Natural look with plastic surgery

The numbers of available facelift procedures are daunting.  The technical translation from a verbal description of "what procedure a doctor does" to the final result is literally all over the board.  Two doctors using the exact same theoretical technique will have very different results.

More important than the type of procedure used are the reputation of the facelift specialist and the results.

By now you have apparently had many consultations.  No doubt you have narrowed your search to board certified plastic surgeons with considerable experience with facelift surgery.  You have probably narrowed it down further to doctors with exceptional credentials and a personable manner. 

At this point, there is a simpler way to choose a surgeon.   By simply looking at all the before and after pictures, you can look for the natural appearance of the postoperative patients that you desire.  You can see for yourself if the ears appear natural, or if they are pulled or are covered up by large earrings.  You can check the hairline and see if it has been greatly altered (i.e. sideburn gone), or is intact.  You can see the mouth and judge if it is pulled or relaxed.

If you try to educate yourself on every facelift technique, and then decide which doctor can actually implement in practice what you have discussed in theory, you can see that your task will be nearly impossible.

The so-called vertical vector facelifts that are done via incisions in the temple area or in the lower lids to address the midface cannot adequately address the lower face and neck. While there may be some improvement in jowling with these procedures, it is usually not substantial. Any excess tension in an attempt to get more improvement of the jawline can result in movement of the hairline and other problems.

A traditional incision around the ear is still the best approach to rejuvenating the lower face and neck when more repositioning is needed. Most surgeons today will modify the vector of repositioning on the deeper tissues so that it creates the most natural possible outcome. In the neck, the most appropriate vector often follows the jawline. A relatively more vertical vector is more appropriate higher up in the cheek. All of this can be done through the same incision and deeper plane techniques can often give a more dramatic and natural result. You do not need to worry about your lips being pulled horizontally in the hands of a good facelift surgeon. This shouldn't happen.

A second really important aspect of facial rejuvenation to consider is volume restoration. We all lose some bone and fat/soft tissue volume as we age, especially in the cheeks and around the mouth. Restoration of this volume along with a lift can really round out the procedure and restore a natural vibrant and youthful look. Our Hybrid Lift accomplishes this with micro fat transfer combined with a lower face and neck lift via a small incision that does not extend into the hairlines.

I hope this answers your question and alleviates your anxiety. All the best for a great result!