fbpx

Facelift: the Procedure and Longevity of Results

Summary:

  • This procedure is a great cosmetic surgical procedure that rejuvenates the face and reduces visible signs of aging.
  • This blog explores the details of facelift surgery, including its purpose, procedure techniques, the recovery process, and the longevity of its results.
  • Discover how Mentor Plastic Surgery and Medspa offer exceptional facelift procedures tailored to individual needs and provide natural-looking and long-lasting outcomes.
  • Regain a youthful appearance and boost self-confidence with the expertise and personalized care of our experienced plastic surgeons.

Are you seeking a solution to address the visible signs of aging on your face? Over time, factors such as sun exposure, gravity, and the natural aging process can lead to the development of wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of facial volume. However, modern advancements in plastic surgery offer an effective solution: the facelift.

In this blog, we explore the intricacies of this surgery, including its purpose, techniques, recovery, and the duration of its remarkable results.

At Mentor Plastic Surgery and Medspa, our skilled plastic surgeons deliver personalized care and natural-looking outcomes, allowing you to regain a youthful appearance and boost your self-confidence.

What is a Facelift?

A facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to address visible signs of facial and neck aging. It involves tightening underlying facial tissues, removing excess skin, and change fat deposits, resulting in a more youthful appearance. A facelift can target various areas, including the cheeks, jowls, neck, and jawline, providing comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Facelift Techniques:

  1. Traditional Facelift: This technique involves making incisions along the hairline, extending around the ear, and sometimes into the scalp. It allows for comprehensive correction of sagging skin and tissue in the mid-face, jowls, and neck.
  2. Mini Facelift: Ideal for individuals with mild to moderate signs of aging, the mini facelift utilizes smaller incisions and addresses specific areas of concern, such as the lower face and jowls.
  3. Neck Lift: Often combined with a facelift, a neck lift explicitly targets excess skin and muscle bands in the neck area, resulting in a smoother and more defined neck contour.

Recovery Process:

After the surgery, patients can expect a period of healing and adjustment. The immediate post-operative period may involve swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which are typical and temporary.

Dr. Paul Vanek will provide specific instructions on caring for the incisions, which may involve keeping the head elevated, applying cold compresses, and taking prescribed medications to manage pain and minimize swelling.

It is essential to follow the surgeon’s post-operative guidelines diligently, including any restrictions on physical activity and the use of facial products. During the recovery period, it is normal to experience tightness and numbness in the facial area, but these sensations gradually improve over time.

Patients should plan for adequate rest and allow their bodies to heal naturally, keeping in mind that the complete recovery process may take several weeks to a few months. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon will be scheduled to monitor progress, address any concerns, and provide guidance on resuming normal activities and skincare routines.

After a facelift procedure, following post-operative guidelines is essential to ensure proper healing and optimize results. Here are critical aspects of the recovery process:

  1. Bandages and Dressings: Immediately after the surgery, your face will be wrapped to minimize swelling and support healing. These dressings will be removed the next day.
  2. Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are normal after a facelift and gradually subside over several weeks. Applying cold compresses and keeping your head elevated can help minimize these effects.
  3. Medications and Pain Management: Your surgeon may prescribe pain medications and antibiotics to manage discomfort and prevent infection. Follow their instructions regarding medication usage.
  4. Follow-up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress and remove any sutures or staples.

The Longevity of Facelift Results:

The longevity of a facelift procedure is influenced by various factors, including the surgical technique used, the patient’s age, genetics, lifestyle choices, and overall skincare routine. While a facelift can effectively address signs of aging and provide long-lasting results, it does not halt the natural aging process.

It is important to understand that the face will continue to age over time, but the effects of the facelift can significantly rejuvenate the appearance and provide lasting benefits.

On average, a facelift can provide results that last approximately 7 to 10 years. However, individual experiences may vary. Factors such as skin elasticity, sun exposure, smoking, and general health can impact the longevity of the results. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting the skin from sun damage, and following a proper skincare regimen can help prolong the benefits of a facelift.

