A nip and tuck, is more commonly referred to as a facelift. It is a proven, effective cosmetic surgery procedure known formally as a rhytidectomy. There are many cosmetic procedures for the face. However, a nip and tuck is still the most popular procedure to smooth facial wrinkles.

It’s not really certain where the nickname, nip & tuck came from.

During a nip & tuck, the following is removed:

sagging skin
rooping skin
adipose tissue

These all make you look older than perhaps you feel. So, with a nip & tuck, the surgeon is able to tighten muscles and skin. This reveals the natural, youthful contours of your underlying bone structure. Necessary incisions are strategically located at natural creases in your skin or along your hairline, where they are not noticeable after you have healed from your surgery.

Nip & Tuck Popularity

Although the idea of a procedure that could turn back the clock and make a person look years younger seemed impossible only a few generations ago, today facelifts have become popular choices for people of both sexes. In fact, in America alone, more than 100,000 people have a facelift annually. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the main reason these patients cited for choosing a facelift was a desire to achieve a more attractive and youthful appearance.

Another study published by the AMA showed that people who have facelifts achieve these goals. This concludes facelifts are an effective way to take years off a person’s appearance. This is not only true for younger patients; the JAMA reports that older patients were even more satisfied with the results of their surgery than their younger peers.

Considerations

If you are considering a nip n’ tuck, here are some things you should know.

Many patients go home after surgery. However, some people stay the night at the hospital, so pack an overnight bag just in case.
Expect to go home with bandages on your face. These bandages typically come off a day or two after surgery. Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to remove your stitches in a week or so.
You may be given medication for pain relief following surgery. Applying cold compresses and keeping your head elevated may also help.
Swelling and even bruising are normal after a nip and tuck. Also, don’t be surprised if your face feels stiff for a few days.
As with any cosmetic surgery, your results are heavily dependent upon the skill and experience of your cosmetic surgeon.

Nip & Tuck in Colorado Springs, CO

If you’re considering a a nip and tuck procedure, please contact the office of Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS. Dr. Liebscher is one of the most practiced and respected plastics surgeons in Colorado Springs.

Recently edited. Original publish date: 09/17/2013.