Myths and Facts about Facelifts

In 1907, Charles Miller performed the first facelift in the United States. While the operation itself was a success, facelifts had a turbulent debut in this hemisphere. In fact, mainstream physicians in the 1920s sought to eradicate the procedure completely, forcing doctors to perform facelift surgeries in secret. 

As doctors and patients eventually grew to accept facelifts as a legitimate and effective anti-aging solution, the medical community developed even better, less-invasive methods. Today’s facelift is the product of relentless trial-and-error by medical professionals dedicated to giving their patients a fighting chance against the signs of aging. 

Today, our plastic surgery specialist Dr. Robert Guida is here to help you decipher between facelift fact and fiction. Here are some of the most common myths surrounding facelifts. 

Myth: Facelifts make you look unnatural

If you’ve ever skimmed through a tabloid or turned on the TV to watch the Academy Awards, you know that some people take cosmetic procedures too far. It’s hard not to have qualms about facelifts when celebrities and actors look so bizarre after going under the knife. 

The fact is that facelifts produce much more natural results than most of what you see on your television screen — they’re the exceptions rather than the rule.  

Dr. Guida ensures that you get the most natural-looking results by first discussing your goals with you in detail. He then uses digital computer imaging to give you a nearly exact image of what you’ll look like after you’ve recovered. 

As he performs your facelift, he only removes the tissue necessary to give you the look you want. He gently and expertly replaces the remaining skin to make sure it isn’t pulled too tight once it’s healed. 

Dr. Guida often recommends a combination of treatments as well. For example, a facelift combined with a neck lift or facial implants can give you an even more natural, youthful appearance. 

Myth: Facelifts require a long recovery

Facelifts are a surgical procedure, so you will spend some time in recovery. But despite what you’ve heard, recovery isn’t that excessively long or painful. You’ll need to give your new face about two weeks to completely recover. Cold compresses, good nutrition, and lots of rest will make your recovery time even easier. 

Follow Dr. Guida’s post-op care instructions to a T, and you’ll be back to your normal routine after about 3-4 weeks. 

Myth: Facelifts are purely cosmetic

Facelifts are falsely tied to vain, self-obsessed starlets desperately clinging to their former selves. It’s true that this procedure is a great way to combat the effects of aging, but it can also offer you a way to erase past trauma. 

Dr. Guida specializes in facial reconstruction and can repair your face after you’ve suffered damage from a car accident, burn, or other serious injuries. 

Myth: Any aesthetician can perform a facelift

You need a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your facelift. 

Not every aesthetician or cosmetic surgeon is skilled or qualified enough to carry out a delicate procedure like a facelift. Make sure you put your face in the expert hands of a certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Guida. 

Don’t let the world tell you that a facelift isn’t for you. Talk to Dr. Guida and our team, and see for yourself how effective facelifts can be. 

If you want more information or are ready to get started with a consultation, call our friendly staff at either location, or schedule an appointment online today.