Some of the most visible signs of
aging first appear on the face. Although the changes appear gradually,
there may come a day when you look in the mirror and decide that the face
you see doesn't reflect the way you feel about yourself. If you'd like
to look as good as you feel, a facelift can help. Also known as rhytidectomy,
a facelift smooths the loose skin on your face and neck, tightens underlying
tissues and removes excess fat. As a result, you face will appear firmer
and fresher.
You will find basic information about a facelift here, however the best way to get complete answers to specific questions that relate to your individual needs is to have a personal consultation.
Facelifts
are most commonly performed on patients in the 40-60 age range. However,
the procedure can produce good results for people in their 60s, 70s and
80s as well. You may be a good candidate for a facelift if you have any
of the following types of conditions:
- A deep line that runs from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth
- loss of a well-defined jawline
- deep wrinkles in the cheeks and sagging skin near the cheekbones
- loose skin, wrinkles or excess fatty tissue in the neck.
Facelift surgery needs to be approached with extra caution if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- blood-clotting problems
- the tendency to form excessive scars.
Be sure to alert your plastic surgeon if you are affected by any of these conditions.
What should I expect from the consultation?
A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering surgery. During this meeting, your surgeon will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for the procedure.
You should arrive at the consultation ready to provide complete information about:
- previous surgical procedures
- past and present medical conditions
- treatments you have received
- medications you are taking, including herbal remedies or nutritional supplements.
If you are overweight and have a realistic desire to lose more than 15 pounds, your weight loss could affect your results. It's important to discuss these plans with your surgeon.
During your physical evaluation, your plastic surgeon will assess your bone structure and the underlying tissues of the face. The thickness, texture and elasticity of your skin and the severity of the wrinkles and folds will also be considered. Your hairline will be examined to determine where incisions can be discreetly placed. All of these factors will be considered in developing your surgical plan.
Your plastic surgeon may explain additional procedures that can be performed along with the facelift to meet your appearance goals. For example, a facelift is frequently combined with:
- a forehead lift, to correct lines or furrows in the brow
- eyelid surgery, to eliminate drooping upper eyelids or bags beneath the eyes
- nose reshaping
- skin treatments, such as a chemical peel or laser resurfacing, to minimize fine wrinkles.
The technique chosen for your surgery depends on your features, your surgeon's preferences and your desired results.
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There are many variations to the facelift procedure. However, the incision is typically hidden in the natural contour of your ear, and then extends around the earlobe and back into the hairline. Following surgery, the incisions are easily concealed by your hair or with makeup. There also may be a small incision hidden beneath your chin.
Working through these incisions, your plastic surgeon frees the facial skin from its underlying tissues and pulls it upward and back. The excess skin is then removed. In some cases, the deeper tissues may also be repositioned to restore a more youthful contour to your face. If necessary, an incision under the skin allows your surgeon to remove fatty tissue in that area and smooth the cord-like structures of the underlying muscle in the neck.
How will I learn about the safety of facelift surgery?
Each year, thousands of people have facelifts and experience no major complications. However, it is important for you to be informed of the risks as well as the benefits.
One of the most important parts of your consultation is the discussion that you and your surgeon will have about the possible complications of facelift surgery. In addition to listening carefully to what your surgeon tells you, be sure to raise any questions you may have about the safety of the procedure.
By carefully following your surgeon's advice and instructions - both before and after surgery - you can do your part to minimize some of the risks.
How will I be cared for on the day of my surgery?
Your facelift may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center or an office-based surgical suite. If you are admitted to a hospital or surgery center, your stay will be a short one, perhaps just one or two nights.
Medications are administered to keep you comfortable during the surgical procedure. Your plastic surgeon may use local anesthesia and intravenous sedation for your facelift. However, for some patients, general anesthesia may be the best choice. Your surgeon will monitor your physical status throughout the operation and during your recovery.
How will I look and feel right after surgery?
When
surgery is complete, you'll be taken to a recovery area. A bandage may
have been wrapped around your face to help control swelling. Sometimes,
small drainage tubes are placed beneath the skin to drain away fluids
that might otherwise accumulate. Discomfort is usually minimal, but any
pain you feel can be controlled with medication prescribed by your surgeon.
Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your
recovery will follow this general time line:
The first day:
- In this early stage of healing, you should rest with your head elevated to help minimize bruising and swelling.
Within the first week:
- Swelling reaches its peak and then begins to subside.
- Bandages will be removed and you may shower.
- Stitches will dissolve or be removed.
- You may return to light activity, but continue to sleep with your head elevated.
- You can wear makeup to conceal any discoloration.
Within two weeks:
- Most of the bruising will disappear.
- You may resume many of your normal activities, including nonstrenuous work.
After several weeks:
- You may resume exercise.
- Swelling and puffiness will continue to subside.
- Numbness in the facial area will diminish; however, some numbness may persist for several months.
Throughout the healing period, you should avoid exposure to direct sunlight and, for the long term, be conscientious about using sun block preparations to protect your skin.
What should I know about my results?
If you're like most people who have the procedure, you'll be very pleased with your refreshed and rejuvenated appearance. Although the healing may take some time, you can expect the end result to be worth the wait.
A number of factors, including your heredity and your lifestyle, play a role in how long the results of your facelift will last. Even though the aging process continues, patients are usually happy with their appearance for many years following a facelift. Some patients find that they want to make additional improvements at a later time.
How long will I continue to see my plastic surgeon?
After the initial healing period, you will return to your plastic surgeon's office for a postoperative follow-up visit so that your healing and progress can be evaluated. In the following months, your surgeon may ask you to return for periodic checkups. It's important to keep these appointments so that your surgeon can assess your long-term results and address any questions or concerns you may have.
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