facial plastic surgery salt lake city

Plastic Surgery For the Face Salt Lake City, Utah

Written by J. Dayne Petersen

Have you had it with people asking you if you are tired? Do you look older than you feel? If it’s time for you to consider having some “work done” then you should be aware that today there is a wide variety of procedures available for the face. These range from minimally invasive injectables like Botox, which lasts 3-4 months, and Juvederm, which lasts up to 12 months, to a full surgical face lift.

What You Should Know When Considering Facial Cosmetic Surgery

You and your board certified plastic surgeon will sit down together during a consultation. He/She will explain the various procedure options available to you as well as possible complications. Your plastic surgeon will explain what recovery will be like, and will provide you with a list of dos and don’ts following your surgery.

Making a commitment to have plastic surgery is a big decision and not one to be taken lightly. Without question, the happiest patients are the best informed patients. Your first step is to find a reputable doctor. Begin by choosing a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

The Facelift Guide

If you are bothered by the signs of aging in your face, a facelift may be right for you. Technically known as rhytidectomy, a facelift is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as:

  • Sagging in the midface
  • Deep creases below the lower eyelids
  • Deep creases between the nose and mouth
  • Fat that has fallen or is displaced
  • Loss of muscle tone in the lower face that may create jowls
  • Loose skin and excess fat under the chin/jaw
  • Prominent cords in the neck and collapsed under chin profile

A facelift is designed to correct some or all of these aging features, restoring a more youthful, rested appearance with uplifted contours and improved tone in facial skin and underlying muscle.

Procedural steps: Incision sites will vary, depending on how extensive of a facelift you and your doctor decide is best for you. Typical incisions begin within the hairline. Incisions may begin at or above the temple and continue along or just inside the ear, ending behind the ear. This allows access to the facial musculature so your surgeon can tighten underlying tissue and reduce sagging skin.

A second incision under the chin may be recommended if sagging or fat under the chin is to be addressed. Liposuction may be used to remove fat and the cords in the neck are sutured to tighten them. The contour of the neck is further enhanced as the skin of the face and neck is re-draped and tightened.

Your results: Swelling and bruising should subside within 2-4 weeks. Final results may be apparent in 1-2 months. Incision lines will continue to refine and fade for 1 year.

Deciding of a cosmetic procedure can be a big decision. But its rewards can be even bigger. So make sure you research your surgeon and you feel comfortable putting your face in his/her hands.