Facelift

Where do I go ?

If you are interested in getting a facial lift called also rhytidectomy, you should start by consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in performing this type of procedure. You can find a qualified surgeon by asking for referrals from your primary care physician or friends and family members who have undergone similar procedures, or by searching online for plastic surgeons in your area.

Once you have identified a few potential surgeons, you should schedule consultations with each of them to discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your facial structure and skin condition, review your medical history, and explain the different surgical options available to you.

Be sure to ask your surgeon about their qualifications, experience, and success rate with facelift procedures. You should also ask to see before-and-after photos of their previous patients, so you can get a better idea of their skills and the results you can expect.

Ultimately, the most important factor in choosing a surgeon is finding someone you feel comfortable with and who has your best interests in mind. A facelift is a major surgery, so you want to be sure you are in good hands and have a clear understanding of the risks, benefits, and recovery process before you make a decision.

What does it involve?

A facial plastic surgery or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves tightening and lifting the skin on the face and neck to give a more youthful appearance. The procedure can address several concerns including sagging skin, jowls, deep creases, and wrinkles.

The exact details of the procedure can vary depending on the patient’s specific needs and the surgeon’s approach, but generally, a facelift involves making incisions along the hairline and around the ears, and sometimes under the chin. The surgeon will then lift the skin and tighten the underlying muscles and tissues to create a smoother, firmer appearance. Any excess skin is removed, and the incisions are closed with sutures.

In addition to the facelift itself, many patients choose to combine the procedure with other cosmetic surgery such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery to achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Facelifts can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation, or under general anesthesia depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s preference. Recovery time can vary but typically involves several weeks of rest, avoiding strenuous activity, and following post-operative instructions from your surgeon to promote healing and minimize complications.

Recovery

Recovery from a facelift can vary depending on the extent of the surgery, the patient’s age and health, and other factors. However, there are some general guidelines you can expect during the recovery period.

After the procedure, you will likely have bandages and dressings on your face, and there may be drainage tubes in place to remove excess fluids. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to care for the incisions and any drains or dressings.

You may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first few days after surgery. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort.

It is important to rest and avoid strenuous activity, including bending over or lifting heavy objects, for at least a week after surgery. Most patients can return to work and normal activities within two to four weeks, although this can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual’s healing process.

Your surgeon will likely schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and remove any stitches or drains. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.

It is also important to protect your skin from the sun and avoid smoking during the recovery period to promote optimal healing and long-term results.

Side effects to expect

Like any surgery, facelifts carry some potential risks and side effects. Some of the side effects you can expect after a facelift include :

• Swelling and bruising : These are common side effects after facelift surgery and can last for several weeks ;
• Pain and discomfort : It is common to experience some pain and discomfort after the surgery, which can be managed with pain medication ;
• Numbness and tingling : Some patients may experience temporary numbness or tingling in the face and neck area, which usually resolves within a few weeks or months ;
• Scarring : Although your surgeon will try to minimize scarring, some scarring is inevitable after a facelift. However, scars are typically hidden within the hairline or around the ears and should fade over time ;
• Infection : Like any surgery, there is a risk of infection, which can be minimized by following proper post-operative care instructions and keeping the incision sites clean ;
• Hematoma : A hematoma is a collection of blood under the skin, which can occur after surgery. Your surgeon may place drains to prevent the buildup of fluid and reduce the risk of hematoma ;
• Nerve damage : There is a small risk ;

What could go wrong

While facelift surgery is generally safe, there are potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. Some of the possible complications that could go wrong include :

• Infection : Infection is a risk with any surgical procedure, including a facelift. If an infection occurs, it may require antibiotics or additional treatment ;
• Bleeding : Bleeding is a risk during or after surgery, which can lead to hematoma or even shock. If excessive bleeding occurs, additional surgery may be required ;
• Nerve damage : Facelift surgery involves working near the nerves that control facial movement. Damage to these nerves can cause weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. In most cases, the damage is temporary, but it can be permanent in rare cases ;
• Scarring : While surgeons try to minimize scarring, facelift surgery can result in visible scars that can be difficult to hide.
• Skin necrosis : In rare cases, blood supply to the skin can be compromised, resulting in tissue death or necrosis. This can require additional surgery to remove the affected tissue ;
• Anesthesia complications : Anesthesia carries its own risks, including allergic reactions, heart problems, and respiratory issues ;
• Unsatisfactory results : While most facelifts produce satisfactory results, there is always a chance that the results may not meet the patient’s expectations ;

It is important to discuss all potential risks and complications with your surgeon before deciding to undergo a facelift. Your surgeon will take steps to minimize these risks and ensure the safest possible outcome.

What to do if you have problems

If you experience any problems or complications after a facelift surgery, it is important to contact your surgeon right away. Your surgeon can evaluate your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment. Depending on the severity of the issue, your surgeon may recommend additional medication, further surgical intervention, or other treatments.

It is important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, including attending all scheduled follow-up appointments. If you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, redness, or drainage from the incision site, you should contact your surgeon immediately.

If you experience severe or life-threatening complications, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or excessive bleeding, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or going to the nearest emergency room.

Remember that your surgeon is your partner in your post-operative care, and they are committed to ensuring the best possible outcome for you. By following their instructions and communicating any concerns or issues, you can help ensure a safe and successful recovery from your facelift surgery.