Dr. Buckingham’s Q&A

Question:
Given all the less invasive alternatives to facelifts, like fillers and threadlifts, when is a traditional face lift the best option?

Answer:
A facelift is intended to improve the jawline and neck which is something that other therapies are not as successful at improving. Threadlifts are not useful. Fillers are useful and volume enhancement is a significant adjuvant to facial surgery whether it be in the form of fillers or fat transfer. Therefore, while fillers are excellent therapy when the jowling or neck laxity progresses to the point where it is bothersome a facelift may be the appropriate treatment.

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Question:
How young is generally too young for a facelift?

Answer:
Each individual has a different rate at which the face ages. This is related to genetics involving skin tone and bony structure as well as environmental exposures such as cigarette smoking and sun. Most patients will not show signs of aging which are significant enough to warrant a facelift until they are at least into the 40s. At that time, some patient’s show enough changes to begin discussion. Nearly all of those patients will benefit from performing a limited incision lower facelift. This involves making incisions confined to the area around the ears without opening the entire neck. This procedure leads to less down time but yet significant results. It is performed in the office with oral sedation and local anesthesia.

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Question:
I have been reading about the thread lift procedure, and although its results do not last as long as a facelift, would this be a good procedure for someone who only wants minor changes?

Answer:
A very good study of 100 patient has been performed on thread lifting. None of the patient’s had any results after 3 to 6 months. We do not recommend this procedure.

Posted by Dr. Buckingham