Facial ageing is one of the main reasons for patients to search for plastic surgery.
The latest stats from ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) state that there has been an increase of 35.8% in the number of facelifts, 77.6% in neck lifts and 60% in browlifts in the past five years.
The fifties are the new thirties
Those who opt for plastic surgery often have a better quality of life throughout their middle-aged years and just want to have an appearance that matches their inner feelings. The “I don’t look how I feel” sensation can cause depression and social refrainment, and patients are looking for solutions in aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery.
Surgeons’ “weapons” for the face itself are:
- Facelift
- Mini facelift deep plane
- Endoscopic facelift
The facelift has evolved a lot over the years. From skin stretching, which led to false results like a windblown appearance, to the modern mini facelift deep plane (50 to 80 years), where through limited incisions, we are able to correct the deep tissues. By lifting the deeper tissues, plastic surgeons can now deliver a better outcome, less scarring, and longer-lasting results in patients with moderate to advanced ageing. We compare it to making a bed. Whereas in the past, the cover was pulled up, leaving the underneath sheet all wrapped up, we stretch the sheets and pull the cover up, nice and tidily!
There is also another category of patients who seek surgery. These are mainly young women who wish for a beautification of their periocular (eye) area. Some want the famous fox eyes, while others just wish for a more pleasant expression.
The endoscopic (30 to 50 years) or scarless facelift (small scars hidden in the hair), has been around for about 20–30 years. Recently, however, it has progressed immensely and is now considered the most beneficial facial rejuvenation technique for patients up to 50 years old, with mild to moderate ageing. With this technique, we can be able to reposition sagging tissues from the forehead, brow and midface. We normally combine it with blepharoplasty, bichectomy (extracting fat from the face), neck tightening, lipo filling and skin rejuvenation, according to each case.
I am thrilled with being able to rejuvenate without visible scars, and I consider this a huge advance in facial aesthetics. Imagine getting to look younger with a more natural look and no visible scars! You can expect between two to four hours of surgery, ambulatory or one day at the hospital and 15 to 30 days of recovery
Plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine as part of a holistic approach is the right way to enjoy facial ageing.
Tiago Baptista-Fernandes is a plastic surgeon and can be contacted through www.upclinic.pt or tiago.baptistafernandes@upclinic.pt
