Correcting the Top Facelift Myths

There are no boundaries when it comes to the myths people create about plastic surgery procedures, especially the facelift. Many of these myths emerge from a misunderstanding about the procedure, a rumor they heard about a botched surgery, and even a mistrust of plastic surgeons.

In practice, however, the myths that have been created about the facelift procedure simply are not true. A facelift is a positive surgical experience that can restore a patient’s youthful appearance and natural glow, changing his or her life for the better. Let’s take these myths and bust them so would-be facelift patients won’t miss the opportunity to improve their lives.

Facelift Myth #1 – Facelift Surgeons Just Pull the Skin Tighter 

 

There was a time, about a century ago, that facelifts were performed by pulling and tightening the skin only, then trimming away the excess. Those surgeries had very short-term results, caused many complications including nerve damage, and looked very unnatural, especially after multiple tightenings. 

Plastic surgeons took note of these shortcomings and worked to develop a better approach. They noticed that adjusting the skin alone would not achieve results; it was necessary to work with the underlying tissues and muscles of the face.

Today’s facelift procedure concentrates on restoring the youthfulness of the lower portion of the face. The facial muscles are tightened and repositioned, then the skin, to create an overall younger look. In many cases, excess fat deposits that have traveled to the jawline over time can be removed to improve the angle and contour of this area. Many patients are thrilled to discover they look and feel 10 years younger after a modern facelift procedure.

Facelift Myth #2 – Facelifts Always Look Unnatural

 

Given what you now know about the facelift procedure, this myth may already sound wrong. To achieve the best facelift results, the tightness and firmness is restored to the area, not imposed.

 A plastic surgeon’s chief priority is to turn back the clock for a patient, meaning you’ll look a lot more like your old (well, young) self than someone new. 

A facelift procedure is only deemed successful if the results look natural, which means no overly tight skin, no loose or lax muscles left behind, and no uneven contours that look altered in any way. Real, natural results are the name of the facelift game.

Facelift Myth #3 – Recovering from a Facelift Takes Months

 

All surgeries require recovery time, some more than others. In the case of a facelift procedure, recovery takes much shorter than you may think. After your procedure, the major issue you need to contend with is swelling, so rest and ice packs are all that should be on your reschedule. If you give this crucial recovery time its due, the rest of the process should fly by. 

You’ll likely revisit your doctor for drainage tubes and stitches to be removed, and then you can gradually begin to resume some lighter daily activities. Most patients are able to resume work and nearly all daily activities within 10 to 14 days following surgery. Some light swelling may persist for a few more weeks, but it will not be very noticeable. Click here to view facelift before and after images.
 

Facelift Myth #4 – Only Women Get Facelifts

Traditionally speaking, facelift procedures were predominantly sought by women, at least until a few years ago. There is nothing about the surgery that makes it strictly feminine in nature, which more and more men are beginning to realize. Facelifts can offer the same benefits to men as they have been to women for decades. 

Men can enjoy improved definition and contour to their chin and jawline, restoration to a more youthful appearance, and natural-looking results that can eliminate lines and wrinkles. In today’s highly visual and competitive business world, many men and women alike seek facelift surgeries to look younger and compete with their junior counterparts.

Facelift Myth #5 – Only Rich People Get Facelifts

Plastic surgeries can be expensive and are very rarely covered by insurance, leaving you to pick up the tab. With that said, most plastic surgeons only see rich and famous people in the tabloid magazines sitting in the lobby; their actual patients are everyday people who want to boost their self-confidence, improve their image, and regain some of that youthful glow.

Everyone is on a tight budget these days, yet patients are willing to make the investment to their physical well-being by visiting a plastic surgeon for a facelift. If money is a source of concern for you, don’t be afraid to bring it up during your facelift consultation. Many doctors will offer schedule delays to allow you more time to gather funds, as well as payment plans and other options. You can’t know for sure if a facelift is affordable for you unless you ask.

Facelift Myth #6 – Only Mature People Get Facelifts

Many women and men in their 30s and 40s have begun to notice the signs of aging all of their faces, yet won’t follow up with a plastic surgeon because they don’t think they’re old enough. The truth is, there is no magical age when a person gets a green light for a facial. If you have concerns about aging on your face, you could be a facelift candidate.

