Frequently Asked Questions : Face Lift

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery:

What is facial plastic and reconstructive surgery ?

Facial plastic surgery is a field of medicine devoted exclusively to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, neck and head. Facial plastic surgeons are specifically trained to treat conditions such as aging, sagging skin, skin wrinkles and blemishes, acne or facial scars, precancerous and cancerous skin lesions and hair loss, in addition to the more commonly- thought of facial plastic procedures like facelift, rhinoplasty ("nose job"), blepharoplasty ("eyelid tuck"), dermabrasion ("skin sanding"), chin augmentation and facial laser and chemical peeling. Make sure your facial plastic surgeon is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; while some plastic surgeons operate on all parts of the body, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the largest organization of surgeons devoted to the practice of facial plastic surgery.

What is minimally invasive facial plastic surgery ?

Minimally invasive cosmetic facial surgery describes an approach to enhancing facial appearance while minimizing extensive surgery and recovery time. Endoscopic brow, face and neck lifts utilize small telescopes and specially designed instruments, avoiding long incisions and extensive surgery to rejuvenate the face. New lasers, such as the Erbium-YAG laser, allow for faster recovery than earlier skin resurfacing lasers. Biologic materials, such as collagen and other skin proteins, are now available in forms that can be easily injected or implanted in an office procedure to fill in wrinkles and folds or augment thin lips. Minimally invasive surgery is a concept based on tailoring treatment with advanced techniques and equipment for each patient in order to provide consistently excellent results and an early return to everyday life.

What is the best treatment for facial wrinkling ?

It is important to distinguish facial wrinkles from skin folds. Skin folds are formed by the action of facial muscles on the skin. Facial wrinkles are textural changes of the skin that persist without active facial movement. A number of procedures are available for facial wrinkles; these include laser or chemical peeling, dermabrasion and collagen injections. A facelift generally does not treat wrinkles. Skin folds generally are more difficult to treat. your facial plastic surgeon can help you determine the best procedure for you.

I have heard collagen injections can treat wrinkles, but the results do not last. What are they, and are they any good ?

Collagen is the most common protein in the skin and gives it its firmness. Collagen can be injected into the skin, where it can "plump up" and soften wrinkles or deep facial folds; alternatively, it can be used for enhancing the appearance of the lips. Standard collagen injections use collagen purified from the skin of cows. Since there are subtle differences between human and cow collagen, cow collagen is progressively broken down by the body after it is injected into the skin.

The effects of cow collagen vary, but results typically last 2- 6 months. Several newer materials are now available, and consist of human collagen. Long-term studies are now being conducted by Anthony P. Sclafani, MD, FACS in the Division of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery; since human collagen should not be recognizedby the body as foreign material, results may be more long- lasting.

What will a facelift do for me ?

A facelift is designed to reposition loose and sagging skin. It can be combined with facial liposuction to remove fat from the area under the chin and from jowls. It is not the best treatment for facial wrinkling, but can restore a refreshed and youthful appearance to a face with sagging and lax skin.

Face lifts are designed to reduce the slackness in the tissues of the face; a face lift tightens or excises muscle, fat and skin, producing a more youthful, rested appearance. Generally speaking, face lift procedures only address the two-thirds of the face, although a surgery can combine both face lift and eyelid surgery or browlift.

For individuals interested in reducing sagging in the facial area, face lifts may be the best way to address the problem. For many patients, the key issues corrected by face lift surgery include sagging jowls, loose neck skin, and fat accumulation under the chin (double chin). Face lifts work in essentially the same manner, although there are some variations in face lift techniques, depending upon the specific individual facial constructions, and the intended outcome of the face lift surgery.

Individuals investigating the ways in which a face lift could help them should meet with a plastic surgeon who specializes in face lifts. During the consultation, the surgeon and patient will determine reasonable expectations for face lift results, depending upon the facial bone structure, and specific problems to be addressed by the face lift procedure. Many surgeons will use photographs of the individual from an earlier period to guide face lift surgery and create a more youthful-looking face. A good plastic surgeon can help decide if face lift surgery is a good choice for the prospective patient, and will explain all of the face lift benefits and risks.

What is Endoscopic Facelift ?

Although the traditional facelift is usually the best choice for most patients, an endoscopic facelift can be beneficial for certain select individuals who do not have a significant amount of excess skin. An endoscopic facelift can focus on problems in a specific area of the face, making smaller, more concentrated adjustments. Patients who undergo endoscopic facelifts typically require less recovery time, experience fewer side effects and have lower risk of complications.

Endoscopic facelifts make use of the latest technology, using small incisions (often less than one inch in length) that are easily hidden. The surgeon performing the endoscopic facelift inserts the endoscope probe-a small camera-and tiny instruments through these incisions. While performing the endoscopic facelift, the surgeon and others in the operating room are able to monitor the progress of the procedure using the internally placed camera.

The typical endoscopic facelift will require three or more short incisions which are concealed in the hairline and/or behind the ears. Because the incisions used in an endoscopic facelift are significantly smaller than those used in a traditional facelift, the risk of sensory loss from nerve damage is decreased. Endoscopic facelift patients also have significantly reduced bleeding, bruising and swelling; tend to recover more quickly and are often able to return to work and other activities within a week of the procedure.

Endoscopic facelifts have an additional benefit: they can generally be performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia. Patients who choose endoscopic facelifts often save a great deal of money compared to the cost of a traditional facelift, since an endoscopic facelift does not require an overnight stay in a hospital or the use of general anesthesia.

Almost any problem that can be treated with a traditional facelift can also be addressed through endoscopic facelifts. A surgeon can tighten loose muscles of the neck, smooth and tighten the tissues of the mid-face, repositions the cheeks, etc.

