Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

Between the baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1965) and the Gen Xers (born between 1965 and 1983), there are now an estimated 128 million Americans who may be interested in minimizing the physical signs of aging. There are many anti-aging treatments on the market, including vitamins and supplements, special diets and exercise regimens, and cosmetic surgery. Many of the patients who book a facelift consultation appointment with the staff at Jefferson Plastic Surgery are interested in rejuvenating their facial features so they can feel more confident in their appearance. However, not all patients are necessarily good candidates for a facelift. There are some important points patients should consider before undergoing a facelift procedure.

Patient Goals

Until recently, a facelift procedure would invariably involve the entire face. Now, with the advent of more refined surgical techniques, specific areas of the face can be targeted. Patients can have jowls, double chins, or forehead wrinkles addressed. Patients who are clear about their goals from a facelift procedure make excellent candidates because they are committed to only addressing the problem areas in their facial features. The facelift procedure is targeted to the mid or lower face. It can reduce the appearance of jowls, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and other problems affecting this general area.

Smoking and Drinking

Both tobacco and regular alcohol use can dry out the skin, making it age even faster. Furthermore, both smoking and drinking can potentially lead to excessive bleeding both during and after surgery, as well as worsen wound healing, leading to excessive scarring. While it is best for patients to quit smoking and drinking altogether starting at least three weeks prior to surgery, they should wait until about four to six weeks afterward to resume, if at all. The doctors at Jefferson Plastic Surgery believe that the best facelift candidates are non-smokers and only occasional drinkers.

Skin Elasticity

As the body ages, the skin loses its elasticity, or its ability to snap back into shape. Good facelift candidates will still have some elasticity in their facial skin. Not only are such candidates better suited to mini-facelifts that only target specific areas of the face, they also are far less likely to end up with facial features that look pulled too tight. Furthermore, skin that still has some elasticity will also heal more quickly, with less noticeable scars, than patients with less skin elasticity.

General Health

Good facelift candidates will be in general good health. Ideally, patients should be of stable weight and be free from unmanaged chronic health issues. Weight fluctuations affect the entire body, and may change the appearance of the face, which can undermine the outcome of the facelift. Furthermore, conditions such as diabetes may interfere with proper wound healing, which may also affect results.

A facelift can go a long way toward making older patients feel revitalized and youthful. Therefore, it is in potential patients’ best interests to become the best possible candidates for the procedure. To learn more, contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery today.