Stephen
J Ronan MD
Blackhawk Plastic Surgery, A Medical Corporation
As people age, the
effects of gravity, exposure to the sun,
and the stresses of daily life can be
seen in their faces. There is an inevitable
descent of cheek tissue which creates
a depression hollowness of the lower lid
area, fullness in the lower face, and
jowling. The neck skin and muscle loosen
creating central fullness and blunting
of the youthful, sharp distinction between
the jaw and the neck.
Not long ago, facelift
procedures were reserved for the rich
and famous. Results were often ‘surgical’
in appearance. Today, most patients are
everyday, average people with a desire
to look as young as they feel. Results
are natural in appearance and recovery
is shorter.
A facelift procedure doesn’t stop
the aging process, it just sets the clock
back a number of years. This is done by
removing excess fat from the neck area,
tightening the muscles, and redraping
the skin after trimming the excess. The
key is to place tension on the deeper
layers of the face (provides lift) and
then place no tension on the skin (non-surgical
look).
The best candidate for a facelift is a
man or women whose face and neck have
begun to sag. Most patients are in their
forties and up. Because of a greater acceptance
of plastic surgery, shorter recovery times,
and less ‘surgical’ looking
procedures, the average age of a person
seeking a facelift is decreasing. But,
there are patients in their seventies
and eighties who have facelifts performed.
A facelift can make you look younger and
fresher, and it may enhance your self-esteem
in the process. You will not look like
a different person, just more refreshed
and less tired.
A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction
with other procedures such as a forehead
lift, eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping.
Ancillary procedures may be used to enhance
results. Autologous fat grafting is a
procedure where the patient own fat is
transplanted from one area to another.
About half of the fat survives long term.
Lips are commonly augmented to replace
fat lost with aging or to create a fuller,
softer look. The chin is often augmented
to improve the jaw contour. Of course,
a good skin care program is essential
for the health and appearance of the skin.
Explore the possibility
of sculpting a new you.
Dr. Ronan is Board
Certified by the American Board of Plastic
Surgery. His specialty is aesthetic or
cosmetic surgery. If you would like to
discuss this or any other aesthetic procedure
in detail, please call (925) 736-5757
for a complimentary consultation. Or,
email Dr. Ronan at ronan@blackhawkplasticsurgery.com.Back to
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