As people age, they often feel that they look older than they truly are. However, you don’t have to settle for a life full of wrinkles and lines. At Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, Il, we offer a liquid facelift, a series of treatments that is far more effective than over-the-counter anti-aging serums, creams, and lotions. Today, we’re providing a comprehensive guide to this life-changing series of treatments.

What Is a Liquid Facelift? 

A liquid facelift is a series of injectables designed to enhance the appearance of your face by relaxing overactive muscles and restoring volume to areas experiencing significant volume loss. Here are some of the cosmetic concerns injectable dermal fillers can correct: 

• Flat, thin lips
• Hollow temples
• Bags under the eyes
• Nasolabial folds
• Sagging cheeks
• Jowls

Wrinkle Elimination

With age, our skin loses the ability to grow connective fibers that once were grown in abundance, keeping the skin looking youthful. Collagen and elastin are two such supportive substances.

This leads to the loss of fat in the skin’s deepest layers and the skin sags and wrinkles without sufficient support from collagen and elastin. What’s great about a liquid facelift is that not all benefits are derived from injectable dermal fillers. Rather, it also provides the benefits of injectable muscle relaxants.

The Benefits of Injectable Muscle Relaxants

Injectable muscle relaxants do what no other non-invasive anti-aging treatment can do. They can erase dynamic wrinkles. Dermal fillers can’t treat dynamic wrinkles because they aren’t caused by volume loss. Rather, they are caused by overactive muscles that wrinkle after years of overuse.

This wrinkles the skin. Injectable muscle relaxants are effective because they relax the wrinkles out of the underlying muscles, relaxing the skin. Injectable muscle relaxants are also beneficial because the results of this treatment look natural and you will still be able to emote. Some of the cosmetic concerns most commonly treated by injectable muscle relaxants include: 

• Marionette lines
• Smile lines
• Smokers lines
• Forehead folds
• Sagging eyebrows
• Nasolabial folds

Volume Restoration

Now that we’ve taken a closer look at injectable muscle relaxants, let’s take a closer look at injectable dermal fillers. Fat loss results in a loss of definition, making you look older and more fatigued than you feel. Commonly, this definition loss results in severe skin sagging. Injectable dermal fillers add a significant amount of volume to the areas that have lost fat, such as the temples, cheeks, and jawline.

We use hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers because they are far more beneficial than other types of dermal fillers. Hyaluronic acid, often abbreviated as HA, is a polysaccharide that your body produces naturally. It serves many functions, including cushioning the tendons, lubricating the joints and eyes, nourishing the scalp, and hydrating the skin.

An Incredibly Powerful Ingredient

HA is astonishingly powerful. It creates an immediate boost in volume because the HA molecules immediately combine with over 1,000 times their weight in water and keep the extra moisture in the area. Even better, the results of dermal fillers are long-lasting because the extra HA and water molecules in the area are used to create extra collagen.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and absolutely crucial for healthy, beautiful skin. It is one of the three most important supportive structures that act as skin scaffolding. When your skin starts to produce less collagen than it uses, wrinkles, skin sagging, and severe volume loss occurs. Thanks to the extra collagen production that occurs in response to this treatment, you can expect your final dermal filler results to last for up to two years.

Benefits of a Liquid Facelift

There are many benefits of a liquid facelift beyond the obvious aesthetic benefits of looking years younger. For example, it is far more convenient than a traditional facelift that only improves the appearance of the lower face while taking two to four hours to complete. A liquid lift only takes around an hour to complete and can improve the appearance of the lower face, midface, and upper face. Here are some more benefits of a non-invasive facelift.

Few Post-Treatment Requirements

After a traditional facelift, there are many restrictions that last for several weeks. For example, you must be able to go six weeks without intense physical activity to qualify for a traditional facelift. Unfortunately, this isn’t feasible for most people who have physically demanding jobs. On the other hand, the only post-treatment restrictions you have to worry about after a non-invasive facelift are: 

• Protecting against sun damage
• Avoiding excessive heat
• Holding off on vigorous activity for 24 hours

Ideal for Those Who Fear Invasive Procedures

If you want to shave years off of your face but you’re not quite ready to commit to an invasive anti-aging procedure, a non-invasive facelift is an ideal fit for you. You get the anti-aging benefits of a facelift, brow lift, and cheek augmentation without any of the pain or discomfort that occurs following invasive procedures. Non-invasive anti-aging injectables aren’t just great because the recovery is easy, though.

They are also great because the treatments themselves are comfortable without anesthesia or sedation. Since there is no general anesthesia required, you are free to drive yourself home after your treatment, and you won’t feel exhausted for one to three days after your treatment. This means that you can return to work as soon as your session is over if you don’t have a physically demanding job.

Ideal for Men

People often think that aesthetic treatments are designed for women. However, men also can use a non-invasive facelift to improve their appearance. Like women, men develop wrinkles caused by both volume loss and overactive wrinkles.

