Facts About Facelift Surgery
Facial plastic surgery, or a “facelift,” is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures. But did you know that there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding this surgery? You may assume, for example, that a facelift will automatically make you look 25 again. This is not the case! Facelifts are designed to correct certain signs of aging, so it’s important to consult with your doctor before getting the procedure if you’re unsure whether or not it’s right for you. Read on for ten facts about facelifts.
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What is a Facelift?
A facelift is a surgical procedure that smooths out wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, tightens sagging skin, smoothes jowls, tightens or removes excess skin from the cheeks and tucks it behind the ears. This is usually done to correct deep creases around the mouth, known as smile lines. Facelifts also remove loose skin folds under your chin and make your cheeks look fuller.
1. Facelifts Aren’t For Everyone
If you’re considering a facelift, you need to be honest about what looks the most natural for your age. If you want to change your appearance completely, your face and neck must be in good shape. A facelift may not be right if you have loose or sagging skin. It’s also important to realize that a facelift can make you look older in your late teens or twenties.
2. Facelifts Don’t Make People Look Young
While some facelifts can take up to ten different hours, it’s not the actual surgery that makes you look old. The fine lines and wrinkles that develop after years of smiling, frowning, laughing, and squinting give people an older appearance. A facelift will smooth out these wrinkles and tighten the skin to provide a refreshed look. However, if you want to look younger than your age, a facelift might not be for you.
3. Multiple Procedures Are Required
A facelift is designed to improve specific areas of your face and neck. If you want to improve two or more areas, the surgeries must be done in tandem. This is why it’s important to consult your doctor before deciding to undergo surgery. If you opt for a combination of procedures, schedule them at least one month apart. This gives your skin time to heal in between procedures and reduces the risk of complications.
4. Procedure Costs Vary
While a facelift is designed to correct aging signs on your face, this procedure is not inexpensive. You’ll likely incur expenses for anesthesia and hospital costs, and you may also have to pay for additional consultations in the future. Your financial situation should be taken into consideration before proceeding with a facelift. If you don’t have the funds, you might be able to find financing through a loan or cosmetic surgery insurance.
5. It’s a Long Process
The recovery time for a facelift is six to eight weeks. First, your doctor will inject an anesthetic around the eyes and on the face to numb the area. Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may need additional injections for other areas of your face. You’ll also need to take pain medication to address any swelling. You’ll return to the operating room for wound care and any stitches. Finally, you’ll also want to consider finding a good regimen of skin lotion, face cream, and moisturizer for best results.
6. You’ll Need Care
After your facelift, you’ll be required to wear a thick bandage around your eyes for several weeks. To prevent facial swelling, you should avoid strenuous activity and sleep with your head elevated for at least three weeks. After six months, you should attend a follow-up appointment where the doctor will recheck for any signs of infection. If it’s been a year since your surgery and you still have no signs of infection, you may have to have repeat surgery.
7. You May Need Painkillers
If you’re expecting a facial surgery, it’s common to experience pain and swelling during and after the procedure. Your surgeon will likely prescribe a prescription for painkillers that you can use at home after your surgery. Some people prefer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and pain during recovery. You’ll also want to opt for cold compresses that can be placed on your face to reduce swelling.
8. Results Vary for Different Patients
If you want to improve the shape of your jaw and neck, a facelift may be right for you. However, if you’d like to increase the width of your cheeks, this procedure may not be right for you. Your doctor will know what is best for each patient’s unique needs and appearance. It’s important to understand that not every patient’s results are identical. Some may be unhappy with their results, while other patients are pleased.
9. Recovery Can Take Months
The recovery period for a facelift varies depending on the extent of the surgery. It’s also common to experience sensitivity in your face, which may last for several months after your surgery. You should avoid driving during this time because the eye and head movements can lead to dizziness and nausea. Eye drops may be prescribed to help with the stinging sensation. You may also experience numbness and swelling in your neck, which could take up to six months to improve. The more gentle the surgery is performed, the faster you’ll recover. If you undergo extensive procedures or have extensive scarring around your eyes or face, you will likely need additional follow-up appointments over and over.
10. You May Need Additional Treatments
A facelift can make your eyes look smaller, especially if you have removed droopy skin during surgery. If you want to address this problem, you need to ask your doctor about any additional treatments you may need. Eye lifts and brow lifts can help you look more youthful. If these areas of your face still look older than your age, consider seeking a second opinion to see if you should opt for other procedures.
A facelift is designed to correct aging signs in the face, such as crow’s feet, droopy skin, and sagging skin. By rejuvenating your face, you’ll look and feel more youthful, which is why many people turn to this procedure to boost their confidence and appearance. If you do choose to undergo a facelift, it’s important to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure; your skin pigment, as well as its costs. Your surgeon can help determine if a facelift is right for your unique needs.
