What is a
face lift?
Facelift or rhytidectomy is a surgical procedure to improve visible
signs of aging on the face and neck. As individuals age, the skin and
muscles of the face region begin to lose tone. The facelift cannot stop
the process s of aging. It can improve the most visible signs of aging
by tightening deeper structures, redraping the skin of face and neck,
and removing selected areas of fat. A facelift can be performed alone,
or in conjunction with other procedures, such as a brow lift, liposuction,
eyelid surgery, or nasal surgery.
Who is a good
candidate for a facelift?
Men and women of all ages benefit from facelift. This surgery is individualized
for each patient. The best candidates for facelift surgery have a face
and neck line begun to sag, but whose skin has elasticity and whose
bony structure is well defined.
Are there
risks involved?
While all surgery carries some risk and plastic surgery is no exception.
Serious complications are infrequent when the facelift is performed
by qualified plastic surgeon. All patients experience temporary numbness
in incision line following a rhytidectomy because some nerves leading
to the face are divided during the surgery. Most, if not sensation will
return in majority of cases within several months. Heavy smokers should
be aware that nicotine can delay healing. Risk of complications can
be minimized by closely adhering to your surgeon’s advice on follow-up
care.
What will
happen during surgery?
The surgery may take three to four hours. Facelift usually is performed
under general anesthesia. An incision is usually made from and one or
two inches behind your hairline, going down in front of ear, than under
and behind ear.
Your face skin will be gently pulled upward, and any excess skin is
removed. Your surgeon will be rise up the different tissues of your
face.
The surgeon will close the incision with stitches and bandage be applied.
After surgery, there is soreness and discomfort which is easily controlled
by medication. You will remain in the hospital for a day or two. Some
bruising and swelling are natural, and will begin to decrease in a week
to 10 days. Bandages will be removed one or two days following surgery.
Stitches used to close the incision will be removed in 5 days to 12
days following surgery. You will be able to wash your hair one or two
days after surgery.
Most patients begin to resume their normal routines very quickly following
a forehead lift, usually within a week after surgery. Generally, they
are back to work tithing a week to10 days.
The decision on when to return to work and normal activities depends
on how fast you heal and how you feel. Sports should be avoided for
four weeks.
What is the
fee?
Fees and operative facility costs of facelift vary widely, depending
on the length, technique and complexity of the operation. Additional
expenses will depend on the anesthesia used, and how long have you been
in a hospital.
What is your question?