Safe

To qualify for an invasive facelift or any other invasive procedure, you have to be in very good health. This is particularly true if you will be intubated and put to sleep under general anesthesia because intubation places a lot of strain on your heart and lungs. On the other hand, the health requirements to qualify for a non-invasive facelift are much less stringent. This is due to the non-invasive nature of the treatment.

Natural-Looking Results

Yet another benefit of a non-invasive facelift is the results look completely natural. The results of dermal fillers look completely natural because they are completely natural. The initial results are derived from water that was already present in your skin. The final results are derived from collagen that your skin produces naturally in response to the injections.

Also, you can rest assured that the results of your injectable muscle relaxant treatments will look completely natural. To reiterate, you will be able to emote exactly as you could before the treatment. Moreover, the underlying musculature of your face will not be manipulated in any way so your face will look exactly the same, just free from dynamic wrinkles.

Rapid Results

We’ve already mentioned that the initial results of injectable dermal fillers become apparent immediately. However, we’d like to expand upon this a little more. The final results of injectable dermal fillers become apparent just 10 to 14 days after treatment.

Also, the results of injectable muscle relaxants become apparent very quickly. Specifically, you can expect to see your final results within 96 hours of treatment. You may even be able to see your dynamic wrinkles relaxed away just 48 to 72 hours after treatment.

Long-Lasting Results

To reiterate, you can expect your final dermal filler results to last for up to two years. However, this depends significantly on the specific filler formula used. Each filler is designed to be particularly effective in a different region of the face and each filler features hyaluronic acid molecules with a unique molecular weight. In some cases, the final results of dermal fillers may only last for 12 to 18 months.

Also, the final results of injectable muscle relaxants are long-lasting. While individual results vary, you can expect your final results to last anywhere from two to six months.

Reverse Your Signs of Aging Today

A liquid facelift can provide you with all of the anti-aging benefits of an invasive procedure without any of the drawbacks. We can use this series of treatments to erase wrinkles, volumize hollow areas, and restore your self-confidence. The best part is you won’t need anesthesia or sedation. Contact us today at Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, Il to schedule your initial consultation and find out if this treatment is right for you.

Lost volume in the cheeks can add years to your appearance. From sagging jowls to hollow cheeks to sharp cheekbones, less volume in the cheeks as a result of the natural aging process can make you feel less-than-confident. Luckily, the experts at Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, IL know that dermal fillers like Juvederm Voluma can be an ideal treatment to restore facial volume in the cheeks. But who makes a good candidate for this treatment?

Who Is a Candidate for Juvederm Voluma?

For all Juvederm products, it’s recommended that candidates be at least 21 or older. Juvederm Voluma is a well-tolerated filler thanks to the biocompatibility of hyaluronic acid. If your skin is healthy at the time of your treatment, you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, and you do not have a history of severe allergic reactions, then you are likely a good candidate.

That said, although anyone over 21 can use this filler to restore a youthful appearance or achieve specific aesthetic goals, the most common age range to use this treatment is 30 to 40. This age range is typically when the natural signs of aging become visible with less skin volume and more skin laxity. As an anti-aging treatment, people in this age range are more likely to see dramatic improvement than younger people who use this treatment. Other signs you may be a good candidate for this filler include:

You Had a Consultation

Attending a consultation is the first step to starting your Voluma treatment. Your consultation will be an opportunity for your skin specialist to examine the condition of your skin and go over the expectations you should have for your treatment. Other Juvederm products may be explored as treatment options for you based on the condition of your skin.

For a consultation, the most important aspect is determining whether or not you have enough volume loss in the skin to use a dermal filler. Typically, people who have mild to moderate volume loss are good candidates for Voluma treatments. Most of the time, mild to moderate skin laxity will be visible to the naked eye, so your skin analysis will be very short.

You Have Used Other Juvederm Products

Good candidates for Voluma include people who have already used other Juvederm products successfully in the past. This is because all Juvederm products are formulated with hyaluronic acid at varying levels of thickness. If you had success with other Juvederm products, then you are likely to have success with this filler, as well.

Additionally, it’s possible that you will be combining multiple Juvederm fillers into your treatment plan to address different aesthetic concerns. For example, if you want to rejuvenate the appearance of the lips, your treatment plan may include Volbella so you can achieve your appearance goals.

You Want Less Frequent Treatments

Candidates for this dermal filler include people who want to have results that are easy to maintain. Juvederm products produce results that last for several months, which makes it easy to work touch-up treatments into even the busiest schedules. Usually, you can expect to have maintenance appointments once every one to two years to maintain your results.

Outside of touch-up appointments, maintaining your results is also very easy when you take good care of your skin. Protecting your skin from UV exposure and using anti-aging skincare products may help you stretch the time between touch-up appointments.

