Time, is our best ally for evolution, it registers moments of spiritual, mental, and corporal transformation. The corporal transformation in the human being, starts at birth, without stopping, as a result of these transformations our face shows characteristics proper to each age, and in combination with the characteristics we inherit, gives us a specific distinctiveness that makes us unique on the face of the earth  

Undeniably, when we turn 35, we start to notice gradual and soft changes, proper to the facial aging process. The first changes are basically characterized by the loss of elasticity and swelling of the skin, the reduction of the thickness of the facial fat layer, the drooping of the eyebrows, and the appearance of bags of fat that didn’t exist before.

 As time passes by new changes appear, like the increase of wrinkles in quantity and depth, the loss of the thickness of the facial bones, which has the effect of making the face lose its height and projection, the thickness of the lips diminish, the tip of the nose and also the chin tend to sag, the ears and the upper lip lengthen, and the neck becomes flabby.  Joined with the effect   gravity has over the body, over a certain period of time these transformations will result in an unaccented face with skin that sags marking and accentuating any bags of fat and creases, while the neck will show a double chin, creases and bands.   

Facial lifting or stretching, also known as facial Rhytidectomy, is the proper treatment for these patients, modifying the characteristics of the facial aging process. The objective of this procedure is to tighten the facial skin once again, softening the wrinkles and creases, giving back the lost projection, refining the face, all this wrapped in the skin that has been moderately stretched.

The surgery is performed as follows:  Through incisions concealed around the ear, the facial and neck muscles that have sagged because of gravity and time are treated using strong threads that lift and hold them in place for many years. Depending on the location of the bags of fat, liposuction is used or they are suspended, eliminating the sensation of a hanging face. Excess cheek and neck skin is stretched and cut off.

If the patient agrees to other advised changes, these can be done during the same procedure. In the case of a loss of the projection of the molar or chin bones, silicon implants would be used. Facial creases can filled in, if necessary.  Wrinkles are eliminated by removing small strips of the muscle that causes it. If it’s the patient’s wish, sagging nose tip, chin and eyebrows can be treated. The lips can be treated with a barely noticeable filling, if the patient chooses so. If the length of the ears is a problem, they can also be treated.

We can’t talk of a facial rejuvenation if neck and eyelids are not included in the procedure. A young looking neck is obtained by stretching it, eliminating the double chin using liposuction, and strengthening the neck muscles, which are also lifted. Eyelid surgery is performed according to the diagnose and the age of the patient. (for more information read article on Eyelid aesthetic surgery)

This is how our patients look 8 to 10 years younger after undergoing 4 hours of facial rejuvenation surgery, with results that last a long period of time.

For the more demanding patient, the procedure should include the treatment of finer wrinkles, product of photodamage  or aging.  (For more information read article on Types of facial wrinkles and its solutions). All these changes are possible only if you are in good health and if you don’t have a medical history that contraindicates surgery, this is why it is important to consult the plastic surgeon of your preference before scheduling surgery.