When those concerns get to the point that you can no longer ignore them and they are interfering with your self-esteem, schedule a consultation to take about your options. The only person who can really determine whether a facelift is right for you is your plastic surgeon, so give him the chance to evaluate your eligibility, discuss you expectations, and examine your face and features.

Facelift Myth #7 – A Facelift Lasts Forever

Wouldn’t it be nice if a surgery could stop the aging process and reverse time? Well, a facelift can help to make it look like you’ve reversed time, but it won’t be able to stop anything. Time moves forward, gravity takes hold, and eventually the same problems that plagued your face may be plaguing it again. Of course, if you’ve had a facelift, you’re still going to look ten years younger than you are, but you might start to feel like it’s time to have more work done.

This is all a natural part of the process and, unfortunately, there’s nothing that can be done to stop it. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper hydration can help to keep your insides well and your outsides looking younger. 

Take care of yourself to make those results last. You might also want to seek touch-up treatments between facelift surgeries, like dermal fillers or facial injections. Then, eventually, it will be time for a second facelift. Many surgeons recommend facelifts to be performed in 10-year intervals. Discuss your thoughts about the long-term care for your facelift with your plastic surgeon.

Get More Information About Facelifts

If you still have concerns that are keeping you from scheduling a facelift, why not get the answers that could set your mind at ease? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert Kessler, a board certified general and plastic surgeon. 

He completed his medical degree with Honors from Tufts University in Boston and completed a distinguished General Surgical Residency with North Short/NYU in New York, before a Plastic Surgery residency with the US Air Force and the University of Texas. 

Today, Dr. Kessler operates two practices in California, has worked as a surgical consultant and surgical assistant on ABC’s Extreme Makeover, and has lectured nationally and internationally on topics including facial rejuvenation, plastic surgery, and body contouring after substantial weight loss.

 To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kessler, contact his office, located at 2121 East Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 200, in Newport Beach, California by calling (949) 644-6544.

Celebrate Extreme Weight Loss With a Tummy Tuck

According to the CDC, more than 34 percent of the adults in the United States are obese.

 If you're one of the success stories who managed to lose a substantial amount of weight, you should feel amazing.

Yet, many men and women report that they actually feel worse after losing large amounts of weight. Loose sagging skin is one of the biggest complaints, and it's one that can make it impossible to fit into clothes and enjoy the weight loss.


Following excessive weight loss, head to a plastic surgeon to discuss a tummy tuck. While it is a surgical procedure, you'll feel amazing when the loose skin is gone.

The Surgical Steps to a Tummy Tuck

To remove excess skin and fat following weight loss a tummy tuck is often advised. Not only do the rolls of excess skin get removed in this procedure, but the surgeon tightens the abdominal muscles to help create the new, more slender form.

With this surgery, expect to be under general anesthesia for two to five hours. Once you are under the effects of  anesthesia, an incision is made from one hip bone to the other, just above the pubic hair. An additional incision may be made at the belly button. The abdominal muscles are adjusted and secured with sutures and then excess skin and fat are removed from the lower abdomen and the incision at the belly button.

Once the tummy tuck is complete, the incisions are closed using sutures. Drains may be put in place to help fluids drain from the incisions. Your body is wrapped in a compression garment to control swelling and support the healing abdomen. Once you've recovered from the anesthesia, you'll go home to recover.

Recovery and Beyond

At home, your recovery will take at least two weeks, but some patients need a few months before they are able to return to full workout routines. Bruising and swelling are common complaints, but you can use pain medications your surgeon recommends to help alleviate any discomfort. You must avoid vigorous activities for approximately four to six weeks. Your surgeon will advise you when it's safe to resume fitness activities, sexual intercourse, and heavy lifting.

Check out these before and after shots of one of Dr. Robert Kessler's tummy tuck patients. The results are truly amazing. You can experience the same benefits after extreme weight loss. Call Dr. Kessler at (949) 644-6544 to schedule a tummy tuck consultation.

What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?... And Other Eyelid Surgery Questions Answered

One of the first eyelid surgeries to gain attention in the medical world occurred in 1917. Walter Yeo, a 26-year-old sailor on HMS Warspite, suffered serious injuries to both the upper and lower eyelids while manning the warship's guns during the Battle of Jutland. Sir Harold Gillies, a man often referred to as the “father of plastic surgery,” took skin grafts from other areas of the body and used them to create new eyelids for Yeo. 

