Facelift Surgery Basics

Facelift surgery is cosmetic procedure also known as rhytidectomy. It is used to make the patient look younger and to remove problems caused by aging. With this surgery, it is possible to remove sagging from the face, wrinkles, loose skin and issues associated with facial muscle tone. During a facelift, it’s possible to do also perform a brow lift or surgery on the eyelids. It’s important to know that there are limits to what facelift surgery can do and it won’t stop you from aging in the future.

Before surgery, you must go through lab testing, stop smoking and avoid taking certain medications. You must also ask someone to pick you up after the surgery, since you won’t be able to drive for a few hours after having anesthesia.

The procedure starts with anesthesia. For traditional facelift surgery, an incision is made on the hairline, circling around the ears and reaching the lower scalp. Then, fat is redistributed or sculpted and deeper layers of skin as well as muscles are lifted. Excessive skin is then removed. To work on the neck area, another incision is made under the chin. After facelift surgery, the lines from the incisions are hidden under the hairline or in the contours of the face. The final results of the facelift can be seen after bruising and swelling go down.

After the surgery, you will get instructions on how to care for your skin as well as medications to help during recovery. You will be required to go for a followup appointment with your surgeon. It can take up to six months until you fully recover and all the swelling is gone. Results are long lasting and you won’t need another surgery for years to come. Avoiding direct sunlight and living a healthy lifestyle can keep your skin youthful for longer, too.

Like with any surgery, there are certain risks involved, including scarring, bleeding, anesthesia risks and infection. Whenever something like this occurs, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Generally, though, patients don’t experience these side effects.

For more information about facelift surgery, visit SpaldingPlasticSurgery.com.