A facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed to give a person a younger facial appearance. It essentially smooths the folds of the skin on the jawline and cheeks and reduces sagging skin. During the surgery, the surgeon pulls back a flap of the skin and tissues on both sides of the face. The surgeon also removes excess skin and alters the tissues below the skin, which gives the face a more youthful shape. A neck lift, which involves removing excess skin and fat from the neck, can also be done as a part of a facelift.
Here is everything you need to know about facelift surgery.
Why Is Facelift Surgery Done?
The shape and appearance of our faces change with age. For instance, as you age, your facial skin might become looser and fail to snap back as fast as it used to. Some of the age-related facial imperfections the procedure can address include:
- Sagging skin on the cheeks
- Deep folds of skin running from the corners of the mouth to the sides of the nose
- Excess skin on the lower side of the jaw line
If a neck lift is a part of the procedure, it might address the issue of excess skin and fat in the neck.
However, you need to note that facelift surgery cannot treat skin imperfections like wrinkles, uneven skin color, and sun damage.
Ideal Candidate for Facelift Surgery
Generally, a good candidate for a facelift should meet the following qualifications:
- Have realistic expectations
- Be a non-smoker or be willing to quit smoking
- Be in good physical and mental health
It is also important to remember that you should consider a facelift only for yourself; you should not have it to fulfill other people’s desires.
The Facelift Procedure
Facelift surgery starts with the administration of anesthesia. The options for anesthesia include general anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Your surgeon will advise you on the best choice for you. The goal is to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
In a traditional facelift, the incision should begin in the hairline near the temples, run to the front of the ear, and end in the lower scalp. The surgeon then repositions the underlying tissues and removes the excess skin. In some cases, another incision may be made below the chin to improve the appearance of the aging neck. Lastly, skin adhesives or sutures may be used to close the incisions.
The Recovery and Results
After the surgery, a bandage will be applied to protect the surgical site. Tubes may also be placed to drain excess fluids. Your surgeon will prescribe the medications to help you manage any discomfort during the recovery period. Full facelift recovery time in Raleigh, NC, is four to six weeks, meaning you may also be advised to avoid strenuous activities for about a month. However, you may be allowed to go back to your day-to-day activities after two weeks.
As swelling subsides, the actual results of the procedure will become more apparent. Although great results are generally expected, there are no guarantees. In some cases, an additional procedure may be required to achieve optimal results, and you need to be prepared for such a possibility.
Risks Associated With Facelift Surgery
Like other surgical procedures, a facelift is not without risks. Some of the risks associated with the procedure include:
- Blood clot
- Scarring
- An adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Skin loss and poor wound healing
- Hair loss
- Prolonged swelling
- Persistent pain
- Facial nerve injuries
- Excessive bleeding
You need to discuss the risks with your doctor before you can decide to have a facelift.
Facelift FAQs
How Long Does Facelift Surgery Take?
This can depend on many factors, but generally, the procedure should take two to three hours. In some cases, patients may be allowed to go home the same day. In others, an overnight stay may be required.
How Much Pain Can I Expect?
The procedure will be done under anesthesia, meaning it will be completely painless. However, you can expect minor discomfort around the incision during the recovery period. The discomfort will be managed with pain medication prescribed by your surgeon.
Will I Have Scars After the Procedure?
Like with any other surgical procedure, scarring is possible. However, you can use your hair to hide the scars. If you have short hair, you may have to allow your hair to grow a little longer to serve this purpose.
How Soon After a Facelift Can I Exercise?
Facelift recovery time in Raleigh, NC, is four to six weeks. Although you can go back to work after a couple of weeks, you will need to wait for at least a month before you can resume more strenuous activities such as physical exercise.