It is worth noting that while the results of a facelift may gradually diminish, many patients find that they still look younger and more refreshed compared to if they had not undergone the procedure.

Some individuals may opt for additional non-surgical treatments, such as injectables or laser treatments, to complement the results of their facelift and extend the youthful appearance.

Regular follow-up visits with the plastic surgeon are crucial to monitor the long-term progress and discuss any potential concerns. In some cases, a touch-up or revision procedure may be recommended in the future to maintain the desired aesthetic outcome.

In conclusion, a facelift can provide significant and long-lasting rejuvenation of the face, effectively addressing signs of aging. While the results are not permanent, the benefits can be enjoyed for several years, allowing individuals to enjoy a more youthful appearance and increased self-confidence.

By adopting healthy lifestyle habits and adhering to a proper skincare routine, patients can optimize and extend the longevity of their facelift results.

The longevity of facelift results can vary depending on various factors, including:

  1. Age and Genetics: The natural aging process and genetic factors can influence how long your facelift results last. While a facelift can turn back the clock, it does not halt the aging process.
  2. Lifestyle and Skincare: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper skin care, help prolong the longevity of your facelift results.
  3. Sun Protection: Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays by wearing sunscreen and avoiding excessive sun exposure prevents premature aging and helps preserve your facelift results.
  4. Individual Healing: Each person’s healing process is unique, and personal factors such as skin elasticity, collagen production, and overall health influence the longevity of results.

You can regain your youthful appearance and boost your self-confidence with a facelift from Mentor Plastic Surgery and Medspa.

Dr. Paul Vanek is committed to providing exceptional care and delivering natural-looking results with no loose skin. If you’re considering a facelift or have questions about the procedure, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our skilled surgeons.

We can customize a treatment plan tailored to your needs and embark on a journey to a more youthful and rejuvenated you.

Contact us today to begin your transformative experience with Mentor Plastic Surgery and Medspa.

Will Retinol Make My Skin More Sensitive to the Sun?

Summary:

  • Retinol is derived from vitamin A. It is highly regarded in skincare for its benefits. These include improving skin texture, reducing wrinkles, and promoting a youthful complexion.
  • Retinol itself does not cause sun sensitivity. However, it can contribute indirectly to photosensitivity. This is because retinol has exfoliating and renewing properties.
  • Retinol causes skin cells to shed, revealing new and more delicate skin. This skin may be more vulnerable to the damaging effects of UV rays.
  • To minimize the potential risks of sun sensitivity when using retinol, it is important to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, limit sun exposure during peak hours, and wear protective clothing.

What is Retinol

Retinol is derived from vitamin A. It has achieved a reputation as a “holy grail” in skincare. Its remarkable properties make it a must-have for many. It can improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and promote a youthful complexion.

However, one concern that often arises among skincare enthusiasts is whether retinol can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Retinol is becoming more popular. It is important to understand how it impacts sun sensitivity. This will help us keep our skin healthy and protected.

When applied topically, Retinol works by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, leading to smoother and more radiant skin. While it offers numerous benefits, its potential impact on sun sensitivity requires careful consideration. The concern about retinol stems from its ability to cause skin reactions.

These include increased exfoliation and the shedding of dead skin cells. This reveals fresher, more delicate skin underneath. The new skin may not be as effective in blocking out the sun’s UV rays. Therefore, it is more vulnerable to the damaging effects of the sun.

Understanding the relationship between retinol and sun sensitivity is essential to establish an effective skincare routine. While retinol does not inherently increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, it can indirectly contribute to photosensitivity. This article will explore the risks of retinol and sun exposure. We will also provide valuable insights and precautions to help you keep your skin healthy and protected while using retinol.

Understanding Retinol: 

Retinol is a form of vitamin A widely used in skincare products for its potential benefits. It is known to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a more youthful complexion. When applied topically, retinol stimulates collagen production and increases cell turnover, resulting in smoother and more radiant skin.