To discuss the endoscopic facelift and determine if you would be a suitable candidate for this procedure, contact Dr.Manoj Khanna.

What is Non-Surgical Face Lift ?

A non-surgical face lift can be a viable and cost-efficient means to enhance the physical appearance of the facial area. A non-surgical face lift can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and boost the overall appearance of the face. Non-surgical face lift procedures are often less expensive and require a shorter recovery time than the surgical alternative.

This surgical procedure also requires a relatively long recovery period and a greater risk of complications from the procedure.

Non-surgical face lift procedures are generally less-invasive, do not require an extended recovery period, and generally have a lower risk of complication as compared to a surgical face lift. Non-surgical face lift results, as a general rule, tend to last for a shorter period of time than surgical results. Non-surgical face lift methods may be better suited for men and women who have minor skin imperfections that they wish to cosmetically correct.

There are a multitude of non-surgical face lift procedures that are available to patients who wish to improve the appearance of their facial features. Some of these are more invasive than others, each have there own risks and benefits, and all require different fees. The most popular non-surgical face lift procedure is Botox. More than two million people underwent a Botox non-surgical face lift procedure in 2003 alone. Botox involves a series of injections in the facial area that work to relax the muscles in the area to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Botox costs average four hundred dollars a session and the results last three to six months.

Collagen injections are another type of non-surgical face lift procedure. This technique involves injecting collagen (a protein naturally found in the skin) into the skin to raise the tissues and decrease the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines. An alternative to collagen has also been developed and is touted as a safer method than collagen. This non-surgical face lift procedure injects a hyaluronic acid compound (a sugar naturally found in the body) into the skin layers to achieve the same results as collagen and other dermal fillers.

Skin resurfacing techniques such as the chemical peel, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing are also common types of non-surgical face lift procedures.

There are also a variety of face lift creams available on the market which may be able to enhance the appearance of the facial skin and reduce the signs of aging. Some face lift creams can also extend the results of other non-surgical face lift procedures.

If you are interested in learning more about non-surgical face lift options, you may wish to speak with Dr.Manoj Khanna who is an experienced and knowledgeable cosmetic surgeon in your area. This expert can determine what procedure may be best for you and discuss the risks and benefits associated with prospective non-surgical face lift procedures.

What is Instant Face Lift ?

Instant face lift refers to products designed to tone and tighten the skin and muscles of the face; instant face lift products generally work to improve the overall appearance of the facial skin. The intent of instant face lift manufacturers is to provide individuals with an alternative to surgery.

There are some differences between instant face lift products, but most work by tightening the skin tissue, lifting it up and reducing wrinkles. Instant face lift powders and creams also frequently contain exfoliants, and a number of instant face lift products rely on the removal of dead skin layers to improve skin appearance. Some instant face lift results are due to increased moisturizing, which smoothes the skin’s surface.

The process of instant face lift usually takes less than an hour, and results often appear after the first application. An instant face lift (usually cream or powder applied as a masque tightening skin as it dries—providing the “instant face lift”) allows individuals to treat themselves at home with almost no risk of side effects. Instant face lifts are generally meant to be used once or more a week, and most instant face lift products rely on repeat treatments to achieve optimal results.

Individuals interested in learning more about instant face lift products should consult our lead Doctor (Dr.Manoj Khannqualified plastic surgeon for additional information. With so many instant face lift products available on the market, careful comparison is necessary, and only a physician can recommend the instant face lift that will be most effective for each individual.

How can Face Lift Cream Programmes help me ?

A number of face lift cream products have been developed as an alternative to surgical and non-surgical methods of enhancing the appearance of the face. Face lift cream is designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to create a more youthful appealing look. Many of these products are touted as non-invasive and less expensive alternatives to face lift surgery and non-surgical techniques such as Botox, microdermabrasion, dermal fillers, and the like. Face lift cream products are often considered cosmetic. For this reason, it may be wise to consult Dr.Manoj Khanna who is a cosmetic surgeon and can provide more information about face lift cream options.

There are a number of face lift cream products that contain an amino acid called acetyl hexapeptide- also known as Argireline- as their active ingredient. This ingredient is touted as a clinically safe and proven face lift cream constituent that can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth, forehead, and eyes without surgery or injections.

This powerful non-toxic peptide compound is offered as an alternative to face lift cream products that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) which can cause long term damage to the skin. AHAs work by peeling off the first layer of the skin to reveal the layer of skin beneath. In contrast, acetyl hexapeptide works by reducing the amount of nerve stimulation in the facial area in order to smooth and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. These face lift cream products are also said to extend the effects of complimentary procedures such as Botox.

These face lift cream products are used once or twice a day for a few months and are applied all over the face much like a moisturizer is applied. Only a small amount of face lift cream is needed because most products are highly concentrated. Many face lift cream manufacturers claim that a thirty percent or greater reduction in wrinkles can be achieved in the first few months of treatment. Some experts claim that a face lift cream must have a ten percent solution of acetyl hexapeptide in order to be effective.

These face lift cream products may be a viable cost-effective alternative to other surgical and non-surgical cosmetic facial enhancement procedures. Though the cost varies by product.

Face lift cream may be a good option for patients who have minor wrinkling or fine lines in the face or for patients who have undergone other face lift procedures. In addition to acetyl hexapeptide face lift cream, there are a number of other products available to enhance the appearance of the skin, including but not limited to: glycol-ceramides, green tea extracts, hyaluronic acid, and a variety of others.

I need more information on this subject. Who can help me ?

If you would like to learn more about face lift cream products, their use, and their effectiveness, you may wish to speak with Dr.Manoj Khanna who is a knowledgeable and highly qualified plastic surgeon and can provide you with additional information.

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