[Health Column] Should I endure with lasers? Or end it with a facelift? Checking my skin's 'golden time'

hello. Director Kim Jeong-min of View Plastic Surgery Clinic no see.

Every time I look in the mirror Face line that isn't what it used to be So, even though I wondered, "Is it because I haven't had enough sleep?", before I knew it, Deepened nasolabial folds and a sagging jawline You must have been very worried because you could clearly feel this, right?

That very time when deciding on surgery right away feels burdensome, yet you worry that doing nothing will cause it to sag even more!

My facial condition is simple Procedure possible steps Whether, or not surgery Is this a more effective step? I will give you a guide right now on how to clearly distinguish them.

1. Is my skin still at a stage where treatments are sufficient? ?

🌱 If you feel your skin elasticity has slightly decreased and is sagging lightly, laser or thread lifting is the answer!

If you have these symptoms Procedure Consider this first:

✅ Only when smiling When nasolabial folds are slightly prominent

✅ The jawline weakly In the case of the initial stage of collapse

✅ of the entire face Voluminous It is still in a good state.

At this stage, applying physical tightening with thread lifting or boosting elasticity with radiofrequency or ultrasound lasers alone is sufficient Natural improvement This is possible.

Above all, prepare for surgery The burden of recovery is low. That is a huge advantage!

2. Is it time to consider surgery on my skin? ?

🌱 If the effects of the procedure feel too short-lived or if there is a lot of excess skin when pulled by hand, it falls into the realm of surgery.

For people like this Facelift surgery I recommend:

✅ Between the forehead and the space between the eyebrows Severe wrinkles In the case of drooping eyelids

✅ For wrinkles and sagging skin all over the face all at once If you want to improve

✅ For those who want a 확실한 (definite) lifting effect without worrying about scars or nerve damage

It’s not just the outer skin that has lost elasticity, Possibility that the deep fascial layer (SMAS) has already started to sag It is high.

In this case, rather than a procedure that only tightens the surface Resolves the fundamental sagging The surgery performed is much more effective.

3. How is a facelift different from alternative procedures?

🌱 The key is to directly correct the deep structure (SMAS layer) that causes aging.

Let me highlight the key points of a facelift:

📌 SMAS (fascial layer) dissection

When the SMAS layer, a thin membrane surrounding muscles, loosens due to aging, the skin sags along with it.

Through surgery, this layer is directly separated and tightened, and the excess is removed to produce a definite effect.

📌 No need to worry about scars

The incision line is meticulously planned along the area around the ear to ensure that the scar is not noticeable after recovery.

The more skilled the medical staff, the more cleverly they hide it along the hairline or behind the ears. Medical staff proficiency That is really important!

4. Essential points to check for a successful facelift ?

🌱Check for anatomical understanding and aftercare systems rather than simply low costs.

Make sure to check these 3 things for satisfactory results:

skilled medical staff The face is a complex area where numerous nerves and blood vessels pass through. Only medical professionals with extensive clinical experience can perform precise surgery without nerve damage.
1:1 Custom Design Everyone has different skin thickness and bone structure. The extent and angle of the peeling must be finely adjusted to suit the individual's condition to avoid 'pointed ears' or awkward facial expressions.
Systematic follow-up care In addition to having an anesthesiologist on staff, having well-equipped scar care and swelling management programs is essential for a faster return to daily life.

💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Will there be significant scarring after a facelift? ?

A1. The incision is usually made along the line around the ear, and skilled medical professionals hide the scar along the hairline or behind the ear so that it is not easily visible.

It will be relatively inconspicuous once it recovers over time, so you don't need to worry too much.

Q2. I am still in my 40s; would it be okay for me to have surgery already? ?

A2. The criterion is the 'degree of skin and fascia sagging' rather than age.

If the effects of the procedure last only about a month, or if there is a lot of excess skin when you pull it taut, surgery may be a more suitable option at this stage. Please consult with a specialist.

💬Conclusion

You cannot turn back time, but you can change the speed of aging.

The dilemma between a lifting procedure and a facelift is likely due to the desire to return to "the youngest and most vibrant version of myself."

Rather than being swayed by others' reviews or cheap events My current skin condition and the depth of sagging It is wise to find the most suitable method for it.

Instead of worrying while looking in the mirror alone, try thoroughly checking the condition of your fascia with a professional.

That small step will become the most valuable investment that determines the next 10 years.

View Plastic Surgery Clinic

Director Kim Jeong-min

jeon ) Chonnam National University Hospital Fellow

jeon ) Clinical Professor at Chonnam National University Hospital

Regular member of the Korean Medical Association

Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons Regular member

Lifetime member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

Supervising Specialist of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

Regular member of the Korean Association of Plastic Surgeons in Private Practice

Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Regular member

International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (IPRAS) Regular member

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