When it comes to plastic surgery, men and women tend to have slightly different goals for facial rejuvenation. While anti-aging is the goal for all people seeking face lift surgery, the procedure is highly customizable and unique to each patient. While the patient and surgeon discuss the details of the procedure during the consultation and come up with the best approach on a case by case basis, there are some trends in male face lift surgery that vary slightly from that of women’s facial rejuvenation.
A “Natural” Appearance
While the general goal of plastic surgery today is to produce results that look natural, more men than women tend to be worried about looking like they have “had work done”. The stigma of plastic surgery has been falling away gradually over the years, but there is still more stigma attached to men pursuing cosmetic surgery, and this demographic is often more self-conscious about the choice to pursue elective surgery. As more men pursue plastic surgery whether for personal or career-related reasons, hopefully this stigma will further subside.
Focus on the Jaw Line
A strong jaw has long been seen as a sign of masculinity, and many men are dismayed to find that sagging skin, muscles, and excess fat can make the jawline and chin look soft and saggy with age. A full lower face lift can tighten these structures and restore youth to the jaw, improving definition and overall appearance.
Alternative Incision Placement
Face lift incisions are typically hidden in the hairline for women, but male face lift incision placement can be much more difficult for a couple of reasons. First, men often have a receding hairline during the aging process, which can make the incisions difficult to hide. Secondly, incisions made near the beard can permanently displace this skin, making the beard and sideburns migrate to an area the looks unnatural and is inconvenient for shaving. For these reasons, plastic surgeons must be extremely cautious when planning incision placement for male face lift procedures. The specific techniques to be used should be discussed during the consultation with the patient.
Skin Thickness
Men typically have thicker facial skin with more oil glands than women, which presents an extra challenge for face lift procedures. This skin quality demands greater tightening, and can make the procedure take extra time to complete. The healing process may also be slightly longer, due to residual swelling that takes longer to go away with thick skin.
Planning Your Procedure
Face lift surgery for men can be extremely successful, and help with sagging skin, loose facial muscles, displaced fat, and other signs of aging, when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. It is also up to the patient to provide good pre- and post-operative care, in order to facilitate proper healing and good results.
Face lift procedures are extremely customizable, and the details of the procedure will be discussed during consultations with the plastic surgeon who will perform the procedure. Each procedure is tailored to meet the patient’s specific needs. It is not possible to stop the progress of aging, but it is possible to slow the process down and provide lasting rejuvenation with procedures such as the face lift.
Realistic Expectations
As with any facial plastic surgery, men pursuing face lifts need to manage expectations in order to help facilitate a successful procedure. It simply is not realistic to expect miraculous results from any procedure, and patients should expect significant rejuvenation, but should not expect to look like they are twenty again. Realistic expectations will help patients feel confident and secure throughout the process.
Choosing a Surgeon
A quality plastic surgeon can mean the difference between a mediocre result and a fantastic outcome. You should only consider board certified facial plastic surgeons who specialize in the face lift procedure, as this is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success. Do your research and make good use of your consultations—they are the best way to get to know potential surgeons and help you make a decision.
If you would like to meet with an expert facial plastic surgeon in the Boston area, come to Bentkover Facial Plastic Surgery in Worcester (508-363-6500) or Stoneham (617-247-0033), MA and meet with acclaimed surgeon Dr. Stuart Bentkover. Dr. Bentkover has decades of experience, and specializes in face lift surgery, offering patients custom, natural results. Call either location today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Bentkover.