HOW WE AGE

The changes associated with aging do not occur all at once - they begin in a slow, not easily apparent manner and involve several components of the face.

The skull becomes smaller and thinner as we get older, causing the overlying tissue, particularly the facial part, to be in excess.

Loss of elastic tissue then results in deepening of the facial lines of expression, sagging of the outer part of the eyebrows so that the eyes appear smaller and crows feet form. Pouches along the jawline cause "jowls" and underneath, the "double chin".

Degenerative changes and sun damage cause the skin to look tired, but more importantly, some faces become etched with numerous wrinkles along with the sagging.

Fat in the face is absorbed leading to a hollow, "sunken in" look.

BEFORE	AFTER

WHAT CAN BE DONE

A face lift tightens the supporting structures of the face restoring a solid foundation on which the overlaying skin is redraped. Fat is restored to fill out the face by simultaneous fat injections. The skin can be treated at the same time with rejuvenating skin peels. This simultaneous peel adds little to the overall healing tirne.

Face lift surgery (cheek-neck lift surgery) is performed to improve the aged appearance of the lower two-thirds of the face and the neck.

With the aging process, there is loss of elasticity in the skin, decreased muscle tone, and loss of fatty tissue immediately beneath the facial skin. Conversely there may be an accumulation of fatty tissue and relaxed muscle under the chin. Heredity and sun exposure definitely influence the progression of facial aging.
Forehead and eyelid surgery can be done in conjunction with the face lift. The amount of improvement with surgery depends upon the extent of sagging, the bone structure of the face and wrinkling of the skin. The goal of this surgery is a more rested, vibrant and natural look -- not a pulled, mask-like appearance.

BEFORE	AFTER

In the past, face lift surgery involved only the removal of excess facial and neck skin. Today there are several techniques used in a face lift, depending upon the problems that each patient has and what the patient wants to achieve.

The most common patient concerns are jowls that occur along the jaw line, lax skin in the neck, bands or "turkey gobbler" appearance of the neck under the chin, and accumulation of fat immediately beneath the chin. In order to correct these problems, all of the involved tissues must be corrected. That is to say, not only is excess skin excised and fat removed with liposuction, but the platysma muscle is lifted and tightened as well (called the platysma cervical lift.)
Costs vary depending upon the extent of the surgery and areas treated. Fees for elective surgery are usually paid prior to surgery. In general, cosmetic surgery is considered elective and is not covered by most insurance plans unless the primary reason for surgery is to improve function. To be sure, contact your insurance company before surgery.