The Most Ideal Candidates for Facelift Surgery

By Dennis Hurwitz on April 28, 2014

There are plenty of options to consider if you would like to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and tighten your facial skin in the process. One of the most popular treatments to meet these needs is the facelift. This surgery is one that you are likely well aware of, and a skilled plastic surgeon can determine if a facelift is right for you and your needs.

During a consultation with a member of the Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery, you will be able to learn more about the facelift and if it's ideal for you. Right now, we would like to go over some basics with regard to facelift candidacy.

About Facelift Surgery

Some basics first. A facelift is a facial rejuvenation surgery that targets drooping, sagging, and wrinkles around the corners of the eyes and the cheeks. The results are achieved by removing excess skin and adjusting the underlying structures of the face.

General Candidacy for Facelift Surgery

In order to be a good candidate for facelift surgery, it's important that patients be in good overall health. They should not suffer from any health conditions that would make surgery of any kind a potentially risky endeavor.

The team at the Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery will also consider the patient's psychological state with regard to surgery, ensuring that they are making a sound choice that is carefully considered and not brashly arrived at. Patients should not be coerced into surgery by others and should instead make these kinds of decisions on their own and under no one else's pressure.

Ideal for the Middle Portion of the Face

The facelift is ideal for addressing lines and wrinkles in the central portion of the face. Candidates for facelift should be dealing with issues in this portion of the face rather than along the forehead or the neckline. Other surgeries will be better suited to address these aesthetic needs.

Realistic Expectations Are Key to Success

One of the big keys to facelift candidacy is realistic expectations. It's important that candidates for facelift surgery understand the basics about post-surgical scarring and the recovery process. By understanding what they will experience as they heal, patients will be more likely to be satisfied with their surgical results in the short term as well as the long run.

Surgical Alternatives to Facelift Surgery

If you are not a good candidate for facelift surgery, the following facial surgeries may better meet your needs:

• Brow / forehead lift
• Cosmetic eyelid surgery
• Lower facelift
• Neck lift

Non-Surgical Alternatives to Facelift Surgery

If you would prefer a non-surgical solution to facial wrinkles and loose skin, the following treatments may be best:

• BOTOX injections
• Dermal fillers (e.g., Restylane, Juvederm)
• Laser skin resurfacing
• Chemical peels/facials

Making the Best Choices for You and Your Needs

During your consultation with our plastic surgeons, we will be sure to go over your candidacy for facelift surgery as well as your other options for care. By providing you with detailed information about all treatments that may best meet your needs, you will be able to make an informed and empowered decision about your overall appearance and wellness.

Learn More About Your Facial Plastic Surgery Options

If you would like to learn more about facelift and your many other options available for facial rejuvenation and anti-aging treatment, be sure to contact our plastic surgery centers in Pittsburgh, Chadds Ford, Beverly Hills, and Sau Paulo today. All of the team members at the Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery look forward to meeting you in person and helping you make smart choices with regard to your overall appearance and wellness.

“I honestly never thought of myself as a serious candidate for elective surgery ... but I’m already feeling and looking so much better.*” Jill's Story