Endoscopic Face-lift Procedures
- Endoscopic technology allows the surgeon(s) to look inside the face, beneath the skin, by inserting tiny cameras and instruments. Video images of the goings-on beneath and within the dermal layers are observed on a monitor. This enables procedural performance with the utmost precision. No lifting of the skin is necessary. Endoscopic technology allows for minimal incisions, and requires no blatant skin cutting, unlike the traditional face-lift technique.
- Endoscopic face-lift patients are typically from 30 to 50 years old, with moderately visible signs of aging skin. Face-lifts generally focus on the removal and tightening of excess skin to restore youthful appearance, and typical endoscopic face-lift patients do not have an abundant amount of excess skin, and still exhibit skin suppleness. They do, however, have facial imperfections intense enough to undergo plastic surgery for correction. Deep wrinkles around the nose and mouth, and sagging cheeks are common correctable conditions. Down-turned and thin lips, and loosened facial muscles that affect the youthfulness of the face is another common aging effect. Overall, endoscopic face-lift procedures aim to correct and combat the visible signs of aging in the skin; but for patients with dramatic aging signs, such as a drooping neck and jawline, traditional face-lift techniques are optimal.
- The surgery takes two to four hours and is performed under local anesthesia. It requires only small incisions in the skin (and no cutting or removal of excess outer skin, as done with the traditional technique). Endoscopic face-lifts are able to target specific troubled areas of the face, allowing concentrated adjustments where needed. Three or more small incisions are made in the patient's hairline, around the ears, through the mouth and/or beneath the jawline, as determined by the target areas and the patient's desired results. The microscopic cameras and instruments are inserted, and the surgeon begins tightening and reshaping the target muscles and skin tissue. Fatty tissue beneath the skin surface is removed with tiny instruments operated under the eye of the internal camera(s).
- The endoscopic face-lift presents a less invasive, less risky and less expesnive alternative to traditional cosmetic surgery. Side effects and downtime are minimal. Because of the size and strategic placement of the incisions, the endoscopic face-lift is often referred to as the "scarless" face-lift technique. Its technology not only lends precision and flexibility, but it allows concentration in areas otherwise difficult to treat with conventional methods. Also, the procedure does not require overnight stay in a hospital and can be administered on an outpatient basis.
- Small incisions imply much less bleeding than other non-endoscopic plastic surgery procedures. Swelling and bruising may occur around the incision areas, and sometimes in the treated areas in between, but overall, the technology allows for fewer stitches and minimal skin irritation and pain. There is little likelihood of complications. While traditional face-lifts require weeks or more of recovery, endoscopic face-lift patients recover within a few days.
- According to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery in October of 2008, the cost of endoscopic face-lifts ranges from $1,000 to $6,000. Because the procedure requires no overnight hospital stay, the cost is lower than with other conventional face-lifts. As with all cosmetic procedures, the cost varies by region, skill of the surgeon, patient skin condition and desired results.