In 2021, it’s estimated that there were approximately 1.4 million plastic surgery procedures.
One of the most common procedures is a facelift. More specifically, a superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) facelift is one of the most common types of facelifts. Not everybody knows what to consider before scheduling one, though.
Let’s explore key information you need to know before getting a SMAS facelift.
1. Candidacy
Not everyone is a candidate for a facelift. In fact, there are many people who wish to have this procedure done but should avoid doing so. For example, your doctor may recommend against getting this procedure if you have certain health issues.
In general, though, most people won’t have problems scheduling this type of surgery. Most people who get facelifts are about 40 years old, and it’s not uncommon for people over 60 years old to schedule them.
2. Your Doctor’s Experience
It should come as no surprise that it’s crucial to work with an experienced surgeon to get the best results. Otherwise, you are essentially rolling the dice on both the outcome and your health. Ensure that your doctor has the proper credentials and has studied at an accredited university.
They should also have a substantial amount of experience in performing this type of surgery. Many people make the mistake of visiting plastic surgeons who don’t specialize in facelifts.
The last thing you want is to misplace your trust in someone who can’t meet your needs. So, take the time to find the best facelift Los Angeles surgeon for you.
3. The Recovery Process
Although the facelift recovery process is simple, you will still need to accommodate it for at least a couple of weeks. During this time, you will likely experience facial swelling and bruising.
These complications will slowly dissipate as time goes on. After approximately two weeks, most patients will be able to continue their lives as normal.
However, those who are uncomfortable with appearing in public before making a full recovery will need to wait longer. Total recovery time will vary from person to person. Some people can recover within a month, while others might take six months or longer.
4. The Results
It’s important to remain realistic about the results you’ll get. Although a facelift is a great way to improve your overall appearance, it can’t create a new version of you.
The good news is that people often find they look approximately 10 years younger after working with a quality surgeon. Keep this information in mind so you can stay grounded and avoid surprises. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a situation where you are dissatisfied with your results even though the surgeon met your initial needs.
5. Potential Risks
No surgery is without risk. Common risks associated with facelifts include bleeding and infection.
You can minimize these risks by working with a high-quality surgeon. They will have the knowledge and resources to prevent complications that may have otherwise occurred.
You can further minimize risks by following your doctor’s aftercare advice. If you smoke, you should drastically cut back or quit altogether. This will allow you to heal as efficiently as possible.
6. Potential Weight Loss
If you want to lose weight in the future, you need to plan your procedure around this. To clarify, you should wait until you’re at a stable body weight before scheduling your facelift.
Weight loss often leaves behind excess skin, which could substantially impact your overall results. Since a facelift is considered invasive surgery, it’s even more important to be at a healthy weight.
Those who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of complications when undergoing surgery. Don’t neglect this when moving forward.
7. Procedures You Can Combine
It’s possible to combine a facelift with other procedures. Many people choose to schedule an eyelid surgery or brow lift around the same time. Your surgeon will work with you to determine what procedures are possible and create an ideal plan for your goals.
In some cases, you could receive a discount for booking multiple procedures at once. This is particularly common at high-profile clinics that have a large number of clients.
8. Facelift vs Neck Lift
As you might expect, a facelift addresses nasolabial folds, the chin, and the cheeks. A neck lift targets the skin on the neck. While these procedures are different, it’s uncommon for people to target only the face and neglect the neck.
Having a youthful face can look awkward or even unnatural if it’s clear your neck needs work. An experienced surgeon can assess problem areas and determine a course of action.
9. Facelift vs Fillers
Some people prefer fillers over facelifts. However, there is a stark difference in how long these results last. Fillers to last between six and nine months.
In contrast, facelifts can last for a decade or more if you use the right anti-aging techniques. There are certain scenarios in which fillers are a good option, though.
Some people might not need an entire facelift to reach their desired appearance. You can also use fillers a few years after your facelift to maintain a youthful appearance.
Schedule Your SMAS Facelift
Although getting an SMAS facelift can seem difficult, it’s not as complicated as most people believe. Consider the above information so that you can make the decision that’s right for you. This will go a long way in helping you get the best possible result.
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