It’s difficult to say just when mankind began to have an interest in introspection and focus on appearance. We know for sure that ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome had particular ideas about beauty. Sculptors, paintings, and artwork reflect concepts of beauty through the ages.
Philosophers and writers of the 17th and 18th centuries wrote extensively about beauty. This desire to look our best has never been more prevalent than today. We see patients regularly who wish to address different aspects of their appearance. This applies to both the body and the face.
With respect to the face and the aging process, we can address almost all aspects within one surgical setting – the facelift. For example, it’s not uncommon to have a forehead lift, upper and lower eyelid surgery, face, and neck lift all at the same time. We can even have fat transfer during these multiple procedures. This will require at least in our practice -a very detail and focus-oriented postoperative monitoring in our overnight stay facility.
Furthermore, we can at the same time as a rhinoplasty often address a smaller chin, with an implant or more extensively mandible or jaw surgery. If the occlusion meets expectations, a gel implant may be preferable. Also, occasionally we may do a buccal fat excision or an upper lip advancement. These combinations of facelift procedures are not uncommon.
The “cat eye” look is becoming more popular which essentially is a lateral brow lift and possibly a lateral lid repositioning as well. In summary, the answer lies within the mind and heart of the patient who must identify exactly what they wish to improve. A discussion in detail with the surgeon during the consultation is essential. I have found over time that a nose with a desirable shape can be the starting point and the focal point for improvements to achieve the best aesthetic facial look.
Improving one’s appearance can be very rewarding with respect to almost every aspect of our life. I believe it is essential to choose the surgeon with the most experience and focus for a facelift.
THOMAS TREVISANI, MD
BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
MEMBER OF AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
