A facelift is a surgical approach to the signs of aging, sun damage, and weight fluctuation that can affect the face. As time progresses, our face muscles and tissues can become loose. This instance eventually results in folds and shadows along the nose extending to the mouth’s corner. Additionally, it can create jowls and excess fatty deposits around areas of the jaw and jawline.
A facelift is a cosmetic treatment that produces natural-looking and anti-aging results. This procedure uses a comprehensive approach to take care of skin issues with the underlying muscles, fat, and fascia to create a subtle yet effective change.
Let’s learn more about what a facelift truly is and how it can lift and improve the aging face.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift is a cosmetic treatment involving surgery that improves visible signs of aging in the lower face. Medically referred to as a rhytidectomy, this procedure reduces skin that is sagging, forming folds and shadows on your cheeks and jawline.
During a facelift, tissue on either side of your face is pulled back, and the tissues found beneath the skin are surgically configured to improve the contours of your face. A facelift can provide you with a more youthful shape.
Another popular procedure called a platysmaplasty, or neck lift, is often done together with a facelift to eliminate undesired sagging skin found on the neck.
A facelift will not lessen wrinkles or fine creases in your skin or sun exposure damage. Your surgical team can discuss other treatments to address these issues.
How Does a Facelift Work?
When a facelift is performed, the surgeon will reposition fat and tissue found beneath the skin to:
● help smoothen out deep folds and creases
● lift the skin on the face
● remove excessive skin
● diminish sagging skin or “jowls.”
A facelift can be done alone or together with other cosmetic procedures. During the process, your surgeon will create incisions in front of your ears and behind your earlobes. Excessive skin is lifted and removed, with its deeper tissues secured and tightened. They may remove fat around the neck and chin to help enhance your contour.
This surgery usually takes three hours or more, depending on your skin’s condition and other procedures that may be undertaken at the same time. A facelift is performed under general anesthesia. Once the procedure is completed, your head gets wrapped in bandages, reducing the after-effects of bruising and swelling.
Most people who experience a facelift may feel a little pain or discomfort afterward. Any discomfort can be easily controlled and minimized through prescribed medication. Common temporary side effects of a facelift may include bruising, numbness, swelling, and tightness.
Procedure for a Facelift
A facelift procedure can differ based on the desired results you want to achieve. Here are the basic steps for a facelift procedure:
● Incisions are created in front of the ear, going down in front of and can hug your earlobe, returning to your lower scalp found behind the ears.
● The removal or redistribution of fat and excessive skin from your face may follow. Underlying muscles and connective tissues are redistributed and tightened. With minimal skin sagging, a “mini” facelift may be performed involving shorter incisions.
● Surgeons will remove excess skin and fat to the neck if a neck lift coincides with your facelift. Neck skin gets tightened, pulled up, and back. Typically, this is done through an incision beneath your chin.
● Dissolvable sutures are used internally with a non-dissolvable suture externally. You will need to return to your surgeon to remove your stitches in 6-7 days. These incisions are placed in a way that helps blend your hairline and facial structure. In addition, you will have surgical drainage tubes and bandages wrapped around your face after surgery.
Facelift Expectations and Recovery
Your surgeon will likely give prescription medication for pain after your facelift. Feeling some pain or discomfort together with swelling and bruising are usually expected.
The nursing staff will provide instructions on the removal of any drains or dressings and when to have follow-up appointments. When the swelling fades, you will start seeing how differently you look. Although your skin will begin “feeling normal,” results usually manifest for several months.
Allow yourself around two weeks before your return to your daily activities at an average level. More strenuous activities must wait about a month. Your surgeon will let you know when you can resume your usual activities.
To extend the results your facelift has given, you should:
● Wear your compression garments as directed
● Drink eight or more glasses of water daily
● Eat a balanced diet with increased protein for healing
● Get 7-8 hours of sleep daily
● Daily sunscreen and anti-aging skincare
Talk to the surgeon or staff if any unusual concerns arise. Facelift results are not guaranteed. Your desired results may not be achievable with only one surgery. Sometimes, subsequent ones may be necessary to maintain your results.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
All medical procedures, including a facelift, have some risks and side effects. This can include:
● anesthesia risks
● bleeding
● blood clots
● cardiac events
● infection
● hair loss at the incision sites
● pain or scarring
● problems with wound healing
● prolonged swelling
Make sure to review all the components of a facelift with your surgeon, including the potential risks involved. Doing this ensures you are well informed to decide if a facelift procedure is right for you.
Final Thoughts
A facelift can alleviate your sagging skin issues and rejuvenate the appearance of your lower face. Talking to the experts will ensure your experience is safe and worthwhile.
Are you interested in having a facelift procedure? The Aesthetic Center of Plastic Surgery can help you make an informed decision and will care for you through the complete surgical process. Visit https://theaestheticcenter.net/ or call 701-255-3311 to schedule your consultation.