There are plenty of anti-aging options available for the face. While non-surgical techniques have grown in popularity over the years, the facelift remains a proven method for eliminating wrinkles and helping patients look younger and more rejuvenated.

Many patients wonder how the facelift is performed and how it is tailored to their needs. With that in mind, Dallas, TX plastic surgeon Paul Pin looks at the basics of a facelift and then notes how plastic surgeons customize the procedure based on the gender of the patient among other factors.

How a Facelift Is Performed

During a facelift, incisions are carefully concealed behind and around the patient's ears. Through these incisions, a plastic surgeon can adjust the underlying structures of the face, remove excess tissue, and pull the skin tighter to make wrinkles disappear.

These are just the basics, however. During the consultation, plastic surgeons have a number of other considerations when it comes to the patient's appearance. The gender of the patient and other practical concerns can alter the way a surgical procedure is done.

Male and Female Hairlines

Men and women have different hairlines, which leads to unique concerns when performing surgery. The presence of sideburns, the presence of hair follicles, and the nature of the hairline itself can greatly influence how the incisions are made and where they're positioned in order for them to remain concealed.

Male and Female Facial Anatomy

In addition to the differences in hairlines and hair thickness, there are also differences between men and women in the anatomy of the face. Men tend to have larger faces on the whole, especially around the jaw and the neck. Men tend to have firmer ligament supports than women, which can make certain cosmetic adjustments more challenging. Men also have more vascular structures in the face, which can increase the risk of bleeding and scarring.

Special techniques will need to be considered so that none of these matters lead to serious complications or issues with the overall surgical results.

The Issue of Facial Hair

Obviously a man's facial hair can have a major bearing on the way a surgery is performed and the ideal way of achieving good cosmetic results. Plastic surgeons must consider how adjustments and skin tightening may affect a man's facial hair, whether it's a mustache, a beard, or a goatee.

Targeting the Right Part of the Face

Women and men may have different parts of the their face operated on during a facial lift procedure. With regard to male facelifts, the procedure often strengthens the jaw line and neck area as a way of enhancing masculine features. When performing facelifts on women, the goal is to soften the features while also eliminating wrinkles to enhance their femininity.

Tailoring Surgeries to the Patient

Taking all of these concerns into account, a facial plastic surgeon can create a custom treatment plan that enhances femininity or masculinity while making the results look natural. During a consultation, patients can learn more about their ideal treatment options as well as alternatives that can put their aesthetic goals within reach.

Learn More about Facial Plastic Surgery

For more information about reducing wrinkles, improving your appearance, and feeling great about the way you look, be sure to contact our plastic and reconstructive surgery center today. We will help you achieve your aesthetic goals.