You Want Long-Lasting Results

You can expect the results of this treatment to last about 18 to 24 months at a time when the filler is used in the cheeks. Compared to other fillers on the market, this Juvederm filler produces the longest-lasting results for volume restoration in the cheeks. Some factors may determine how long your results last, including your age, your stress levels, and the severity of your volume loss.

Younger people may notice results that last a bit longer, particularly if you maintain your results well between treatments. You may also be able to extend your results by making lifestyle changes, such as limiting stress, unprotected sun exposure, and poor diet that may dehydrate the skin. We can give you more tips to tend the longevity of your results after your treatment.

You Want Fast-Acting Results

Candidates for this treatment include people who want to see the results of their aesthetic treatment very quickly. For people that have special life events or simply want to look their best, fast-acting results can be an important factor to consider. Usually, you will leave your treatment appointment with your skin looking much younger, plumper, and rejuvenated than before.

These immediate results will continue to improve over the next several days as the filler formula settles into the skin. When hyaluronic acid fillers settle into the dermal tissues, the skin absorbs more water, which helps the results of your treatment look even better. You will be able to see the final results of your treatment after about one to two weeks.

You Want to Treat Multiple Concerns

Voluma is designed to replenish lost volume in the cheeks, but it can also be used for other anti-aging concerns. In general, age-related volume loss can be challenging to treat because hollow areas of the face require more volume infusion to correct hollowness. However, the unique Vycross technology in this formula makes the filler very stable so it can stay in place for up to two years. This filler can be used to correct age-related concerns such as:

Volume Loss

In general, volume loss is most noticeable in the cheeks since this is where most of your facial volume rests in your youth. Volume loss occurs by a combination of natural collagen depletion as part of the aging process and also because of fat redistribution in the cheeks. In other areas of the skin, such as the tear troughs beneath the eyes, volume loss is also associated with the depletion of collagen and fat.

This filler is designed to restore the volume of the cheeks by rejuvenating the amount of volume in the sub-dermal layers of the skin. When this filler is used in the upper cheeks and middle-cheek area, the volume restoration can lift and tighten the skin, as well as reduce the appearance of facial hollowness. When volume is restored in the upper cheeks, it can also correct the appearance of sagging lower cheeks.

Lines and Wrinkles

Voluma is not traditionally used on nasolabial folds directly. However, because of the way this volume-restoring filler works, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the nose, mouth, and chin can also be corrected when the volume is restored in the cheeks. By restoring the volume of the mid-face, the skin in nearby areas will also lift and tighten, and then visible signs of aging like lines and wrinkles will virtually disappear.

Less noticeable lines around the nose and the mouth can make you appear years younger. Depending on how this filler is used, you may even be able to reduce the appearance of chin wrinkles.

Contouring

This filler is also commonly used to contour the face, particularly by younger people who want to achieve a specific aesthetic goal. The first area where this filler is used for contouring is the cheekbones. By contouring the cheekbones, you can lift your appearance as well as lifting the skin of your cheeks for a more taut look.

The second area where this filler is used for contouring is the chin. Contouring the chin or even the jawline can change the shape of your face and enhance your appearance. If you’re interested in using this filler to contour your appearance, please be sure to discuss your goals in detail with your skin specialist.

You Want An Easy Treatment

As a general rule, dermal filler treatments are some of the easiest aesthetic treatments to have, second only to the simplicity of a facial. For this dermal filler, your appointment can be completed within about 20 to 30 minutes and will only require one syringe per appointment. Small injections will be made into specific zones of your face to increase skin volume. Since this dermal filler creates instant results, your skin specialist will be able to improve your appearance like an artist with an anti-aging brush.

This treatment is well-tolerated and comfortable for most people. All Juvederm dermal fillers are formulated with lidocaine, a common local numbing agent that will keep your skin comfortable both during and after the treatment. Even people who have sensitive skin will not experience any significant discomfort with this treatment. At your request, we can also apply a topical numbing cream before your injections begin.

Preparation

You will not need to do much to prepare for this dermal filler treatment. We will give you a few pre-treatment instructions to help you prepare for your treatment. One important thing you will need to do is stop taking any blood-thinning medications or supplements about three to five days before your appointment. You will not need to schedule any recovery time or arrange for transportation after your appointment.

Aftercare

Your aftercare instructions are an essential step for your results to develop as desired. You must follow all instructions given to you so your filler will settle correctly in the sub-dermal layers of the skin. One of your aftercare instructions may be to avoid rubbing, touching, or scrubbing your injection areas for at least 24 hours since this might interfere with the way the filler settles in your skin.

During the first two weeks after your treatment, it will be very important to avoid unprotected sunlight exposure, as UV rays may break down your filler product more quickly. You should always wear sun protection when you plan to be outside during the day to protect your skin and help your results last for as long as possible.

