Rhytidectomy (Facelift)
A Rhytidectomy also known as a facelift, is a procedure in cosmetic surgery that gives a more rested and youthful appearance to the face. This procedure is aimed at improving the lower half of the face by removing excess sagging skin and tightening the underlying structures. Therefore, eliminating the area known as “jowls” that can develop with aging, and gives the patient a more defined jawline. It also helps improve the severity of deep creases around the lateral mouth and nose, giving the face a smoother more defined appearance.
Dr. Lindsey Pennington is a female double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who has dedicated her career to providing natural surgical outcomes for her facelift patients in Shreveport, Louisiana. Call Pennington Facial Plastics at (318) 216-5366 to schedule a personalized consultation.
What are the different types of facelifts?
During a mini facelift just a small strip of skin is removed. There isn't a whole area that is dissected. The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaperneurotic System) is not addressed and not a lot of lifting is performed. Dr. Pennington does not perform mini facelifts very often, believing that it is a disservice to the patient due to minimal correction with the same incisions and scar line. Within a year or two, patients usually have a recurrence of the issue.
There are technical variations of a SMAS facelift:
• High SMAS
• Traditional SMAS
• Imbrication
• Plication
But in general, what the SMAS is doing is staying to the portion of the SMAS that is fixed so lateral to the ligaments in your face. Because of this, there is limited ability to lift if you are not freeing up all of the tissues. So you're either folding it on itself, cutting a strip out or elevating a small portion underneath the SMAS, but not going past the area that's fixed. So again, you have limited ability to lift. It is longer lasting, and you do get more correction than you would with a mini lift.
Dr. Pennington most commonly performs an extended deep plane facelift. Unlike a traditional facelift that lifts and tightens the skin, the deep plane facelift addresses the underlying structure of the face. A deep plane facelift gives a very natural appearance with patients looking rejuvenated and rested.
Facelift
What Sets Dr. Pennington’s Facelifts Apart?
The traditional approach to a facelift relies on pulling the skin alone to achieve a desired smoothness, while the underlying tissues are untouched. Unfortunately, this can have the downside of producing outcomes for the patients that are less aesthetically pleasing (pulled tight look, unnatural, distorted landmarks, and obvious scaring). It is usually very easy to identify and tends to give off a very “done” look.
Dr. Pennington performs the deep plane facelift for all her patients that are appropriate candidates. This requires considerable skill and expertise to perform. This procedure operates on an entirely different level of tissue than the traditional approach. Due to the nature of how this is performed not many surgeons are comfortable or able to successfully execute such a procedure. Though when done correctly it gives a very natural and vibrant result to the patient. While the traditional approach relies on pulling back the layer of skin only, a deep plane procedure puts no tension or strain on the skin. The underlying layer called the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) instead is elevated and repositioned appropriately. This is done in a way that the excess skin can then loosely be re-draped, and repaired under no tension, with excellent lift and longevity. Leading to longer lasting more natural appearing results.
The bonus to having a surgeon who is comfortable performing such an advanced approach to a facelift allows the results to be more subtle and natural, allowing younger patients to get ahead of the effects of aging early on rather than waiting to correct serious flaws. This facelift approach also allows for an older patient who is looking for a more dramatic result to get the refreshed and rejuvenated appearance without having the tight, “pulled” look.
To experience a more innovative approach to facelift surgery, call (318) 216-5366 or fill out this contact form, and a member of Pennington Facial Plastics will help you find the best time and date for your consultation appointment.
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Before & After
Facelift
What can a facelift do for me?
By targeting sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume, a facelift can restore a youthful, refreshed appearance and significantly boost self-confidence.
One of the primary benefits of a facelift is the tightening and repositioning of sagging skin around the nose, forehead, and jawline. As we age, the skin loses its elasticity, leading to drooping that can make the face appear tired or aged. A facelift corrects this by lifting and repositioning the skin and underlying tissues, creating a smoother and firmer contour that rejuvenates the entire facial structure.
Facelifts are highly effective in softening deep creases and wrinkles, especially those around the lower eyelids and corners of the mouth. These lines, often caused by repeated facial expressions and the natural aging process, can make the face look perpetually stressed or fatigued. By tightening the underlying muscles and redistributing skin, a facelift reduces these creases, restoring a youthful and relaxed look.
A decrease in facial fat is a common age-related change that can contribute to a hollowed or gaunt appearance. Facelifts address this issue by repositioning fat deposits or, in some cases, incorporating fat grafting techniques to restore lost volume. This ensures a more natural and balanced look, enhancing the overall harmony of facial features.
For individuals concerned with a double chin or sagging skin in the neck area, a facelift can work wonders. By removing excess fat and tightening the skin, this procedure sculpts a more defined jawline and neckline. The result is a sleeker profile that not only improves facial aesthetics but also enhances overall body confidence.
Beyond these specific benefits, a facelift provides a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. It can be tailored to address multiple areas simultaneously, ensuring cohesive and natural-looking results. Some individuals opt to combine a facelift with complementary procedures, such as eyelid surgery or brow lifts, to further enhance their outcomes.
A well-performed facelift offers results that last for years, especially when patients follow Dr. Pennington’s post-operative instructions, coupled with a healthy lifestyle and proper skincare regimen. While the aging process will continue, patients often enjoy their refreshed appearance for a decade or more, making a facelift a worthwhile investment in long-term beauty and confidence.
A facelift can significantly enhance facial aesthetics by addressing sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of volume, as well as redefining the jawline and neckline. The procedure is highly customizable, offering natural and long-lasting results that help individuals look as youthful and vibrant as they feel.
The best way to find out more about the many benefits of a facelift is by setting up a consultation. At Pennington Facial Plastic Surgery in Shreveport, Dr. Pennington will be available to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today at (318) 216-5366 for your personalized consultation.
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