19 Apr New Study Quantifies the Many Benefits of a Facelift
You know a facelift will make you feel better about yourself, but how much better? A new study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal answers this question using artificial intelligence. As you get ready to book your complimentary consultation for a facelift with John Park MD Plastic Surgery, it’s a great idea to think about the many benefits of a facelift. These go well beyond turning back the clock 5+ years.
The research was led by Alexander Gibstein, who wanted to provide an objective look at the perks of facelifts. The team used “convolution neural network algorithms” as well as patient satisfaction surveys to figure out just how much younger they looked after a facelift while also rating their satisfaction. In total, four neural networks analyzed patients one year after a facelift. It was found that patients who opted for fat grafting as well as a facelift (a common combination) looked younger than those who did not. Those with fat grafting also reported a higher satisfaction rate. There are many types of facelifts, as well as complementary procedures, so it’s critical to only work with a surgeon who customizes every procedure just for you.
Choosing the Subjects
A variety of facelift techniques were analyzed in the study. Only women were participants, and the pre- and post-operative photos had to have similar lighting and expressions. Those who underwent other procedures were not included. Patients were asked to rate what they thought of their appearance at various sites including the cheeks, nose folds, and under the chin (neck) since a neck lift is almost always inherently included in a facelift. They were also asked to rate their quality of life before and after surgery, including their social happiness and psychological health. Finally, subjects were asked to rate the process of care including their happiness with the outcome, decision to undergo a facelift, and after-care.
The female patients ranged in age from 46 – 75 and those who underwent less invasive techniques were typically a little older. Those with “skin only” facelifts, the least invasive type, appeared to have turned back the clock by just about three years according to the AI analysis. Those who opted for a more aggressive facelift erased nearly six years on average.
Satisfaction Rates for a Facelift
No matter what type of facelift the subject received, or their age, all patients reported that they were happy with the results. The order of just how satisfied they were with the results mattered, with improvement in the cheeks rated first followed by the lower jawline, nasolabial folds, neck, and under the chin. Subjects also reported an increase in their social function, psychological health, and early life impact. The vast majority were happy with the overall outcome and pleased that they opted for a facelift.
The first facelift was performed over 100 years ago, but facelifts did not become widely popular until around the 1980s. However, even a century ago, researchers were considering the best approaches for this procedure. In the very early years of facelifts, addressing the underlying soft tissue was not part of the surgery. Instead, there was a focus on “tightening” the skin. Today, working with both the skin and the underlying tissue is what allows for a natural but still stunning result. After all, it is not just the skin that is affected by time, but rather the entire face. It’s important that your surgeon addresses the entire face and patient—not just the superficial layers.
The Intricacy of a Facelift
Choosing the right surgeon is just as important as getting matched with the right facelift procedure, technique, and perhaps complementary procedures. The face is very complex and there are a number of factors at play including skin, soft tissue, collagen, and even bone loss in some cases. There is no singular facelift technique that is superior to all others, but every procedure should be selected by a leading facial plastic surgeon who individualizes a plan for each patient.
Are you ready to take the first step in your journey towards a youthful, radiant you? Connect with John Park MD Plastic Surgery today by completing the online form or calling the office to schedule your complimentary consultation.