You Want Natural-Looking Results

The results of this treatment will appear natural. In fact, unless someone asks you about it, nobody will ever know that you’ve used a cosmetic dermal filler to improve your appearance. This filler gradually and smoothly restores the volume in your cheeks. You will not look like you’ve had “work done” when your results have settled.

Restore Your Skin Volume With Juvederm Voluma

Voluma is one of the most celebrated fillers in the Juvederm family of products. This filler can be used to restore volume lost in the cheeks, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and even contour your face to achieve your aesthetic goals. Contact Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, IL to schedule your consultation today.

Your eyes are the window to your soul, but your lips are the frame for your smile – and if you want to have a truly beautiful smile, then plump, youthful-looking lips are key. Unfortunately, most people aren’t born with perfect lips. But the good news is that the experts at Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, IL know that lip augmentation treatment can help you enhance your lips so you can have a gorgeous smile.

So, what is lip augmentation? Generally speaking, this is a treatment that augments the shape or size of the lips, usually to increase fullness or achieve certain aesthetic goals. It used to be that the only way to augment the lips was with implants, but today, augmentation can be easily completed with an assortment of dermal fillers.

How Long Does a Lip Augmentation Last?

While dermal fillers in the skin can last for a year or more, you may not see the same longevity with lip fillers. In general, lip fillers can last for six to nine months depending on the product, the amount of filler used, your age, and other factors. Six to nine months is still an impressive timeframe for a non-surgical treatment though, particularly when you consider the fact that lip fillers do not have any recovery time.

Why Only This Long?

Lip fillers may only last six to nine months because of the composition of the filler and the placement of the treatment. For the most part, lip fillers are formulated to have thinner, silkier, more malleable textures that will sit naturally within the lips, so the formula itself is more delicate than fillers that might be used on your cheeks or other areas of the face.

Lip fillers also have a shorter half-life because the lips are highly mobile areas of the face. Because the mouth is constantly used to communicate or eat, the muscles around the mouth will cause the filler formula to break down more quickly. Comparatively, other areas of the face that don’t move as much can enjoy longer results.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can You Help Results Last Longer?

Actually, there are a few things you can do to help the results of your lip filler last longer. Even though the thinness of the filler and the mobile nature of your mouth may be working against the longevity of your results, there are still some actions you can take to ensure you get the most out of every filler treatment, including:

Sun Care

UV rays from sunlight will make your filler break down prematurely, so protecting your lips and mouth area from the sunlight is essential. While you should always wear SPF 30 or higher on your skin during the daytime, you may want to also use SPF chapstick or other lip care products for UV protection.

Minimize Stress

A stressful lifestyle produces cortisol that causes premature collagen deterioration in the skin, something that matters if you are using a hyaluronic-based dermal filler that supplements natural collagen production. By minimizing your stress where you can, you may be able to help your results last longer.

Factor Exercise

Believe it or not, your exercise routine can also compromise the longevity of your lip filler results – or any injectable treatment, for that matter. While exercise is necessary for your health, it should be noted that consistent strenuous exercise can increase your metabolism and speed up the way your body processes the filler formula. This may mean you need to have your filler treatment more frequently to maintain your results.

2. Will Your Results Look and Feel Natural?

Yes, the results of your lip filler will look and feel natural. Lip filler products are formulated to mimic the natural texture of the lips so you can maintain natural-looking movement and touch. In fact, even kissing will still feel normal after your lip filler thanks to the sophisticated design of lip filler products.

3. How Frequently Should You Have Treatment?

Most people schedule their top-up appointments about once every six to nine months, depending on how long your results last. Ideally, your next appointment should be scheduled when you notice the volume of your lips is declining, as this is the first sign that the filler has almost left your system. By scheduling your top-up appointments regularly, you can maintain your desired results continuously.

4. Is There a Best Age for Treatment?

No, there is no ideal age to have this treatment. Unlike other types of dermal fillers, lip fillers can be used at any age and for any reason. As long as you are over the age of 21, you are likely at a good age to have treatment. This is because the appearance of your lips and your desired aesthetic goals may not necessarily be caused by aging. Plenty of younger people also use lip fillers to simply correct the shape of their lips.

5. Why Is Lip Augmentation Used?

Lip fillers are quickly becoming one of the most common cosmetic treatments in the nation – and as lip filler products continue to advance, it seems like more and more people are seeking these treatments to achieve their aesthetic goals. Some of the most common reasons to use lip fillers include:

Correct Asymmetry

Nobody is born with a face that is perfectly symmetrical. While symmetrical features are the hallmark for a beautiful appearance, many people have subtle asymmetry in the face, such as one eye being slightly smaller or one side of the mouth being thinner than the other. Dermal fillers for the lips are an ideal way to correct asymmetry in the lips, regardless of whether the asymmetry is related to volume or shape.

