Facelift Surgery: What It Is, What to Expect, & More
Are you thinking of getting a facelift? Read this guide to learn what facelift surgery is, what to expect, and more.
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As you grow older, your tissues and skin lose elasticity, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Facelift surgery — or rhytidectomy — is a cosmetic procedure performed to enhance your facial appearance. It involves skin removal and tightening of the facial tissues to minimize wrinkles and restore a more youthful appearance.
Combining this procedure with other facial plastic surgeries can also ensure that the eyelids, brows, cheeks, and forehead are enhanced as well.
What to Expect During Your Initial Consultation
If you are planning to get a facelift, the first step is to talk to a skilled plastic surgeon. During the initial consultation, your service provider will ask you about your goals. While some people only want to correct specific facial areas, others need extensive work. This often means a combination of surgical procedures or non-surgical techniques.
The surgeon will perform a comprehensive skin evaluation to decide your correct treatment plan. If you’re a good facelift candidate, your physician will explain the procedure and provide further recommendations.
You may qualify for this surgery if:
- You are in good overall health and have no medical condition that could impact your healing
- Your mental health is good, and you have realistic expectations
- You don’t smoke
The best facelift candidates are individuals with facial ageing but who maintain decent skin elasticity. These patients are often in their 40s to 60s; however, age has less importance than skin and tissue quality.
What Facelift Surgery Entails
Facelift surgery is performed using general anaesthesia or IV sedation. The type of anaesthesia used depends on the surgery type and your needs.
Your surgeon will make the incision. This incision usually begins in the hairline at the temples and can continue down and around the ears. In some cases (where the neck is also being addressed), there may be an additional incision made beneath the chin.
Recovery After the Procedure
You should expect some discomfort immediately after the surgery; however, your surgeon will prescribe medication to relieve pain. Swelling and bruising can persist for two days, but most patients are okay after a few days.
Recovery often takes up to two weeks, and you can resume all of your daily activities after four weeks. You want to keep bandages and incisions dry as you care for your wounds. Follow the given washing and bathing instructions for a smoother recovery. It’s okay to experience muscle stiffness and numbness while recovering.
Sufficient exercise, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle after a facelift surgery help maintain desirable results. You want to avoid contact with pollutants, sun exposure, stress, and excessive alcohol intake. It can take a year for scars to tone down and fade.
Ways To Use A Body Treatment Cream
Facelift Surgery Costs
The pricing for this cosmetic procedure depends on factors such as the amount of work involved, the type of facelift, and additional treatments. Facelift costs in Birmingham, AL, often range from $12,000 to $15,000. It’s best to consult a professional for evaluation to know the exact price.
A skilled facelift surgeon charges you based on postoperative garment fees, facility costs, type of anaesthesia used, and other factors.
Essential Facelift Surgery FAQs
Am I a Good Facelift Surgery Candidate?
You may want to consider a facelift if you’re unhappy with facial skin sagging, neck muscle banding, fatty deposits on the neck, and deep wrinkles. You should be a non-smoker, in good health, and without significant medical conditions. As you consult your surgeon, you should have realistic goals and expectations.
How Do Surgeons Perform Facelift Surgery?
The procedure starts with a general anesthesia administration. Once it takes effect, your surgeon makes the required incisions. They use sutures to secure and tighten the SMAS (deep facial) tissue. The professional may trim it for the enhancement of other facial areas. This improves the neck and face muscles, leading to enhanced appearance and longer-lasting results.
What Should I Do if Complications Occur?
While skilled surgeons perform facelifts carefully, you may fail to get desirable results. If you’re unhappy with the new appearance or want further improvements, communicate with your service provider about the issue. Most physicians follow up on their patient’s recovery process and are willing to provide correctional services when necessary.
What Long-Term Results Should I Expect?
When a qualified and board-certified professional performs facelift surgery, expect natural-looking results. While aging is inevitable, this cosmetic procedure allows you to appear younger. If you want to get better results, you should follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions. Other factors to consider are maintaining a stable weight, exercising, and living a healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake to maintain long-term results.