There are many, many alternatives to the traditional facelift these days. One of these great options is the endoscopic facelift method. It allows patients with minor facial sagging and drooping to correct the problems without the invasive incisions and cutting of the traditional technique.
How It Works
Endoscopic basically refers to being able to look inside the face, under the skin with the help of tiny instruments. In fact, after the plastic surgeon makes just a few small cuts in appropriate, inconspicuous areas (usually in the hairline, behind the ears on the sides of the nose, or under the jaw line), she will insert a microscopic instrument that has a little camera attached to the end.
The camera send images to a video monitor that the surgeon uses to perform the necessary reshaping and tightening, all without have to lift up the skin and look at it directly. The doctor then removes fatty tissue, reshapes the muscles, and repositions other tissue. He can even insert cheek implants if desired during the procedure.
The Benefits
Compared with traditional surgical facelift techniques, the endoscopic method provides many advantages. For one, there is no skin cutting and removal. With a traditional lift, the skin is actually stretched up and pulled tight and the excess skin is cut off.
This is understandable a traumatic event for the face, requiring longer recovery times and causing greater pain. In fact, the down time for an endoscopic surgery is usually just a one or two days compared with a week or more with a traditional facelift.
Another benefit is that because the endoscopic method is so minimally invasive, the face remains sensitive to touch, as well as hot and cold, whereas the traditional technique often leaves the face without sensation for quite a while after the surgery is performed. Similarly, the endoscopic facelift involves less risk than the traditional surgery as it uses smaller incisions and keeps the patient under anesthesia for a shorter period of time.
Endoscopic facelift patients also enjoy the advantage of paying less for their appearance enhancing procedure. This is because the endoscopic version requires less time and less anesthesia, meaning patients save on drug and doctor time costs.
The Recovery
There is minimal bleeding and swelling after the facelift procedure because the incisions are all less than an inch long. The endoscopic technique is much less traumatic to the face than the traditional lift and means that the recovery is quicker. There will still be some bruising, swelling, and pain though. The cosmetic surgeon can prescribe pain medication to ease the healing process and the swelling will subside over a period of a week or more.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Most ideal candidates for this surgery are in the age range of their thirties to fifties with minor facial drooping, sagging, or wrinkling. Endoscopic facelift surgeries is most effective at correcting issues with sagging cheeks, smile lines, jowls, frown lines, and crow’s feet. Good candidates will also have realistic expectations about the surgical results. It is important to have a clear picture of the benefits and limitations of the procedure before undergoing surgery.