However, it is essential to note that retinol can also have some potential side effects. These may include skin irritation, redness, dryness, and flaking. These reactions are often temporary and can be managed by adjusting the frequency and concentration of retinol. It is advisable to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase over time to allow the skin to adapt.

It is worth noting that retinol itself does not directly make the skin more sensitive to the sun. However, its exfoliating and renewing properties can make the skin more vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV radiation.

It is essential to protect your skin when using retinol. Take these measures:

-Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF

-Wear protective clothing

-Limit sun exposure during peak hours

Understanding how retinol works can help you make informed decisions about using it in your skincare routine. It is important to be aware of possible side effects.

Consulting a skincare professional like Mentor Plastic Surgery & MedSpa is recommended for personalized advice and guidance. They can assess your skin’s needs and provide tailored recommendations. This will help you achieve the best results while protecting your skin.

Click here to watch a video from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons explaining retinol use.

Photosensitivity and Retinol: 

Photosensitivity refers to increased skin sensitivity to sunlight and its harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Retinol does not cause photosensitivity, but it can lead to skin reactions. This can make your skin more vulnerable to sun damage.

It is important to remember that retinol-induced photosensitivity can vary from one person to another. This is because everyone’s skin type and sensitivity levels are unique.Retinol increases the rate at which skin cells renew. This causes old, dead cells to be shed. New skin is revealed in its place, which is more delicate.

This fresh skin may have a reduced barrier function, making it more prone to sunburn and other sun-related issues.

It is essential to note that the extent of photosensitivity caused by retinol varies. This is due to individual skin types and sensitivities. The skin’s reaction to the sun can be affected by different factors. These include the concentration and frequency of retinol use and other skincare products used alongside it.

It is crucial to take necessary precautions to minimize the potential risks associated with sun sensitivity when using retinol. Wear sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it generously to all exposed areas of the skin. Reapply it regularly, especially if you are in direct sunlight for extended periods.

Limiting sun exposure during peak hours, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses can help protect against UV rays. These precautions can provide an extra layer of defense.

Retinol can provide many skin benefits. However, it is important to be aware of its effect on sun sensitivity. Too much sun exposure can cause skin damage when using retinol. Therefore, caution should be taken when using this product.

Follow sun protection measures. Seek guidance from skincare professionals, such as those at Mentor Plastic Surgery & MedSpa. You can safely incorporate retinol into your skincare routine. This will maintain the health and vitality of your skin.

Retinol increases the rate of skin cell replacement. Dead skin cells are shed when new skin appears. This new skin is more delicate. It is important to maintain a balanced approach to skincare. Make sure to reap the rewards of effective ingredients.

Sun safety should be a priority for long-term skin health.

Precautions to Minimize Sun Sensitivity:

To mitigate the potential risks associated with sun sensitivity when using retinol, it is crucial to follow these precautions:

  1. Apply Sunscreen: Make sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher, an integral part of your skincare routine. Apply it generously and reapply every two hours, especially when spending prolonged periods in direct sunlight.
  2. Limit Sun Exposure: Minimize your exposure, particularly during peak hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Seek shade, wear protective clothing, and use accessories such as hats and sunglasses to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
  3. Gradual Introduction: Start with a low concentration of retinol and gradually increase its usage to allow your skin to acclimate. Begin by applying retinol every other day and observe how your skin responds before incorporating it into your daily routine.
  4. Nighttime Application: Apply retinol products before bedtime to minimize exposure to sunlight. This allows the product to work effectively without the risk of sun sensitivity during the day.

It is recommended to consult with a skincare professional for optimal results and personalized advice. Consider consulting with professionals at Mentor Plastic Surgery & MedSpa.

Skin care professionals can assess your skin’s individual needs. They can recommend the right retinol products. Lastly, they can offer sun protection advice based on your individual situation.

Retinol can be a game-changer in your skincare routine. Still, it is essential to understand the potential risks and take necessary precautions to protect your skin from sun damage. Mentor Plastic Surgery & MedSpa can expertly guide you to include retinol in your skin care routine. This will help keep your skin healthy and glowing.

