Everything You Need to Know About Facelift Surgery
As we get older, our skin naturally loses its elasticity, and signs of aging make their debut. Eventually, this results in lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, which leave many people wondering how they can get their youthful, vibrant-looking skin back. A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure commonly used for tightening facial tissue and improving visible signs of aging in the face and neck. In 2020, more than 216.300 women and 18.000 men in the U.S. underwent facelift surgery – bringing rhytidectomy among the top five cosmetic surgical procedures. [1]
What is Facelift Surgery?
Facelift surgery is a complex surgical procedure that aims to give a youthful look to the skin by tightening facial tissues, removing excess fat, and smoothing out creases.
Facelifts are typically performed using general anesthesia, although local anesthesia is also used for less invasive procedures. Depending on the type of surgery, the doctor makes the initial incisions to separate the skin from deep facial muscles and fat, removes the excess skin, and repositions the underlying tissue. Once done, incisions are closed with sutures, which dissolve with time or are removed after a few days. [2]
Why have a facelift surgery?
Age, sun damage, smoking, and stress undeniably alter the appearance and shape of our face with time. For some, seeing their skin go through the natural aging process causes frustration, anxiety, and a drop in confidence. Although it’s impossible to turn back the clock, cosmetic restorative surgeries such as facelifts can improve patients’ psychological and social well-being by addressing their areas of concern.
Here are some of the most common reasons women and men of all ages choose to proceed with a facelift surgery:
- Eliminate a double chin
- Get rid of jowls
- Tighten saggy facial skin
- Reduce deep wrinkles
- Lift the corners of the mouth
- Reduce the creases between the lips and the cheeks
- Target signs of aging, all in one.
- Restore youthful appearance and vibrant-looking skin.
What are the different types of facelift surgery?
There are different types of facelift surgery. [3] It’s up to the patient and their surgeon to select the right option for their needs and expectations. Some of the factors typically considered when deciding are the patient’s health background, age, areas of concern, and the degree of expected change.
Mini Facelift
As a less-invasive procedure, Mini Facelift is well-suited to people who experience mild sagging skin around the face and neck. In a Mini Facelift, the doctor uses smaller incisions, typically along the hairline, to lift and tighten underlying tissues, refine the jawline, and give a rejuvenated skin appearance to the patient.
Mid-Facelift
The Mid-Facelift targets the midsection of the face, from the upper mouth to the eye area. The procedure also elevates the cheeks to create youthful and energetic cheek lines. Who is it for? Anyone looking for a refined, uplifted skin appearance beneath the eyes and above the mouth that looks natural and native.
Full Facelift
A full facelift, often referred to as a traditional facelift, addresses aging concerns to revamp the patients’ appearance holistically. In a full facelift, the surgeon targets various areas, from sagging and wrinkles to double chin and nasolabial folds. The procedure involves longer incisions, and like any other type of cosmetic surgery, it requires extensive experience in facial anatomy.
While the above serves as a general guide to the different types of facelifts, it’s important to remember that your doctor is the best person to advise you on the best option for your individual needs and expectations.
Life after a facelift
Bruising, swelling, and pain are expected side effects after facelift surgery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to alleviate pain and discomfort in the first days.
Although each person will experience healing at a different pace, swelling and bruising typically go away after 10-14 days, and patients can return to their normal activities within 2-4 weeks. [3]
Self-care after a facelift surgery
To get the most out of your recovery, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s care instructions while also giving yourself the time and care it needs to heal fully. The following tips will help accelerate the healing process and extend the results of your facelift.
- Avoid make-up
- Avoid strenuous activity and sports
- Keep your face protected from the sun
- Avoid excessive pressure and motion
- Eat healthy and nutrient-rich meals to accelerate the healing process.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking
- Stay hydrated by drinking at least 2 liters of water
- Get plenty of sleep
- Sleep with your head elevated
Should I wear compression garments during my recovery?
Compression garments are critical for your recovery. Compression garments provide support, encourage tissue to heal, and minimize swelling and bruising through the healing process. As you will be wearing your compression garment close to 24 hours per day, it’s essential that it fits well and that you feel comfortable and supported.
The Calla Postopertative Facelift Wrap with cold packs can help you live a stress-free recovery by easing discomfort, providing support, and preventing hematoma, swelling, bruising, and inflammation. It features a neckband and thin elastic ribbons around the back of the head to keep the compression in the correct position while helping loose skin retract and reattach.
When there is no incision behind the ears or when cold treatment is not needed behind the ears the Calla Chin & cheek compression with cold packs is an exceptionally beautiful, light and comfortable compression support.
Our size chart will help you get the right size based on your measurements. However, if you require some expert advice, reach out to us, and our advisors will be more than happy to help you choose the right fit for you.
Takeaway
Facelifts are a common surgery with typically high satisfaction rates. Be sure to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your expectations and concerns and therefore decide on the type of surgery that’s right for you. Although this article serves as a general recovery guide, it’s important to recognize that each person's healing journey looks different, depending on the type of procedure, any health problems, and adherence to post-op protocols.
Reference list
- Plasticsurgery.org. 2022.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2022. Facelift Procedure Steps.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2022.
- Americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org. 2022.
- Medicalnewstoday.com. 2022. Facelift: What to expect and possible complications.
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