Poet Kahlil Gibran may have once said that “beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.” However, no matter how we look at it, the face will always be one of the determinants of beauty. In fact, several researchers have been made to define and measure physical attractiveness.

In this 2009 study for example,  the researchers defined the golden ratio of female facial beauty. It turns out that beauty is not exactly in the eyes of the beholder but rather “when the vertical distance between their eyes and the mouth was approximately 36 percent of the face’s length, and the horizontal distance between their eyes was approximately 46 percent of the face’s width.”

You don’t have to go to great lengths in achieving the so-called golden ratio in order to appear naturally youthful. Here at our San Francisco cosmetic surgery practice, a face lift procedure can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, folds, and sagging jowls and create a more youthful appearance. If you’ve been considering a face lift procedure for a while, it pays to carefully examine the details of surgery as well as contemplate on  whether or not it is the procedure you’re looking for.

We answer the most common face lift questions that might help you make an informed decision below!

Am I too old to have a face lift?

On a whole, age is not a huge factor in influencing your candidacy for a face lift procedure. Instead, the specific determinants of whether or not you are an ideal candidate for a face lift include the severity of your wrinkles and facial sagging, skin elasticity, and the state of your general health. By and large, smokers are advised to quit smoking months before and after surgery as smoking can significantly delay healing and increase one’s risk of complications.

What if I don’t want to have a complete face lift procedure?

A traditional face lift procedure has 3 basic components: removal of fat, tightening of slackened facial muscles, and removal of excess facial skin. If you want to improve only a portion of the face or only reduce one aspect of facial aging (like removal of excess fat), a limited incision lift or a mid-face lift might be an alternative to the traditional face lift.

In addition, there are also facial rejuvenation procedures that may be done in conjunction with a face lift such as a brow lift, eyelid lift, and injectables.

How long will the results of a face lift last?

Generally, you can expect the results to last for a decade or so. However, this is just an estimation as there are certain factors that can influence how long the results will last such as your lifestyle (smoking habits, anyone), sun exposure, skin type, genetics, and overall health.

How do I find a good face lift surgeon?

A successful surgical outcome in a face lift procedure is largely influenced by your choice of plastic surgeon. First of all, it pays to find someone who has solid experience in performing the procedure. You can do this by personally asking for referrals from friends as well as checking the surgeon’s credentials. In addition, the surgeon should be able to answer all of your questions concerning the procedure. Moreover, you should be totally comfortable with the surgeon and the rest of his or her team during the consultation. Lastly, a good plastic surgeon should not force you to undergo a procedure unless you have made an informed decision.

Is it safe?

All types of cosmetic surgery, whether invasive or minimally invasive,  have its own set of possible risks and complications. Bleeding, infection, and delayed healing are the most common risks associated with a face lift procedure. However, these complications can be easily prevented by sufficient preparation on your end and by choosing a highly experienced face lift surgeon who is adept in the procedure’s surgical technique and has excellent aesthetic sense.

Planning for Your Face Lift with Dr. Mosser

Dr. Mosser is a highly experienced plastic surgeon who has helped improve the lives and confidence of his patients through surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Moreover, he will help you come up with a personalized face lift surgery plan to help you achieve the look you’ve always wanted.

Call us at 415.398.7778 or fill out this contact form today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you get the most of life through cosmetic surgery!