Today, eyelid surgeries accounted for more than 34,700 of the plastic surgeries performed by AAFPRS surgeons in 2012. It's a surgery that generally takes 45 minutes to complete, though it can take longer in more extensive cases.  

 What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?  

After the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon makes incisions within the crease of the upper eyelid and/or along the eyelash line or inside the lid on the lower eyelid. Once the incisions are made, the surgeon is able to remove or reposition the fat, tighten muscle, and excise the excess skin. The incisions are sutured after the eyelid lift is complete.

What is the Recovery Like?   

 Within a few hours, you'll go home to recover. The most common complaints are swelling and bruising. Discomfort is alleviated with the pain medications your surgeon recommends. Cold compresses and resting with the head elevated help with swelling. Your eyes may feel dry and itchy, and artificial tears help with lubrication.
Within three days of the surgery, you should be able to resume light activities. Stitches are removed after five days. You do need to refrain from strenuous activities for a month.  

 

Will Blepharoplasty Get Rid of Crow's Feet?   

Blepharoplasty addresses bags and sagging skin on the upper and lower eyelids. If you have troublesome crow's feet, your facial plastic surgeon may recommend Botox Cosmetic to relax the muscle and alleviate the wrinkles and crow's feet.  

What Factors Are Considered During an Eyelid Lift Consultation?   

 

 Facial plastic surgeons consider three factors when determining whether an eyelid lift is the best option. The quality and quantity of the skin is important. If skin is too thin or crepe-like, C02 laser treatments are an excellent option. Prominent fat pads on the lower lid are another factor. If there is plenty of fat, you're likely a good candidate. Finally, the surgeon looks to see how much volume loss is present in the tear trough. Again, if there is noticeable volume loss, you may be a good candidate.

How Much Does an Eyelid Surgery Cost?

 

  It's hard to put exact figures on the cost of blepharoplasty without seeing the patient. In 2012, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons placed the national average surgeon fee at $3,514. This is only the surgeon's fee. You should also expect additional fees, such as the fee charged by the anesthesiologist.

 Is Eyelid Surgery the Only Option?  

  

For folds in the upper eyelids, there is a non-surgical option that can help fill in the loss of volume. Dr. Robert Kessler, a Newport Beach facial plastic surgeon, can use Restylane to fill in the volume loss. Botox is useful in alleviating drooping eyelids related to muscle loss. Read more about Restylane on Dr. Kessler's website.

The best way to discuss your options for improving the eyelids is by scheduling a consultation and talking to Dr. Kessler. You can reach his Newport Beach office by calling (949) 644-6544.

The Aging Face: How Do You Know When It's Time for a Facelift?

No two people are alike. Some men and women begin seeing signs of aging in their 30s. Others manage to reach their 40s or even 50s before the tell-tale signs of collagen and elasticity depletion appear. This is why it can be hard for a facial plastic surgeon to give a specific age when a facelift becomes necessary. You are looking for key signs of an aging face, not a specific age.

Options for Improving an Aging Face

 

Some issues of an aging fact are corrected, albeit temporarily, with the use of injections like Botox or fillers. Botox relaxes the muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles like frown lines and crow’s feet to help restore a more youthful appearance. Fillers add volume to areas where collagen stores have depleted and left hollows. The thing to remember with these non-surgical techniques is that they are temporary.

Botox lasts as little as three months with some patients, so you need to return to the doctor a few times a year for touch-up injections. Autologous fat transfers work by moving fat from another area of your body to the face. The body absorbs some of this fat over time, so again touch-ups may be necessary. Fillers like Restylane last longer than Botox, but even then the results tend to last six months to a year, so you'll need to go for new injections once or twice a year.

A facelift helps improve a number of signs of aging. It starts by tightening skin to help correct the creasing that often appears from the sides of the nostrils to the corners of the mouth. These creases, known as nasolabial folds, are easily corrected with a facelift, but that's not all. Loose skin that sags along the jawline creating jowls is another area targeted by a facelift. The facelift also helps tone the jawline to give it more definition. With a facelift, the surgery is long-lasting with most patients getting a full 10 years of improvements out of the one surgery.

