Simplicity Lift Versus a Traditional Facelift

After a certain age, generally around 40, many people begin to experience a loosening of the facial and neck skin accompanied by sagging muscles. Folds appear running from the outer edges of the nostrils downward to the outer sides of the mouth, loose skin mars the jaw line, “marionette” lines extend from the corners of the mouth downward and the neck begins to lose its tone, as well. The extent of these signs of aging depends upon a number of factors including genetics, weight gain (and loss), whether or not the person smokes and their general overall health.

Traditional Facelift

In the past, when people underwent a facelift, only one option existed: major surgery. Traditional facelift procedures consisted of admitting the patient to a hospital where general anesthesia could be utilized. The length of the surgery generally lasted anywhere from three to five hours with incisions that involved behind, below and in front of the ear, along the scalp and sometimes even under the chin. Bruising could last up to three weeks, and swelling could last from a few weeks to months. Total recovery could take up to a month or longer.

“New & Improved” Facelifts

Nowadays, due to technological advancements, new and better bio-compatible materials as well as innovative methodologies, facelifts such as the Simplicity facelift have taken the cosmetic facial surgery industry by storm. Comparable to traditional facelifts, these new surgery techniques

• Tighten and lift the muscles and skin of the cheek and neck
• Define the jaw line by minimizing jowls
• Restore a youthful, more rested appearance to the facial area

Without invasive and painful surgery.

The “Secret”

Some cosmetic surgeons who perform facelifts are utilizing different types of suturing techniques as well as reducing the length and number of incisions. One type of suturing technique, known as the “pulley” stitch has enabled surgeons who perform procedures like the Simplicity facelift to achieve the same or near-same results of traditional facelifts. The pulley stitch lifts the cheeks, jowl and neck areas and consists of a single, small suture made at the front of the ear – the complete procedure accomplished in approximately one hour using local anesthesia and taking only a few days’ recovery time.

Small Incisions, Big Benefits

Because the incisions are smaller and fewer than in traditional facelifts, procedures like the Simplicity facelift go more rapidly and do not necessitate general anesthesia and its consequent risks. The patient endures less pain and heals faster, and is able to get back on with his or her life much more quickly. As a final advantage, because of all this – less surgery time, in-office setting, no general anesthesia, quicker healing and reduction in necessary follow-up care – the cost is far less than that of a traditional facelift.

Today, people can select facelifts to suit their schedule – not the other way around. Procedures have improved, downtime has become greatly reduced and as a result, costs are more affordable. So if you’ve been thinking of looking into facial cosmetic surgery, there’s no better time than the present.