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Facelifts are often a top choice for patients looking for a younger appearance, but they are not permanent. Performed well, a facelift can provide you with at least a decade of rejuvenation, but it cannot stop the clock altogether. Although the natural aging process will continue even after your facelift, you can maintain your facelift results with proper care. Here’s how.
How Facelifts Address Aging
In order to maintain your facelift results, you’ll need to contend with these three key components of the aging process: volume loss, skin aging, and what Dr. Cabin calls “gravitational aging.”
- Volume Loss: As we age, the natural fat pads in the face diminish, leading to hollowing, sagging, and the appearance of sunken areas, like cheeks and temples. This loss of volume creates shadow patterns that can contribute significantly to the aging look of the face.
- Skin Aging: Skin aging is a multifactorial process that can lead to a gradual decline in your skin’s structural integrity and function. The resulting breakdown of collagen and elastin, combined with areas of pigment, can cause wrinkles and discoloring issues.
- Gravitational Aging: As we age, the soft tissues of the face tend to shift downward, leading to sagging and a tired appearance. A facelift primarily addresses the effects of gravitational aging by repositioning these tissues and restoring a more youthful contour.
These forces influence your appearance by varying degrees as you mature, even after a facelift, so it’s important to take proactive steps to prevent them, following your procedure.
Maintaining Your Facelift Results
Addressing Volume Loss
Targeted, Conservative Filler
As we age, we tend to lose facial volume, which can result in a gaunt or hollow appearance. Using targeted, conservative fillers can replace lost volume and maintain the proportions of your face. It’s essential to have these fillers administered by a skilled professional to ensure natural-looking results.
Addressing Skin & Gravitational Aging
Routine Botox
Botox injections play a vital role in maintaining a smooth and youthful appearance by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Regular treatments can help prevent new wrinkles from forming and minimize signs of aging in the skin.
Medical Grade Skincare
Investing in medical-grade skincare products is essential for maintaining healthy skin. These products are formulated to address specific skin concerns and are more effective than over-the-counter options. Dr. Cabin recommends a personalized skincare regimen tailored to your skin type and needs.
Routine Laser Treatments
Laser treatments – and some non-laser treatments like microneedling and radiofrequency – can significantly enhance your skin’s texture and tone. They help in reducing pigmentation, improving skin elasticity, and promoting collagen production. Routine laser treatments can keep your skin looking vibrant and youthful, helping enhance and extend your facelift results.
Good Hydration
Hydration is key to maintaining skin elasticity and overall health. Drinking plenty of water and using hydrating skincare products can help keep your skin plump and glowing.
Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle contributes greatly to your skin’s appearance. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep are essential components of skin health. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also prevent premature aging.
Good Sun Protection
Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature aging. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily can protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent age spots, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
Considering a Secondary Facelift
For some patients, the results of a facelift may diminish over time as the natural aging process continues. In the case of well-executed surgery, a secondary facelift is usually an option 10-15 years after the initial procedure, depending on individual aging patterns and the quality of skin care maintenance. Dr. Cabin can help you decide if this is the best course for your goals.
Combination Treatment for Better Results
After a facelift, certain areas of the face may still exhibit signs of aging that don’t match the rejuvenated look achieved by the surgery. Common areas that may require additional attention include the brows, eyes, and lips. Here’s how complementary surgeries can proactively address these concerns.
Brow Lift
A brow lift can address sagging eyebrows and deep forehead wrinkles, creating a more alert and youthful appearance. This procedure can complement the results of your facelift by ensuring your upper face matches the rejuvenated lower face.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags under the eyes. This procedure enhances the overall harmony of your face, making you look more rested and refreshed.
Lip Enhancement
Aging can lead to thinning lips and fine lines around the mouth. Lip enhancement procedures, such as lip fillers or a lip lift, can restore youthful fullness and proportionality and smooth out wrinkles, ensuring your entire face looks balanced and rejuvenated.
Get the Most Out of Your Facelift
Maintaining the results of your facelift requires a comprehensive approach to skincare, volume restoration, and, when necessary, complementary surgeries. Dr. Jonathan Cabin emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance and a healthy lifestyle to keep your face looking its best. By addressing all aspects of aging—gravitational changes, volume loss, and skin health—you can enjoy the benefits of your facelift for many years to come.
For personalized advice and treatment plans, call to schedule your next consultation with Dr. Jonathan Cabin.