Facelifts have long held a prominent position in the realm of plastic surgery. Since their invention, they have been abundantly popular amongst patients looking to restore a youthful appearance, and the procedure has come a long way since its beginnings in the early 20th century.
While the technologies and procedures for facelifts have vastly evolved throughout the years, that doesn’t mean that there is one sure-fire way to treat and rejuvenate the face. In fact, according to Gulf Shores, AL facial plastic surgeon E. Gaylon McCollough, MD, personalized, condition-specific care is key when it comes to delivering remarkable results.
Understanding Condition-Specific Facial Rejuvenation
As outlined in an article Dr. McCollough wrote for the Facial Plastic Surgery Journal, the unique degrees of aging seen on different areas of a patient’s face play a big role in properly treating for facial rejuvenation. “The degree of aging for each area of the face, including the eyelids and lips is measured on a scale from 0-5, with 5 being the most advanced,” Dr. McCollough explains. “If the score is 0 or 1, surgery is not necessary, and with each step upward the invasiveness of surgery is increased, to the extent that a stage 4 or 5 usually indicates that skin resurfacing is needed along with lifting procedures. The depth of skin resurfacing for wrinkling and sun damage is also factored into the equation, with level 1 being spa peels and microdermabrasion and levels 2 to 3 being procedures performed by a surgeon.”
The Pitfalls of a “One Size Fits All” Approach
Despite the inherent variability in aging patterns among individuals, Dr. McCollough observes a tendency among some surgeons to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach to facelifts and eyelifts. He remarks, “I can find no evidence that other surgeons determine the grading of each area of the face and neck and apply the findings when recommending or performing a facelift, eyelid surgery, or skin resurfacing. They often resort to the same ‘one-size-fits-all’ procedure in every case. However, all facelifts and eyelifts are not the same, nor should they be, because all faces are not the same, nor is the same face consistent at different ages. Thus, there is no ‘one size fits all’ face or eyelift. I’ve been in practice long enough to seen trends come and go. For example, the currently popular and more expensive ‘Deep Plane Facelift’ is proving not to be indicated for all faces, especially those that display only minimal to moderate aging.”
Contrary to this standardized approach, Dr. McCollough relies on his degrees of aging algorithm to guide him through each stage of the facial-rejuvenation process, from initial consultation to post-operative care. He adds, “If given the opportunity, patients readily comprehend the ‘condition-specific’ approach to treating their face,” noting that the outcomes of this tailored approach are preferable, as they avoid the appearance of being overdone or under-corrected, thanks to the precise application of The McCollough Algorithm.
As the field of plastic surgery continues to advance, embracing the principles of personalized care and condition-specific treatment will undoubtedly remain essential in achieving optimal results. Dr. McCollough stresses that when it comes to one’s face and body “new” is not necessarily better; and that procedures and products that have stood the test of time should not be eagerly discarded.
With this commitment to informed and individualized care, the future of facial rejuvenation offers endless possibilities for enhancing natural beauty and restoring youthful vitality, for men and women from all walks of life.