Enhance Lip Shape

Lip fillers are commonly used to enhance the shape of the lips or to achieve a specific lip shape. For example, some people use lip fillers to make a Cupid’s bow more prominent or to strengthen their vermillion border. Fillers for the lips can contour the mouth to achieve certain “styles”, such as a keyhole pout or other goals.

Fix Age-Related Concerns

One of the first places to lose significant volume thanks to the natural aging process is the mouth. Due to collagen depletion related to aging, the lips often become much more thin and dry; even fine lines around the mouth and on the lips (called lipstick lines) can also develop when lips lose their youthful volume. A filler easily restores the natural volume in your lips so you can reverse the visible signs of aging.

Emphasize Lip Cosmetics

Some people may also choose to use lip fillers to emphasize the appearance of lip cosmetics. Some bold shades of lipstick, like reds and plums, may actually make thinning lips look even thinner, so using a filler can enable you to use your favorite shades again. It goes without saying, of course, that lip cosmetics are one of the best ways to emphasize your overall beauty.

6. How Does This Treatment Work?

Augmenting the lips with a lip filler works by making several small injections directly into the lips. One of our experts will use a small amount of filler in designated zones on the lips to achieve your aesthetic goals. This treatment usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.

7. What Are Common Lip Filler Products?

There are many lip fillers that you may want to use. The right filler for you will depend on your concerns and aesthetic goals. Products like Juvederm Volbella and Restylane Kysse are some of the best-performing lip fillers available.

8. How Much Filler Is Necessary?

The amount of filler necessary for your treatment will depend both on the condition of your lips and your aesthetic goals. We aim to use the smallest amount of filler possible to enhance or contour your lips so your results will appear natural. For most people, a single syringe is enough filler to correct lip volume, augment lip shape, and even correct fine lines around the mouth area.

9. What Should You Do Before and After Treatment?

Before your treatment, you should stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements for at least three to five days before your appointment. You should also abstain from consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours. Both of these preparation steps will ensure that your treatment is successful.

After your treatment, you will need to follow several instructions so the results of your filler develop as intended. For example, during the first 24 to 48 hours, you should avoid kissing, touching, or massaging your lips so you won’t disrupt the filler as it settles into your skin. You should also avoid chewing excessively or moving your mouth too much for the same reason.

10. How Much Does This Treatment Cost?

The cost of your treatment will depend on the filler you are using and the amount of filler necessary for your treatment. In general, patients can expect to spend $400 to $600 on each lip filler appointment. This price may seem steep, but compared to the cost of surgical lip augmentation, this price is much more manageable and produces better-looking results.

11. Who Are Good Candidates?

Most people who are not satisfied with the appearance of their lips are good candidates for these treatments. People who are over the age of 21 and who have no history of severe allergic reactions are usually good candidates for treatment. Patients should also not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

Because lip fillers can be used to correct a wide variety of lip concerns, it’s likely that a lip filler will be able to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Some specific issues that can be treated with lip fillers include:

• Downturned mouth corner
• Asymmetry
• Thinness or loss of volume
• Undefined lip shape
• Unbalanced top and bottom lip
• Lipstick lines
• Smoker lines
• Gummy smile

12. Why Should You Consider Lip Fillers?

Lip fillers can correct several lip-related concerns at one time, making these treatments some of the most versatile options for patients who have complex aesthetic concerns. Moreover, because these treatments have no downtime, they are excellent options for people who have busy schedules. Even better, lip fillers produce natural-looking results that move and feel natural.

Love the Look of Your Lips With Lip Augmentation

Whether you want to emphasize the beauty of your smile or you want to achieve a specific aesthetic goal, lip augmentation with a dermal filler is an easy treatment that produces long-lasting results. Please contact Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, IL to schedule your initial appointment today.

Scientists have not yet discovered a way to prevent the effects the aging process has on our facial features. Luckily, there are effective procedures to reverse those effects temporarily. At Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, IL, we offer a face lift to help our clients tighten loose skin and eliminate wrinkles around the lower face. Today, we are looking at everything you need to know about the process, including how it works.

How Does a Face Lift Work?

A face lift is a way to restore the visage you had when you were younger. There is nothing wrong with wanting to restore the visage of your youth and look as young as you feel. The appropriate method to restore your desired countenance will depend on the specific concerns you have. If you are concerned about the appearance of your lower face, you need to lift your lower face with a procedure known formally as rhytidectomy.

Rhytidectomy makes you look years younger by lifting the deep facial tissues that support your skin. Areas targeted during this procedure include the cheeks, chin, and jawline. Depending on your unique case, we may also remove excess skin during this procedure. The overall results of this procedure should last roughly a decade but the results of the excess skin removal will last forever if your weight remains relatively stable.

What Results Can I Expect From This Procedure?

