Individuals have more choices now than ever before when it comes to enhancing facial beauty and turning the clock back on aging. If you fall into the category of someone who wants to improve their facial presence, you can choose between laser treatments, injections, minimally invasive treatment technology, or facial surgery. 

The surgical option has additional options regarding where you want improvement and to what degree. All these options have led to some misunderstanding, confusion, and myth when considering a facelift. More clarity concerning facial improvements is possible during a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Reading on will hopefully address a few of these misconceptions if you want to take that next step. They include:

A Facelift Lifts Your Whole Face

The traditional facelift only lifts one area of your face. We divide your face into three parts – upper, mid-face, and lower. The upper area is your brow and forehead. The mid-face is the eyes, cheeks, and the space between the nose and lips. The lower part includes the chin and jawline. 

The traditional facelift focuses on lifting the lower region of your face. This solution makes sense because gravity pulls at your face and causes your skin to hang loose over time. Wrinkles also form around the mouth as facial skin becomes loose. If the problem isn’t in your lower area, but instead in the middle or upper parts, we can implement a brow lift or a midface lift.  

Facelifts are Only for Older People

Facelift patients include people from the age of 40 to 70. There are different reasons why this range is so expansive, including environment, sun exposure, genetics, financial concerns, and lifestyle choices. For example, people who live in dry climates like Arizona may experience skin which ages quicker. Also, smoking and sunbathing may affect skin health and appearance. 

All Facelifts Look the Same

Your facial appearance is unique to you, and possibly your family traits. Your facelift should be the same. Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Steven Montante customizes his facelift approach for each of his patients. He will address your specific needs and goals as he will explain during your consultation. He will take the time to discuss with you what your expectations are and how he plans to address your concerns. Your results should be a younger version of your natural appearance.  

It’s Visibly Apparent When Patients Get a Facelift

A big concern with people who are considering a facelift is the “done look.” Results which shout the patient had a facelift. Because a facelift is a popular aesthetic surgery, many doctors not familiar with plastic and reconstructive surgery offer this procedure, which is outside their expertise. When considering any cosmetic surgery, you should first look to board-certified plastic surgeons to do the work. These medical professionals are highly trained in facial anatomy and specialize not only in superficial improvement but also in underlying anatomy and reconstructive protocols. This expertise will ensure you will have the most proficient surgeon address your cosmetic needs. 

Facelifts Make You Look Several Years Younger

If you are 55 wanting to look 19, this expectation is impractical. Also, a facelift will not stop the aging process. What it does it resets your facial appearance by about a decade. So you will look ten years younger as you continue to age gracefully. 

A Facelift is Forever

It would be great if results lasted for the rest of your life, but that’s not the case. However, there are certain steps you can take to make sure your facelift results are enduring. Eating right with proper exercise, avoiding excessive sun exposure by using sunblock, and not smoking will help you enjoy your facelift benefits for many years to come. 

Finding a Good Surgeon is Difficult

Although some patients have made poor choices in choosing who does their facelift, finding the right surgeon is easier than you think. When selecting a surgeon, make sure they are a plastic surgeon (not cosmetic surgeon, there’s a difference), and they have all the necessary certifications which identify them with the proper training and experience. These include:  

  • Board-certification in Plastic Surgery
  • Extensive experience in facial plastic surgery
  • Positive Patient Testimonials
  • Before and After Examples
  • Experience in the most advanced techniques and technology

Dr. Steven Montante is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been performing facelifts and other aesthetic procedures on thousands of patients since 2003. 

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Montante, call us at (804) 325-4795 or contact us today