Remember, a mindful approach to skincare is the key to achieving a beautiful, youthful complexion while maintaining skin health and vitality.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Vanek today to learn more about the benefits of this product.

Can you help me get rid of my turkey neck?

Aging, gravity and sun damage can all contribute to loose, sagging skin and excess fat in the neck and jowl areas, which is commonly known as the turkey neck.  I can now utilize innovative plasma and radio frequency energy, with Renuvion/J-Plasma technology to instantly tighten the face and neck. Renuvion neck tightening stimulates collagen and shrinking of the skin and can establish a well-defined neck and jawline without a surgical face lift. These dramatic results can be obtained with lower risks and recovery time than more invasive surgery, because the skin is tightened and refreshed from the inside out. 

 

After determining the best approach, I mark the jowl and neck areas, and mild sedation is administered, so you experience no pain or discomfort. General anesthesia is typically not used.  I begin by inserting a very small and thin tube, called a cannula, into the trouble area to remove any built-up fat and open up the tissues to increase effectiveness.  Then I insert the Renuvion J-Plasma wand underneath the skin through a very small incision. A combination of cold helium plasma and radio frequency energy are delivered to the whole neck area, uniformly heating the tissues, which enables the coagulation and tightens the cells internally. The helium energy also encourages production of new collagen in the treated skin, facilitating improvement that  continues for several months.  

This procedure requires very little downtime.  You may notice some swelling and bruising for a few days afterward, but most patients feel well enough to return to work within a few days. Any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

WHAT IS THE CONCORD PEEL?

Youthfulness is characterized by bright skin and a full face. To have these, as well as a reduction in brown spots, aging spots, loose skin or fine wrinkling, I recommend my personally designed “Concord Peel.” Its foundation is the “Forever Young” procedure, which uses Broadband light technology from Sciton to functionally rejuvenate the skin and delay skin aging.  This in-office treatment uses 5 different wavelengths of laser light in a single session using topical local anesthesia (no shots).  Typically, patients get 1 to 3 of these treatments about a month apart. Afterwards, your brown spots lighten, your face looks brighter, your skin looks smoother, tighter and more youthful, pink or red blood vessels are substantially reduced, and small wrinkles and sun damage are lessened. Over this time, you go on to improve from an immune response to treatments, which respond fully in one or over several treatments. We always perform a Visia skin analysis with your consultation, and then a few months after your treatment, to fully assess your progress. 

 

After the five Forever Young wavelengths, my Concord Peel then adds an additional Erbium laser resurfacing treatment, which results in your face, neck and decollete looking younger. You will experience a slight pinkness from the time of the laser until the next morning, but it is less than a light sunburn.  Broadband light energy is applied to your skin, followed by a very light laser ablation peel. We apply Aquaphor to your skin and you can drive yourself home.  Your social downtime is essentially the day of the procedure but some people even return to work later that same day, and you can see results almost immediately. 

 

Got Down Time?

If new found down time has been imposed upon you, you are not alone in the thought that it may be time to do something for yourself. My patients carefully discuss their decision about surgery or office treatments prior to having them performed. Most recently, those who have noted that their work schedules lightening up are deciding to have the surgery, laser treatments, body contouring, or other fillers or injections they want. The social distancing that is being imposed is an opportunity for you to have a short recovery procedure or no down time treatment and return to work a better you.

Recent precautions have been implemented out of an abiding concern for safety, but it must be noted that you will have continued care and services in my practice at Mentor Plastic Surgery. As long as you are healthy, COVID-19 should not affect your personal ability to have surgery or in office treatments or services performed. Even if we were not being impacted by the civil, media, and emotional responses to this virus, the health of our patient at the time of surgery or office treatment is always of critical importance, which is why we schedule pre-testing before surgery can be performed. My OR, anesthesia team, and nurses are very enthusiastic about taking care of you in my surgical practice! My aesthetician and massage therapy look forward to providing you expert office services!

