Rhytidectomy Reality: Who is a Candidate for the Facelift Procedure? Posted By : Daniel Beasley

The facelift procedure is designed to counteract the effects of gravity, sun damage, genetics, and other factors that contribute to visible aging in the face. As part of the natural aging process, the skin in the face and neck relaxes, losing its elasticity, and wrinkling. You may notice crow's feet at the corners of the eyes, deep lines in the forehead, or drooping cheeks or jowls. A facelift can set the clock back, making you look refreshed, rejuvenated, and more youthful.



Ideal candidates for the facelift procedure are women or men who have noticed signs of aging in their face. These signs may include a range of features, such as deep lines from the corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth (nasolabial folds), a less defined jawline, sagging of the cheeks, deep wrinkles, and other visible effects of aging.



Besides the appearance of the face, there are additional factors to consider when making the decision to undergo a facelift. The outcome depends on the degree of sun-related damage and whether you are a smoker; both can result in less impressive results than might be possible with other candidates. Ideal patients for a facelift are in good overall health and at a healthy weight, with a minimum of fatty deposits in the face and neck area. It is also recommended that candidates for a facelift be in an appropriate mental and psychological state; facelift is considered a fairly major surgery, and should not be performed on anyone who is in a fragile mental or medical state.



Skin type and skin elasticity also play a role, as those with more elastic skin will find that it responds better to the changes created during a facelift. Because the skin loses elasticity as we age, ideal candidates are usually in their forties and fifties, although this procedure can also be performed on older patients. Patients with very thick or very thin skin may be poor candidates for a facelift. The underlying bone structure also affects the possible outcome; a weak underlying bone structure may not provide the support necessary for more drastic results. Before choosing to undergo this procedure, you should have a realistic idea of the type of results you can expect.

Considering plastic surgery? Cosmetic procedures such as facelift, breast augmentation, and liposuction can improve your self-confidence and enhance your everyday life. Talk to a plastic surgeon to find out which surgical procedures or non-invasive treatments are right for you.