The Male Face Lift

Men and women basically have the same facial structure so that the face lift (rhytidectomy) surgical  technique is not significantly different. The best candidates for face lifts are between 40 and 60 years of age whose skin still has some elasticity and whose bone structure is strong and well-defined. Men do tend to get face lifts about a decade later than women. Face lifts can be performed on people in their 70s and 80s if they are strong and healthy. Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center’s Smartlift Face Lift is appropriate for men and women both.

The basic face lift involves creating inconspicuous incisions that begin above or at the hairline, at the temples, extend in a natural line in front of the ear (or just inside the cartilage at the front of the ear), and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. The skin is then raised outward, before the underlying muscle and connective tissue is repositioned and tightened. Fat and redundant skin are removed during this process. After trimming the excess skin, and draping it carefully, the incisions are closed.

Men generally do not want to change their looks much; they want a subtle rejuvenation that keeps them looking masculine. With men, it is critical to avoid altering the hairline in such a way that “feminizes” the face. So much care is taken by modifying the incisions to fit the patient’s face and hairline. We can also discuss how changes to the shape of the jaw, nose, and face can add more masculine elements to the face. Thorough consultation and assessment are all part of the process to be sure the patient’s goals are achieved.

Because men have stronger ligament supports, have thicker skin, and are generally bigger and more vascular, there are few considerations specific to men. Although bruising can be less of a factor, thicker skin means a richer blood supply to the face and men are therefore more susceptible to excessive bleeding and hematomas (a pocket of blood forming beneath the skin). Men may also require monitoring and drugs for high blood pressure as this may cause bleeding and hematomas.

Another difference between men and women are hairlines and beards. Obviously I make every effort to make incisions inconspicuous by modifying them to follow the hairline. The way your beard grows must be examined closely. Slight modification in the direction that the underlying supporting tissues are pulled, more vertically, allows for a more natural appearance of facial hair growth. That being said, it is important to remember that the beard is also being slightly repositioned as the deep tissues are lifted and suspended, and excess skin is removed. This aspect of the male face lift takes a bit more effort and artistry in order to achieve a natural appearance.

At Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center we treat each patient with utmost consideration to his or her individual needs. This means that your rhytidectomy will be planned and performed specifically with your health, bone structure and aesthetic goals in mind.

Dr. Branman

Call Melinda at the front desk to set up a consultation 501-227-0707