February 14, 2023
Tarek Elhor
Founder of Brussels Surgical · Anesthesiologist and Aesthetic Physician
As we age, the skin naturally loses its elasticity. This can become a source of discomfort when the face or neck starts to sag and wrinkles deepen. One solution to restore tone and firmness to the skin is the facelift. This procedure removes excess skin and tightens the underlying tissues, giving the face and neck a more youthful and refreshed appearance. While the facelift offers many advantages, it also comes with a few downsides. It's essential to be well-informed and carefully consider your options before undergoing surgery. Here’s what you need to know about this technique.
A facelift is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to reduce visible signs of facial aging. It involves removing excess skin, tightening underlying tissues, and repositioning the muscles. The procedure can target various areas of the face and body. It is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts about 3 hours.
The surgeon will begin by cleansing the face with an antiseptic solution, then administer a local anesthetic. Precise incisions are made to remove the excess skin using a scalpel or surgical scissors. When it comes to fat deposits, the approach depends on each case and the desired outcome: they may be removed, repositioned, or left in place. In some instances, a small amount of fat is added to improve facial harmony. Finally, the surgeon places sutures under the skin in specific locations to achieve a natural result and ensure scars remain discreet.
Incisions are generally placed within the hairline, behind the ears, or along natural creases to remain invisible. For facial fat grafting, there are virtually no visible scars.
Facial and neck lifts are the most common, but other types exist, each targeting a specific area or concern:
A facelift is not always the right solution depending on the area you'd like to enhance. Your goals and the actual concern to be corrected determine the best approach. It's essential to consult with a plastic surgeon to evaluate the options best suited to your needs. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to book an initial consultation at Brussels Surgical & Esthetic Center. Our team will be happy to guide you.
One of the main advantages of choosing our clinic is the thorough assessment and personalized treatment plan before proceeding with surgery. Sometimes, less invasive solutions such as thread lifts, hyaluronic acid, PRP/PRF, or facial fat grafting may be more appropriate.
When these alternatives are not recommended, or when a patient desires the most immediate and effective results, a facelift becomes the ideal choice.
A facelift improves the appearance of the face and neck by tightening the skin and correcting wrinkles and folds. Additional benefits include restoring volume to the cheeks and lips, better jawline definition, refining the nasal profile, smoothing the chest area, and enhancing skin elasticity following weight loss or pregnancy.
Based on your expectations and the medical evaluation, we offer the most appropriate technique to help you regain confidence. Signs of aging can be challenging to experience, but thanks to aesthetic surgery, they no longer have to be permanent. Achieving smoother, firmer skin is now a realistic and accessible goal.
While a facelift is a surgical procedure that comes with certain risks, it is now considered safe, relatively straightforward, and fast, with long-lasting results.
The main disadvantages are similar to other cosmetic surgeries:
As with any procedure, there is always a risk of complications. Infections, poor healing, or nerve injuries causing temporary paralysis (from a few weeks to months) can occur. Inexperienced surgeons may also create unsatisfactory or unnatural results, particularly if the skin is pulled too tightly.
To minimize these risks, it’s crucial to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, communicate openly, and place your trust in their expertise.
Facelift results are long-lasting and often visible for several years. The skin tightening performed during surgery will never fully revert, but the skin will continue to age naturally. The effects are not permanent, but you can significantly extend the benefits by following these tips:
By following these guidelines, you can slow down the skin's aging process and preserve the facelift results as long as possible.
On our website, you can learn more about facial fat grafting, PRP, PRF, botulinum toxin, and hyaluronic acid. Each technique has its own specific indication and can enhance facial aesthetics.
The facelift is an effective solution for correcting signs of aging and achieving firmer, younger-looking skin. It can be performed on various parts of the body, although the face and neck are the most common.
Like any surgical intervention, it comes with its pros and cons. Fortunately, alternative treatments are available.
We’re here to help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each approach before you take the next step. Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment for a tailored treatment plan.
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