As time passes, the look and shape of our faces change. This is a natural result of getting older, but you don’t have to live with these changes. If you’re wondering what results you can expect from rhytidectomy, you’re not alone. Some of the benefits you can expect include:

• Lifted cheeks
• Wrinkle-free skin
• The elimination of deep nasolabial folds
• A stronger, younger, jawline
• The elimination of excess skin

A lot of people think people get a face lift because they want to turn back the hands of time. This is sometimes true, but people don’t always opt for this procedure because of vanity. A substantial number of people are less interested in looking younger and more interested in looking better. Sagging skin and deep wrinkles make them feel so self-conscious that personal relationships and careers are affected.

What To Expect During Your Initial Consultation

An initial consultation is required before you commit to a cosmetic procedure. It is important to understand what a lift can do for you to ensure it is the best solution for your concerns. It is also essential to ensure you are healthy enough for a cosmetic procedure. Here is what you should expect during your initial consultation:

A Review of Your Medical History

Before we can determine whether a lift of the lower face is right for you, we need to review your medical history thoroughly. We strongly recommend writing down your medical history, including other procedures or treatments you have received in the past. Additionally, we need to know about any medical conditions you are currently diagnosed with or have had. Furthermore, you should be prepared to talk about your use of tobacco products, alcohol and prescription and OTC medications.

Be advised, you should not consume tobacco products, like cigarettes, cigars or chewing tobacco, for two weeks before or after your procedure. Tobacco products contain chemicals, such as nicotine, that constrict your blood vessels. Narrow blood vessels impede ideal circulation and result in less nutrients being delivered to the skin. This delays healing. Also, be advised you may need tests to evaluate the health of your heart and lungs before we can determine if you are a good candidate.

A Review of Your Medications

As noted above, we will discuss your use of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Knowing what you are taking is crucial because some drugs may affect your procedure. We recommend bringing in a list of all pharmaceuticals you take regularly including the dosages and frequency of use. Please note, you should also note any nutritional supplements, like daily multivitamins or herbal products, you take. Certain vitamins and supplements thin the blood and should be avoided temporarily before and after your procedure.

An Examination of Your Facial Features

We will also examine your facial features thoroughly. We will assess your skin health and examine your bone structure, facial fat distribution and the shape of your face. This allows us to determine the best methods to help you achieve your goals.

A Discussion About Your Expectations

Once we examine your facial features, we will discuss your aesthetic goals. We need to know what you want to get out of this procedure to ensure this is the right procedure for you. We will also talk to you about the results you can expect realistically. It is important to understand what this procedure can’t do for you, like correct asymmetry caused by your bone structure, so your expectations about the results are realistic.

It is also important to note this procedure may not address fine lines caused by collagen loss even though it is perfect for the treatment of deep wrinkles and folds. If you have fine lines caused by collagen loss, we offer several injectables designed to restore collagen to different parts of the face.

How To Prepare for Rhytidectomy

There are several steps you need to take to prepare for rhytidectomy. Some steps must be taken weeks in advance and others are necessary shortly before your scheduled procedure.

Make Changes to Your Medications

Remember, during your initial consultation, we will ask you for a list of all the medications and supplements you are currently taking. Depending on the medications you take regularly, you may need to stop taking certain drugs temporarily. We will advise you on whether you may continue taking your medications as you usually do or whether you should adjust the dosages of the medications you are taking or stop taking certain drugs altogether.

For example, you should stop taking any drugs or supplements that can thin your blood for at least 14 days before your procedure, like ibuprofen or garlic supplements. It is of the utmost importance that you follow all instructions related to your medications. If necessary, talk to your primary care physician about alternative medications you can take in the weeks leading up to and following your procedure.

Seek Assistance

Rhytidectomy is performed on an outpatient basis, so you are free to go home after your procedure is complete and we have reviewed post-op care steps with you. That said, due to the anesthesia used to keep you comfortable during your procedure, you will need someone to drive you home. If possible, have someone stay with you for at least the first 24 hours post-op. You may be too tired to make yourself a nutritious meal after your procedure.

Stock Your Home

Before your procedure, we recommend ensuring you have everything you need at home. Make sure you have plenty of food, entertainment, medication and personal hygiene items so you don’t have to leave the house during the first few days post-op. You may find you are too tired to go shopping.

Keep in mind, you must stop taking blood thinners for several days post-op. We recommend having analgesics in your home that do not thin the blood in case you do not want to take prescription analgesics. We also recommend keeping plenty of bottled water on hand.

Fast

Depending on the type of anesthesia used during your procedure, you may be asked to fast. You may drink water before your procedure but, if advised to fast, you should stop eating at midnight. Your body adapts very quickly to intermittent fasting. You may want to practice intermittent fasting for a few days before your procedure so your body is used to it and you are not hungry on the day of your procedure.

If you must fast due to the anesthesia that will be administered, we will advise you on whether you may take any medications on the day of your procedure.

