating effect.
However, aside from physical appearance, age perception can also be affected by things like a person’s energy level or an optimistic outlook. Have you ever met someone energetic, full of life, always happy and smiling? When a person exudes vitality and a positive mindset, it can enhance the overall perception of youthfulness, regardless of their chronological age. On the other hand, someone who always appears lackluster about life or brooding may be perceived in an overall negative light. This can also be applied to someone after they’ve had a facelift. A positive attitude might not only help make the healing process smoother and more pleasant, but also make the individual appear more youthful, from the inside out.
Complementary Procedures
While a facelift by itself is capable of making you look younger, there are other cosmetic procedures and treatments that many patients combine for a complete look and this can make a big difference. For example, upper and lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) are popular add-ons that get rid of the “bags” and sagging skin around the eyes. Facial fat grafting is another great option that helps address hollowness or volume loss in the face. Having a smoother, more defined lower part of the face and neck complimented by a revitalized upper area can create an overall more youthful appearance. Also, injectables like BOTOX® and dermal fillers like Juvederm are great options for tweaking wrinkles and lines that cannot be corrected by surgery. They can also help maintain the results of the facelift longer.
Your Surgeon and Surgical Technique Matter
The skills and experience of the surgeon and the specific surgical technique used can certainly play a role in determining the degree to which a person will appear younger following a facelift. A highly qualified facial plastic surgeon with years of experience in facial rejuvenation understands the intricacies of each individual face and can tailor the procedure to a person’s unique needs. The choice of surgical technique matters, as different approaches can yield different results. Each type of facelift has its own capabilities and limitations for tightening underlying tissues, repositioning facial muscles, and removing excess skin with precision. While one person can look significantly more youthful after a mini facelift, another person would benefit from a more advanced deep-plane technique for the best outcome.
A Word About Realistic Expectations
At Dr. Konstantin’s practice, we believe that we can help achieve a noticeably younger appearance with a facelift for our patients. However, we also believe that having realistic expectations is crucial when considering the outcome of a facelift in terms of how much younger a person will look. While a facelift can provide significant improvements and turn back the clock to some extent, it is important to understand that it cannot completely reverse or stop the natural aging process or transform a person into a completely different individual. There are always factors, like the ones listed above, that can impact the outcome. It’s important to understand what this type of procedure can or cannot accomplish. Setting realistic expectations from the beginning is the best way for individuals to truly enjoy their facelift results and appreciate all the positive emotions that come from feeling youthful once again.
Ready to turn back your own clock? If you’re looking for the best facelift surgeon in NYC, contact Dr. Konstantin’s practice in Manhattan today using the online form. For more content from Manhattan’s favorite facelift expert, visit him on Instagram and YouTube.
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