Using incisions hidden within the hairline near the temples and in the natural folds in front of the ears, cosmetic surgeons can reposition facial tissues, smooth creases and eliminate jowls for a fresh appearance. A facelift can also be combined with a forehead lift (brow lift), eyelid surgery or neck lift.
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The Procedure
Facelift cosmetic surgery is a popular option for men and women who are in good health but have begun to notice the effects of age on their faces. It is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the skin, separating the top layer of facial muscles and tissues from the underlying layers, and then lifting and repositioning these structures, resulting in smooth, wrinkle-free skin.
Unlike older facelift techniques that tighten the superficial layer of facial skin, modern techniques such as the SMAS facelift elevate lax tissues to restore a more youthful appearance without creating an “operated” look. Additionally, surgeons can perform this procedure with other procedures, such as a neck lift or eyelid surgery, to address all aspects of the face for complete rejuvenation.
Incisions for a facelift are strategically placed so they are hidden in the hairline or earlobe to avoid visible scarring after the procedure. In addition, many surgeons have developed methods to reduce the size and location of the incisions so they will not be obvious, even with short or long hair.
The results of a facelift are permanent and will provide you with a new set point from which aging can be managed. However, lifestyle choices and tissue elasticity will still influence your appearance over time.
Recovery
Facelifts are surgical procedures that remove sagging skin on the face and fat deposits that can cause wrinkles. Our plastic surgeon will listen carefully to your cosmetic concerns and discuss how to achieve these goals. We will also discuss the costs and risks involved.
During the surgery, anesthesia will be used for your safety and comfort. Your surgeon will make a well-hidden incision camouflaged within the hairline, and natural skin creases around the ears (no hair is shaved). Once the incision is made, your surgeon can separate the upper layer of skin from the muscles and tissues beneath, trimming or suctioning excess fat and tissue as needed. Once everything is tightened, the incisions will be closed with fine sutures.
Recovery from a facelift is a process that can take a few weeks to a couple of months. During this time, you must rest at home to allow the body to heal properly. To minimize swelling, you must avoid getting your bandages wet and sleep with your head elevated. Your care team will provide you with a detailed recovery plan.
It would help to tell your plastic surgeon about your medical conditions and smoking habits. This is important because smoking can slow healing and increase your risk of complications after the procedure.
Results
A well-performed facelift results in facial tissues appearing tighter and repositioned more youthfully. The procedure can eliminate loose skin and wrinkles in the lower face, neck and jowl area and improve weak or sagging muscles. Discreet incisions, primarily hidden in the hairline, tighten loose facial muscles and skin. Additional volume is often created by redistributing fat using a technique known as liposuction or fat transfer. A facelift can sometimes be performed to correct a sagging chin and jawline.
While the surgical changes may be dramatic, the appearance should be natural-looking for patients with good skin quality; in a study involving photographs of men and women from their 40s to 70s, raters who saw both the before and after photos rated them on an attractiveness scale of 1 to 10. After a facelift, patients were perceived as being 3.01 years younger.
One of the primary concerns of many facelift patients is how long they will need to wait before they can return to work and other activities. The bruising and swelling will peak two days after the surgery, but most patients can conceal any post-surgical blemishes with camouflage makeup. Patients should be able to resume normal activity within a week and are encouraged to exercise regularly, as this will help maintain their new facial shape. Practicing healthy lifestyle habits, including avoiding excessive sun exposure and living a stress-free life, can further extend the life of the facelift results.
Cost
The cost of a facelift will depend on the extent of the procedure you’re seeking. Your plastic surgeon will provide a personalized consultation to ensure you understand your cosmetic goals, long-term expectations, and concerns. This will help them create a treatment plan to achieve the best results.
A traditional facelift, or rhytidectomy, counteracts the effects of aging by tightening facial muscles and trimming excess skin, especially on the lower half of the face. It can correct jowls and give you a refreshed look from 10-20 years younger. It is best suited for men and women with some facial elasticity left and good bone structure.
Your plastic surgeon will make incisions around your hairline, ears, and neck to lift and reposition the skin. They may also remove any fat causing wrinkles or sagging skin. You may experience some bruising and swelling for a few weeks, and it may take up to six months for all incisions to heal completely.
You’ll need to pay for the services of your plastic surgeon, anesthesia, hospital or surgery center fees if you’re being admitted for a facelift, medical tests before your surgery, and any medications (like painkillers, antibiotics, anti-nausea drugs, and steroids) you’ll receive during your recovery. You’ll also need to purchase any supplies you may need to make your recovery as comfortable as possible, like compression garments or skincare products.
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