What You Can Expect Throughout the Process

Again, this procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. It can take between two and four hours depending on the severity of your cosmetic concerns and how many cosmetic concerns are being addressed. Additionally, it is possible for your lift to take up to six hours if it is being combined with another lift. Regardless of the scope of your rhytidectomy, the process will involve three steps.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia is usually recommended for clients who need significant results. This type of anesthesia numbs your entire body and keeps you asleep throughout the procedure. If you are receiving general anesthesia, you’ll need to fast in the hours leading up to your procedure. Depending on your health and the scope of your procedure, we may recommend a combination of local anesthesia to numb the lower portion of your face and intravenous sedation to keep you asleep throughout the procedure.

Corrections

Once you are numb and asleep, we will make tiny incisions so we can lift and tighten the muscles supporting your skin. These incisions are made discreetly so they will not be visible as they heal. Once the muscles and deep facial tissues are lifted and tightened, we may redistribute or sculpt some of your facial fat. If necessary, excess skin will be excised. Once your corrections are complete, your incisions will be closed.

Results

Roughly 10 to 14 days after your procedure, you will be able to see your results. You should be back to most of your usual routine at this time, but you should refrain from strenuous physical activities until roughly a month has passed since your procedure.

Tips for the Days Following Your Procedure

In the days following your procedure, you should listen to your body carefully. You will be tired as your skin recovers from the incisions, and you should rest whenever you feel rest is necessary. However, it is very important that you walk as much as possible during the first two weeks following your rhytidectomy. Walking supports your circulatory system and facilitates the delivery of extra nutrients to your skin that are necessary for healing.

Reverse the Signs of Aging

A face lift doesn’t just help you look younger now. It also helps you age more gracefully in the future. If you opt for rhytidectomy to correct cosmetic concerns, you will be back to your usual routine in just a few weeks. Contact us today at Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, IL to schedule your initial consultation and discover if rhytidectomy is the best way for you to reverse the signs of aging for the next 10 to 15 years. 

When it comes to anti-aging treatments, topicals, and even sunscreen, the neck is often ignored. That fact combined with the aging process can lead to volume loss, excess skin, and wrinkles. Once you realize that you’re unhappy with the appearance of your neck, you may feel hopeless, but at Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, IL, we want you to know that it’s not too late. We offer the neck lift, a procedure that can turn back the clock and rejuvenate your neck.

What Should You Expect From a Neck Lift?

One of the benefits of a neck lift is at the results can make you look 10 to 20 years younger. We will take every step necessary to give you the most aesthetically pleasing neck. If loose skin and the normal signs of aging have affected your neck to the point that you feel less confident about your appearance, this procedure will boost your confidence and make your neck look beautiful.
 
When you follow all of the aftercare instructions, your recovery will go quickly and smoothly and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your new, youthful-looking neck for years to come.

What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is also called a platysmaplasty and is a procedure designed to improve the appearance of your neck by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the area.
 

What Causes Excess Skin on the Neck?

Loose or excess skin on the neck can result from aging or significant weight loss. Either way, it can make you look and feel older than you are. If you have loose neck skin, this procedure will correct and tighten it.
 

What Happens During the Procedure?

During the procedure, incisions will be made in strategic locations and any excess skin will be trimmed and removed. The remaining skin will be tightened, and you’ll be on your way to a beautiful and gracefully looking neck. Dr. Hanna can perform this procedure under general anesthesia and will discharge you the same day so that you can return home as soon as possible.

Can I Customize My Procedure?

We can customize your neck lift to treat certain features of your neck that you’re unhappy with and the turkey wattle is one of them. A turkey wattle is exactly how it sounds: a loose section of skin that droops down beneath your chin. To address this concern, Dr. Hanna may make incisions beneath your chin, or behind your ears to tighten the skin and remove the wattle.

Depending on your goals your surgeon may remove a portion of your neck muscles to create the most aesthetic look. This is something that you can discuss during your initial consultation. Dr. Hanna will discuss your goals with you and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you so that you know exactly what to expect before your procedure begins.

How Long Will My Results Last?

The length of your results depends on your lifestyle, and your age at the time of your procedure. Typically, patients who are at the younger end of the spectrum will enjoy the results longer due to better collagen production. However, regardless of your age, you can rest assured that when you choose this procedure you will enjoy your results for many years to come. Most patients enjoy the results of their neck lift for 10 to 15 years or more.

Can I Extend My Results?

There are some ways that you can extend your results to ensure that they last as long as possible. Eating a healthy diet inclusive of plant-based foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats will help your body get all the vitamins and minerals it needs to thrive. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your skin hydrated, tight, and supple. Hydrated skin doesn’t wrinkle as easily and helps you maintain that youthful glow.

