Though facelifts remain one of the most enduringly sought-after cosmetic surgeries in the U.S., there is still a lot of confusion about face and neck lift surgery and what patients who undergo these procedures should expect. Let’s clear up some of the most persistent myths and misconceptions, so you can understand why more than 121,000 Americans chose to undergo facelifts in 2018.
Myth 1: Face and neck lifts are only for older patients.
Age isn’t a qualification for determining whether you’re ready for a face or neck lift. Yes, the skin and muscles on the face and neck will loosen as you age, and a face and neck lift can correct this, but there is no such thing as the “ideal age” for these surgeries. If the signs of aging are affecting your self-esteem, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sinha to discuss your options. In many cases, face and neck lifts can create age-defying results for younger patients.
Myth 2: The results will look unnatural.
TV shows like Botched have popularized the idea that the results of a face and neck lift will lead to the pulled-back, “wind-tunnel” look. Don’t let this sensationalized reality show fool you. Most of the time, you’d never realize someone had gotten a facelift unless they told you about their surgery. In the hands of an experienced, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Sinha, a face and neck lift procedure can take years off your appearance, making you look more vibrant and energized. Nobody will need to know the secret to your youthful appearance unless you decide to share the news.
Myth 3: Face and neck lift recovery takes a long time.
Yes, you will need to plan some downtime after your facelift, but in most cases, you will be able to resume your normal daily activities after 10 to 14 weeks, not months. To debunk another common facelift misconception, you should experience minimal pain after a well-done facelift. Dr. Sinha can prescribe you medication to use while you are recovering to manage any discomfort and ensure a comfortable recovery. The most common face and neck lift side effects are bruising and swelling, which you can minimize by avoiding strenuous activities and keeping your head elevated.
Myth 4: Facelifts are a cookie-cutter procedure.
Just as no two patients are identical, no two facelifts are the same. Because everyone ages differently, Dr. Sinha and his surgical team will work with you to create a tailored plan that targets your specific problem areas. For example, you may choose to add procedures such as an eyelid lift or a brow lift to your facelift. If the skin on your neck and jawline has aged more rapidly than your face, you may wish to have Dr. Sinha improve the appearance of your drooping neck skin with a neck lift.
Myth 5: Face and neck lifts leave noticeable scarring.
While it’s true that all surgery involves some degree of scarring, an experienced cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Sinha knows how to hide incision scars and how to make them as small as possible so they heal quickly and virtually invisibly.
Myth 6: Fillers and Botox can replace a facelift.
After you have experienced a certain degree of aging, nothing can duplicate the results of a professional surgical facelift. However, for younger patients, a skilled combination of Botox and fillers can certainly help postpone signs of premature aging. Botox can smooth wrinkles around the forehead and eyes, while lifting and shaping the brows. Fillers can plump the lips and cheeks and soften smile lines around the mouth. The results aren’t permanent, but they are quick to reveal themselves, and require very little downtime.
Myth 7: Neck lifts are a simpler procedure than a full facelift, so any surgeon can do it.
Neck lifts are complex procedures that require attention to detail and years of experience to perform perfectly. You need to look for a board-certified surgeon able to dedicate his time and complete focus to providing the best care possible for your neck lift, answering all your questions and helping you understand what to expect at every step of the way.
Myth 8: Only women get face and neck lifts.
Men and women equally experience facial aging issues, which is why people of any gender identity can benefit from the improvements Dr. Sinha can make during a facelift or neck lift procedure. There is no longer a stigma attached to seeking to improve your appearance with cosmetic surgery. If your aging face and neck are giving you self-esteem issues, there is nothing wrong with seeking a surgical solution.
Myth 9: The results of a face and neck lift are permanent.
There’s no denying a face or neck lift can improve your appearance by making you look younger and more refreshed, but nothing can reverse the aging process. Your skin will continue to age, which means you may experience other age-related concerns in the future. However, a face or neck lift procedure can give you a head start on fighting the signs of aging by tightening your skin and firming the jowls or sagging skin along your jawline and neck. You will continue to enjoy your results for many years, and you can prolong the results by practicing good routine skin care habits and opting for less invasive injectable treatments such as fillers and Botox.
Myth 10: Face and neck lift surgery is expensive.
The cost of cosmetic surgery may be more affordable and within your reach than you realize. While your health insurance probably will not help cover the costs of this elective procedure, Dr. Sinha offers financing options to help make cosmetic surgery available to more patients. And, after all, there is no such thing as a bad investment in your self-esteem and quality of life.
Are You Ready to Turn Back the Clock?
If it’s time for you to experience the benefits of face and neck lift surgery, reach out to the Atlanta Institute for Facial Aesthetic Surgery to schedule your consultation today. As a board-certified, award-winning cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Sinha uses his advanced skills to provide natural-looking face and neck lift results for his patients.