Our goal is not only to keep you looking beautiful, but also to keep you healthy and safe.

Great vs artificial looking fillers

I truly appreciate that you have asked such an honest question, and I will give you an honest answer. The primary difference is in the person who is responsible for injecting the fillers.

In addition to earning the status of a double board-certified surgeon, I am also a biochemist and a researcher for the National Institutes of Health. This knowledge means that I know how the human body works, and I understand how to manipulate its structures to unlock and reveal my patients’ beauty. Along with the knowledge, I have extensive scientific training and almost 25 years of experience, a combination that allows me to know precisely where and how much is needed to inject in any exact location. I am always humbled when some people call me an “artist,” but it is because I have committed my entire education and career to being the very best physician I can be.

I am amazed at how many people trust their faces and bodies to so many different types of practitioners with varying levels of education, training, knowledge and experience. The filler companies set basic guidelines, but it is up to each practitioner to not only follow these but to know how different faces are structured, above and below the skin, and how these variances affect the injection process. In some cases, improperly placed fillers and injectables actually can make people look older or unattractive. There is a balance with what looks better on the outside and what needs to be done beneath the surface. This cannot be learned in a textbook or weekend training course.

Vaginoplasty and Labiaplasty

Vaginoplasty is a procedure which intends to “tighten up” a vagina that’s become slack or loose from childbirth or aging. Labiaplasty is plastic surgery on the labia (the “lips” surrounding the vagina) that can be performed alone or with vaginoplasty. Surgery can be performed on the labia majora (the larger, outer vaginal lips), or the labia minora (the smaller, inner vaginal lips). Labiaplasty changes the size or shape of the labia, typically making them smaller or correcting an asymmetry between them.

While people may think these are procedures to enhance sexual pleasure, most of my patients have these procedures for appearance and comfort. Vaginal tissues can stretch, but surgically tightening the tissue cannot guarantee a heightened sexual response, since that is conditioned as much by emotional, spiritual and interpersonal factors as aesthetic ones. Additionally, greater “sensitivity” doesn’t automatically lead to more pleasure – it can actually lead to pain.

Recently, vaginoplasty has grown into a group of cosmetic surgeries known as “vaginal rejuvenation” and “designer vagina” procedures, with the same benefits to women as with other cosmetic surgeries, such as beauty, self-esteem and confidence. In reality, this is a very personal
and private decision. According to the ACOG, there’s no one “look” or way for a vagina and labia to be formed.

Although these procedures have become quite common and get great results, I know there is still some hesitation to discuss them. I urge you to have a private consultation and we can discuss your particular details and options.

Where To Have Plastic Surgery

The standards and practices of multi-disciplinary outpatient surgery centers and hospitals are very comparable. The regulatory standards have different credentialing bodies, but in my
practice, I utilize board certified anesthesiologists in both sites. The infection rates and complication rates are monitored and state reportable in both.

Because board certified plastic surgeons typically have hospital privileges, they may simply utilize block scheduling so your surgery could be performed either on the surgeon’s hospital day or outpatient surgery center day.

Some surgeons do not have plastic surgery residency training and privileges to perform cosmetic surgery in a hospital setting, because the peer credentialing process verifies that they indeed are not eligible. Candidly, these lesser-trained surgeons may talk down having your surgery in a hospital.

Because my credentials allow me access to both outpatient surgical centers and hospitals, I usually decide if patients need the hospital resource based upon medical history and social situations. Some patients prefer the care of a hospital overnight stay, since it unburdens family members from having these responsibilities. This delegates to me and my RN staff the task of stewarding you from start to finish. However, some patients having complex surgery are happy with going home. Prior to outpatient surgery, my staff and I make sure that you and your support person are educated, including written materials, on what to expect in the days and weeks after your procedure.

In your personal consultation, we will discuss many factors, including the right procedure(s) fory ou, surgeon skill and temperament, staff support, Operating room setting, location, price and meeting expectations. Only after these considerations can we truly serve your interests.