Facelift Patients Achieve Positive Results with Second Facelift

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI, May 05, 2013 (Press-News.org) According to a recent paper published in the March issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a second facelift surgery performed an average of a decade after an initial facelift can achieve long-lasting positive results while maintaining a low complication rate. As a board-certified and fellowship trained oculofacial surgeon with over 15 years of experience, Dr. Mark N. Berkowitz (http://www.accentscosmeticsurgery.com) has seen similar outcomes at his own suburban Detroit cosmetic surgery practice.

"Nothing can stop the aging process," says Dr. Berkowitz, a Detroit facelift specialist who sees patients from as far away as Grand Rapids. "No matter how well the initial surgery was performed, time keeps marching on. It's not unusual to consider a secondary procedure down the road."

The researchers for the study reported their experiences over a span of two decades, and approximately 800 facelift surgeries, ranging from 1990 to 2010. Sixty of these procedures were performed as secondary facelifts; ten of these patients continued on for a third facelift. The study results excluded patients who had only minor follow-up revisions after their initial procedure.

Of the 57 women and three men who underwent a secondary facelift, the average time lapsed between procedures was nine years. The average age of initial facelift patients in the study was 51 for the initial surgery, and age 60 for the second. At approximately five percent, the complication rate for the secondary facelift was consistent with the complication rate seen in primary facelift procedures.

"We're living longer these days, and staying active longer into our retirement, too," says Dr. Berkowitz, who treats both men and women at his suburban Detroit cosmetic surgery practice. "When you're young at heart, it's only natural to want your outside appearance to reflect how you feel on the inside."

A facelift surgically improves the most visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck, and corrects sagging in the mid-face. As part of the aging process, the skin loses elasticity and firmness, and develops a lax quality. Loss of muscle tone in the facial structure exacerbates this effect, leading to hanging jowls and drooping eyelids. Changes in metabolism and hormones that are common with age also lead to a buildup of fatty deposits below the chin and under the jawline.

"I'm encouraged by the results of this long-term study," notes Dr. Berkowitz. "I would like to see a similar inquiry into other facial cosmetic surgery procedures, such as eyelid surgery and brow lifts. For people who have these procedures in their 40s and 50s, the reality is that a secondary procedure could become increasingly common."

Facelifts are commonly performed in conjunction with other procedures for more comprehensive results. Eyelid surgery specifically repairs signs of aging around the eye area. A brow lift addresses wrinkles and furrows in the upper face. Nonsurgical options are also frequently included to enhance the effects of a facelift as well, such as laser resurfacing to improve skin tone, texture and pigment, or injectable fillers to smooth wrinkles without additional surgery.

"A facelift can have amazing results, but the most important step is your initial consultation," says Dr. Berkowitz. "The best facelift will be one that's completely customized for your individual needs and appearance goals, leaving you looking refreshed and rejuvenated."

Led by Dr. Mark N. Berkowitz, Accents Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa (http://www.accentscosmeticsurgery.com) serves Michigan residents from its suburban Detroit location. As one of only 19 Michigan surgeons with advanced training in oculofacial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Berkowitz is sought after by patients from across the state, from Lansing to Grand Rapids, and beyond. From facelifts to anti-aging medspa treatments, Accents continues to lead the way in patient satisfaction and excellence in results.