Invest in Topicals

Many professional-grade skincare lines have developed topical products specifically designed for the neck area. Taking care of the skin on your neck and investing time and money into professional products will help ensure that your results are long-lasting and will help improve the condition of your neck skin. All it takes is a little moisturizer, neck cream, and sunscreen to maintain beautiful skin.

Avoid the Sun

Sun exposure and the resulting skin damage is the number one sign premature aging. However, it’s easy to avoid. Never go out in the sun without some form of sun protection, whether that’s a hat, sunglasses, or high-quality sunscreen. You should never leave your skin exposed to the harmful sun rays, because, in doing so, you’ll be giving the aging process a free pass and essentially sabotaging your results.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy weight and getting enough exercise each day can make a world of a difference in helping you maintain your results. If liposuction was used in combination with your procedure, you will need to maintain a healthy weight to ensure that new fat cells don’t accumulate in the neck area. Eating healthy, limiting your stress levels, drinking moderately, staying hydrated, and protecting your skin are simple everyday habits you can form in no time.

How Can I Prepare for My Appointment?

After your initial consultation with Dr. Hanna, we will schedule your appointment. At this time, Dr. Hanna will provide you with any instructions you need on how to prepare for your procedure so that your body is ready for the procedure.

Avoid Nicotine

If you are a smoker or if you consume any form of nicotine, you will need to avoid it for at least six weeks before your procedure. Stopping all nicotine consumption entirely will make your procedure and recovery that much better. You won’t be able to consume nicotine for six weeks after your procedure, so kicking the habit well before your appointment will be in your best interest.

Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration is essential both before and after your procedure. Make a habit of drinking at least half a gallon of water each day before and during your recovery process. Another way to sneak in extra water is by eating foods with high water content, like fruits and vegetables.

Preparing for Your Procedure and Recovery

Planning is an important part of any surgical procedure. Knowing exactly what to expect before you arrive at your appointment will help you be prepared for your procedure so that once it’s over, you can focus on your recovery, not on making the necessary arrangements. 

You will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment because once your procedure is complete, you won’t be able to drive for at least 24 hours until the effects of the anesthesia wear off.  We recommend that you wear loose-fitting clothing to your appointment, specifically something that you won’t have to pull over your head post-op. You want to make everything as simple and easy as you possibly can so that you can focus on your recovery.

What Is the Recovery Like?

As with any surgical procedure, once you arrive home, you can expect to spend the next several days resting. Patients typically take one to two weeks off of work to devote to their recovery post-op. We will wrap your neck in a dressing to protect the area and promote healing before you return home. You’ll wear this dressing for the first five days post-op. We’ll be here for you every step of the way. If you have any questions, we’re just a phone call away.

How Can I Make My Recovery Easier?

Planning ahead will make your recovery that much easier because you won’t have to devote the mental or physical energy to set up your home. Before the day of your procedure, make sure that your primary resting spot is ready for you upon your arrival. Have pillows, blankets, books, and anything else that will help you rest prepared.

Enlist help at home during those first few days so that you don’t have to spend your time or energy focusing on meal preparation or other household duties. Make sure all your meals are healthy and high in lean protein and fiber. Both of these things will give your body everything it needs to heal quickly.

What If I’m Not a Candidate?

If you don’t qualify as a candidate for this procedure, all hope is not lost. Several alternative treatments will give you results and improve the appearance of your neck. Dr. Hanna will analyze your neck and discuss your problem areas and offer some alternative treatments that can help you look and feel younger.

Botox for the Neck

Botox injections in the neck can deliver some dramatic results. When injected into the neck muscles, this neuromodulator works by relaxing the neck muscles. Neck bands and lines will gradually fade as the ingredients take effect, and you’ll be left with a smooth, wrinkle-free neck.

Injections only take 10 to 25 minutes to complete and then you’ll be free to go about your day. Results will last anywhere from three to six months. Once your results begin to fade, you’ll simply return for a follow-up treatment to maintain your results.

Liposuction

Some people are unhappy with the appearance of their necks because of excess fat. If this is the case, Dr. Hanna will make a small incision below the surface of your skin beneath your chin. Then, he’ll use a thin medical tube called a cannula to gently suction the fat from the area.

Liposuction is an effective way to permanently remove fat from the neck area and also pairs well with other procedures. If you only undergo liposuction, the procedure will be complete within an hour and you can return home the same day.

Submental Fullness 

If you have a double chin that extends down into your neck, you’ve likely felt self-conscious about it for a while. There is an effective way to permanently remove this fat and it’s minimally invasive. Kybella injections in this area will destroy the fat cells and the body will then eliminate them gradually in the weeks following your treatment. Results are permanent as long as you stay within 10 pounds of your goal weight.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If the appearance of your neck has caused you to lose your confidence in how you look, we have a solution that will restore youth to the area and help you look and feel younger. Contact us today at Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, IL to learn more about a neck lift and to find out if you are a candidate for this procedure.