Table of Contents
While patients of all ages are opting for facelifts, some are worried that there may be visible scars.
To address this issue, newer methods are being developed. One highly sought-after technique is the suspender facelift, and if you’re seeking a facelift in Beverly Hills, you may have heard of this groundbreaking technique.
Is a suspender facelift for you? Today we discuss what a suspender facelift is, and whether it’s your ideal choice.
Do Facelifts Leave Scars?
Many facelift candidates hesitate because they worry their facelift will be detectable. And previously, this was a legitimate concern. After all, any surgical technique that involves incisions can leave scars.
Most reputable plastic surgeons will attempt to create facelifts that leave as little scarring as possible. But some techniques — particularly older, less utilized ones — will create more scarring than others.
It’s for this reason that some plastic surgeons have developed newer ways of performing facelifts that are less detectable.
What Does a Facelift Do?
A facelift literally “lifts” and tightens the skin of the lower face and neck. (Many clients opt for both a face and neck lift at the same time.)
A facelift is not the same as an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) or brow lift. These are different procedures that can be combined at the same time as a facelift if the patient desires. However, a traditional facelift only tightens the lower half of the face.
More Clients Are Choosing the Suspender Facelift
One such technique that is much less detectable is the suspender facelift.
This method, developed by Beverly Hills surgeon Dr. Renato Calabria, is said to leave less visible scarring. It can also deliver a more natural appearance than some facelift techniques.
That’s because it removes only the epidermis – the top layer of skin – leaving the dermis, or underlying tissue, intact.
How Is a Suspender Facelift Performed?
Facelifts involve removing a portion of skin and suturing the incision closed so the face has a firmer, tighter appearance.
A suspender facelift is slightly different from a traditional facelift.
Steps include the following:
- The plastic surgeon forms two “suspenders” (flaps) of anchoring skin using the patient’s natural tissues.
- Through small incisions, two pockets are created a few centimeters apart on the scalp.
- The surgeon makes two small tunnels.
- The suspenders are inserted through these tunnels and are brought up to the level of the previously-created pockets.
- One absorbable suture (stitch) anchors the suspenders in place.
Does a Suspender Facelift Last as Long as a Traditional Facelift?
According to plastic surgeons, the suspender lasts at least as long as a traditional facelift. In fact, some older facelift techniques can result in laxity sooner than the patient would like. By contrast, the suspender facelift tends to last longer.
If a Suspender Facelift Is Better, Why Choose a Traditional Facelift?
Not every facelift method is best for every client. Newer techniques tend to yield more natural, longer-lasting results, and facelifts have come a long way since the surgeries of decades ago.
Different people have different goals, medical histories, and current states of health. It’s best to have a consultation with your plastic surgeon to discuss your unique needs.
Are You a Candidate for a Suspender Facelift?
Facelifts are not relegated to specific ages and they benefit both men and women.
You may be a candidate for a suspender facelift or another type of facelift if:
- You are in general good health
- You do not smoke
- You have lax (loose) skin in the midface and/or lower half of your face
- You have creases next to your nose and mouth (the nasolabial folds)
- You have “marionette” lines
- You have jowls
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Suspender Facelift?
Another consideration for many patients is how long they will need to take off from work, and what their recovery will be like.
Recovery from a suspender facelift is similar to what you can expect from other facelift techniques. That’s because the underlying tissues carry the tension that “suspends” the skin, according to plastic surgeons.
Expect some swelling and bruising following your suspender facelift. You will be expected to get up and walk after surgery in order to avoid blood clots. However, you will need to avoid strenuous activity for approximately three weeks, depending on how your recovery is going at that time.
Make sure to keep all your post-operation appointments. Your plastic surgeon will monitor your progress and determine when you will be able to go back to work and when you can resume your previous lifestyle.
Facelifts Have Come a Long Way
Some clients hesitate to speak to a plastic surgeon about getting a facelift because they’re worried about a “too-tight,” artificial-looking result. The reality is that facelift surgery has come a long way, and today’s plastic surgeons use techniques that can look natural.
If you’re considering a facelift or another facial plastic surgery procedure, your best bet is to contact a reputable plastic surgeon and have a consultation. This way, you’ll know whether a facelift is right for you.