With a facelift, you do undergo anesthesia. Incisions are made at the temples and extend around and behind the ears. Incisions are often made in natural skin folds or in the hairline to help hide any scarring. After the surgeon tightens the skin and corrects issues with muscle and underlying tissue, the incisions are closed. You'll return to the surgeon in approximately two days to have drains removed. Stitches are removed in 5 to 10 days. You need two weeks to recover before getting back to your normal activities.

Signs That You Need a Facelift Instead of Injectables

 

Perhaps the most important signal for a facial plastic surgeon is when a patient's aging skin has lost enough elasticity that jowls have formed. Once the skin sags from the jawline, non-surgical techniques will no longer work as effectively to correct the signs of aging. Only a facelift can significantly tighten the skin and eliminate jowls.

When the skin has lost elasticity and the neck is starting to show sagging skin, again a facelift is ideal. Through the incisions, the plastic surgeon can tighten muscle, reposition underlying tissue, and excise excess skin to create a tighter, younger appearance.

Watch the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery's an overview of Aging Skin video to learn more about aging. To discuss the benefits of a facelift versus non-surgical techniques, contact Dr. Robert Kessler, a Newport Beach facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Kessler will view your skin and walk you through the different options you have for restoring a more youthful look. Call (949) 644-6544 to schedule a consultation today.

Extreme Weight Loss: Choosing the Lower Body Lift Over Abdominoplasty

Weight loss of 10, 20, or even 30 pounds is impressive, but weight loss totaling 100 or more pounds is an astounding feat. After massive weight loss, however, many men and women have a hard time celebrating their new form due to all the excess skin that diet and exercise do not correct. These people may weigh less, but the sagging skin makes it hard to find clothing that fits well.

There are two surgical procedures that excise the rolls of loose, sagging skin, but only one is truly suited for extreme weight loss.While a tummy tuck will tone and shape the abdomen, it doesn't address the back, buttocks, hips, and thighs. For that reason, many plastic surgeons recommend that weight loss patients opt for the lower body lift over the tummy tuck.

Understanding the Lower Body Lift

With an abdominoplasty, the incision is made along the pubic line from one hip bone to another. With a lower body lift, the incision is more extensive in order to accommodate what is essentially three different procedures combined to tighten skin and improve the appearance from the waist to the knees. The abdominal and lower back incisions are connected across the top of the thigh oriented within garment lines.

The first step is performing the abdominoplasty. Excess skin is surgically removed, and the abdominal muscles are tightened. The incision continues around the hips to help lift the buttocks and outer thighs. If there are still fatty deposits that diet and exercise haven't addressed, liposuction is useful in removing those deposits. Excess skin is also removed from the lower back.

Due to the fact that the lower body lift is a more extensive surgery, patients must stay overnight in a surgical facility. A registered nurse is on hand to monitor your recovery. Some doctors ask you to spend a second night, too. After this point, you go home with pain medications in hand and strict instructions about taking it easy during the recovery.

You must wear compression garments while you heal. This helps to limit swelling and keep bruising to a minimum. You will return to the surgeon's office in two weeks to have drains removed. At that point, you should no longer need pain medications.

At the two-week mark, you should receive clearance to return to work, but you still need to avoid strenuous activities. It takes a month for the incisions to fully heal, so you will not be back to normal routines for five or six weeks following the lower body lift.

Other Procedures That Can Help

You may also have excess skin hanging from your upper arms or sagging breasts following extreme weight loss. To reshape the upper arms, you may want to undergo a brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, to excise the loose skin and help bring new definition to the arms. Breast lifts and possibly implants restore the appearance of the breasts, creating a more uplifted and symmetrical appearance. 

As a body lift takes upwards of eight hours to complete, your plastic surgeon may schedule these procedures for another day. Remember that you didn't lose the weight overnight, so don't worry about needing a few months to recover from these surgeries.

Newport Beach plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Kessler specializes in body contouring after extreme weight loss. View before and after pictures of some of his lower body lift patients. Celebrate your weight loss by consulting with the doctor about the changes this surgery makes in terms of physical appearance and self-esteem. You can reach Dr. Kessler's California plastic surgery office by calling (949) 644-6544.