THE
DEEP
a new look at the Composite
Lift
"The face ages at the same rate, predictably from the top down and skin first," says Sam Hamra, MD, a Dallas Plastic Surgeon. Dr. Hamra has been an active proponent internationally of the virtues of the 'composite facelift', formerly known as the 'deep plane lift.' The two premises of this surgical technique are simple; the facelift tension is pulled in a different direction than the usual methods (up instead of back), and the fat and muscles are repositioned in one unit. The term 'composite' refers to all areas of the face being moved together; the three zones of the face; the face, around the eyes ('periorbital' in doc speak), and the forehead. The neck and brow are always done (low brows are lifted and high foreheads are lowered) along with the face to maintain facial harmony. The stated mission of the composite lift is to recreate the contours of youth without the stigma of a 'face lifted look', and/or to restore the youthful contours on a previously lifted face. This operation is not for the squeamish, and critics claim it is more invasive than conventional methods. It will also put a major crimp in your social calendar for a few months, but the trade-off as Hamra describes it, is 'many years of a natural and harmonious appearance.'
PROVISO
If you think a composite lift is for you, go to the best surgeon you can
find, or don't have it done. This technique requires confidence and experience,
as well as an in-depth knowledge of underlying facial structures (nerves,
muscles, fat pads, veins) and should NOT be undertaken by a junior surgeon
COMPOSITE LIFT (Face, Eyes, Brow)
Hospital - 1 night
Sutures out - 4 days
Anesthesia - general
Swelling - 12 weeks
BTW (back to work) - 4-6 weeks
MOB (mother of the bride) - 8-12 weeks
LOSING IT - a woman's worst nightmare
If you think you might be imagining a few extra hairs wedged between your Kent bristles or hugging your pillow these days, you're not alone. Hair loss is common in women too and can be even more devastating since it often comes as ashock. Almost 30 million women have thinning hair and heredity plays a major role on both your mother's and father's side. We have from 90,000 to 180,000 hairs on our heads, but each little hair has its own growth cycle. It is considered normal to lose anywhere from 50 to 150 strands a day, depending on whom you ask. Unlike men who tend to lose hair in one concentrated area, women are prone to a thinning that starts at the top and gradually spreads. When it comes to ponytails, size matters. If yours seems to be getting skinnier, it's time to call in the experts. According to the Women's Institute for Fine & Thinning Hair, your hair is thickest at age 20 and the chance of hair loss is almost twice as high for women with fine hair than for those who start out with a thick mane. (Duh!) Along with sagging necks and crepey skin, hair follicles are another casualty of the aging process. A great hairpiece, hat collection or scarf-tying tricks can work wonders, but there are ways to hold on to your hairs. If the cause is largely genetic, topical Minoxidil (as in Rogaine® For Women) is a good place to start. More serious hair loss conditions require transplantation including micro and minigrafts to keep up appearances. Hair loss is one of the most common fears of facelift patients and can sometimes result from a facelift or brow lift. The good news is that it's usually a temporary condition and re-growth occurs within the first three to four months. If you are already experiencing thinning hair and contemplating a lift, talk with your surgeon before a lift to determine your risk level. Some plastic surgeons may recommend beginning a course of Rogaine® before and/or after surgery as a precaution. Rogaine® For Women is used twice daily every day for a period of four months to see results.
A DOZEN REASONS WHY YOUR HAIR IS FALLING OUT
1. Genetics
2. Stress
3. Nutrition, dieting
4. Health condition
5. Environmental damage
6. Hormonal flux
7. Poor circulation
8. Infections
9. Medications
10. Chemicals
11. Harsh brushing
12. Scalp massage
TRESS STRESS -Post Lift Hair Miracles
To restore gorgeous hair after surgery, delicate strands need TLC. Choose formulas for frequent use that aregentle and light and don't require extra rinsing à la Johnson's Baby Shampoo or Clinique Hair Care Gentle Wash. At times like these, spray bottles can be a lifesaver to dilute products and spritz on evenly.