Get Yourself a Youthful New Look With a Facelift

Get Yourself a Youthful New Look With a Facelift : Our faces change as we age. Some people have it tougher than others, depending on various factors, including career occupation, diet, and environment. For people who show their age more easily or earlier than others, a facelift is a great way to reverse the clock for a few years.

What Does a Facelift Achieve?

A facelift is usually performed to remove excess skin and fat that results in sagging as you age. The procedure will address the sagging appearance of the cheeks, excess skin at the jawline and neck, deep skin folds extending from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth, and finally, sagging skin and excess fat build-up in the neck. The result is a firmer, more youthful look for you. A facelift surgery cost is affected by various factors, including the extent of the procedure.

What Will a Facelift Not Correct?

A facelift will not correct previous skin conditions like eczema and Vitiligo. There may be other procedures and medication to help you heal or improve the appearance of such skin conditions. In addition, a facelift will not correct any previous damage caused by exposure to the sun, such as fine lines and wrinkles in some places.

Risks Associated With a Facelift Procedure

A facelift procedure involves making surgical incisions to access affected areas of the face and neck. A few risks and complications may arise from a facelift procedure. Some of them include the following;

Scarring

This is natural after a facelift procedure since the surgery involves making surgical incisions. Your plastic surgeon will try and make the incisions at places that are easy to conceal, like around the ear lobe and behind the hairline. However, some people may experience excessive scarring. This should not worry you because the doctor will use corticosteroids to help reduce the appearance of scars.

Hematoma

Hematoma is the pooling of blood under the skin. This is the most common complication of a facelift. It may result in swelling, discomfort, and pain. They are most common within the first 24 hours of the facelift procedure and should be dealt with immediately through surgery to avoid damage to the skin and nerves from the excess pressure.

Nerve Injury

Nerve injury is a rare occurrence that affects the nerves around the face and neck. These nerves are responsible for the movement and sensation of the skin and muscles. In some cases, the nerve damage is temporary, and the body manages to repair fully. In extreme cases, the nerve injury is irreversible and causes uneven facial appearance and expressions. The chances of this happening are slim to none if your facelift is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited hospital or a medical facility.

Hair Loss

Temporary hair loss around the incision sites may occur as your skin heals and recovers. If the hair does not grow back, do not worry; hair transplant surgery can restore your hairline to its former glory.

Facelift Q&A

Will a facelift make me look stretched?

No, a facelift should not make you look anything other than natural and smooth. Your plastic surgeon’s skill set and experience will play a vital role in your facelift results. Other things that may affect your facelift results include smoking after the surgery or excessive consumption of alcohol.

How can I prepare for a facelift?

A patient should first book an appointment with a plastic surgeon to get firsthand information on what to expect during the procedure. Your doctor will probably advise you to avoid taking alcohol and smoking and stop taking medications that affect your types of blood clotting factor so you don’t bleed excessively.

Next, you should take care of your skin by keeping it clean and moisturized without excessive makeup until the surgery so it can breathe. If you take some herbal medication, your doctor may advise you to stop taking them. You must inform your doctor about all medicines, allergies, and supplements you are on for your safety. Your information is protected by the doctor-patient confidentiality healthcare rule.

What kind of anesthesia is used during a facelift?

The plastic surgeon can decide to use local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the facelift procedure. Your doctor will discuss this with you and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each anesthesia type.

Will I need someone to drive me after a facelift?

Yes, most plastic surgeons will recommend having someone take you home after the procedure because you will not be in a position to drive safely. You will also need someone to take care of you for a few days after the procedure to ensure you take your medication and make it to your post-op appointments for a checkup.

How long does a facelift last?

A facelift may take anywhere between three to four hours. It may take shorter if you only get the mini facelift.