Face lift and blepharoplasty
A face lift, or rhytidectomy, and blepharoplasty are cosmetic surgical procedures designed to enhance facial appearance by addressing signs of aging. A face lift involves excising and tightening sagging skin on the face, typically through an incision at the hairline. This procedure not only removes excess skin but may also involve fat removal and muscle tightening to achieve a more youthful look. Blepharoplasty, on the other hand, focuses on the eyelids by removing excess tissue and tightening the skin, which can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids.
Both procedures are generally performed for aesthetic reasons, but they come with potential complications, including bruising, swelling, and, in some cases, infection or asymmetry. While these surgeries can provide a temporary improvement in appearance, they cannot halt the aging process, and the effects will diminish over time, necessitating further surgeries. Candidates for these procedures should have realistic expectations and prioritize their personal goals over societal standards of beauty. Understanding the limitations and risks involved is essential for anyone considering face lifts or blepharoplasty.
Face lift and blepharoplasty
Anatomy or system affected: Eyes, skin
Definition: Techniques used to remove unwanted wrinkles and other indicators of aging from the face
Indications and Procedures
Aging may create serious problems for individuals whose success in their occupations depends on their appearance. Premature wrinkling of skin on the face and eyelids or premature looseness of these tissues can create an insurmountable psychological barrier. In these situations, cosmetic surgery such as rhytidectomy (face lift) or blepharoplasty (the removal of excess tissue around the eyelids) may be performed.
Surgical face lifting involves making an incision at the hairline and extending it downward; the length of the incision is dependent on the amount of skin sagging that is present. The skin is gently separated from the underlying fascia and is pulled back and tightened until the desired degree of wrinkle elimination is achieved. Excess skin at the posterior (back) margins is removed. The surgeon may also remove fat under the skin and tighten the muscles of the face. When this is complete, the edges of the incision are carefully brought together and secured with fine sutures or adhesive closures. The patient returns to the plastic surgeon in seven to ten days for follow-up evaluation.
Blepharoplasty refers to the surgical alteration of the eyelids. The surgery is similar to that used for a total face lift. An incision is made along the lower margin of the eyebrow. Skin is separated from the fascia. Sometimes, small amounts of fat are also removed. The skin of the upper eyelid is tightened. After excess tissue is removed, the free edges are attached with fine sutures. Cosmetic alteration of the lower eyelid can also be accomplished surgically through a similar method. The patient returns to the plastic surgeon in approximately one week for removal of the sutures. Chemical peeling or dermabrasion are additional techniques that can be used to remove fine wrinkles and lines in skin.
Uses and Complications
A face lift is a form of cosmetic surgery and is usually undertaken for aesthetic reasons. Short-term problems include bruising and swelling. Possible long-term complications include infection, scarring, and insufficient removal of unwanted wrinkles. Proper techniques can reduce the first two problems. Realistic expectations can minimize disappointment.
Because of the eyelid’s good blood circulation, blepharoplasty performed under sterile conditions seldom results in serious infection. However, the procedure can result in a number of other complications: continued bleeding that requires the reopening of the eyelid wound and either the cauterization of the bleeding vessel or the evacuation of a clot; separation of the edges of the eyelid skin closure, requiring either support tape or sutures; eyelid asymmetry, whereby the eyelids look fine individually but do not match as a pair; and either insufficient or excessive skin removal.
Perspective and Prospects
At birth, human skin contains relatively large amounts of a molecule called collagen. Collagen provides strength to the skin; a condition termed called turgor. The function of collagen is similar to that of the fibers in fiberglass or steel reinforcement in concrete. On Earth, people are constantly subjected to the effects of gravity and ultraviolet radiation, which over time cause slight damage to the collagen in skin. The turgor is slowly lost, and the skin starts to sag under the influence of gravity. Excessive exposure to the sun accelerates this process. The use of tanning beds in salons exposes the skin to an increased amount of harmful ultraviolet radiation, which also accelerates the aging process. With sufficient time and exposure, the typical appearance of skin in old age becomes visible.
Not everyone may be a suitable candidate for a face lift or blepharoplasty. Prospective clients should weigh several considerations before committing to this surgery. This should include acknowledging the rationale for the procedure. In doing so, a prioritization of personal objectives should be at the forefront, as opposed to the thoughts others may have. A second recommendation is against unrealistic expectations. A face lift or blepharoplasty may not be able to counteract the impacts of aging, sun damage, or loss of skin elasticity.
There is no way to stop the human body from aging; accepting this as an inevitable reality can reduce both stress and anxiety. Cosmetic surgical procedures such as blepharoplasty and face lifts are temporary and enable an individual to maintain only an approximation of youthfulness. Over time, the skin will continue to change, necessitating repeat procedures. Each time the procedure is repeated, the result is diminished in comparison to an earlier procedure. Cosmetic surgery can thus only retard the appearance of aging rather than re-create youth.
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