A Facelift or Rhytidectomy is a type of cosmetic surgery that improves the visible signs of facial and neck ageing. It tightens the facial tissue, giving a more lifted look. It removes any excess skin and smoothes out folds and wrinkles. However, it does not include eyes or nose lifts. But you can opt for them all during the Facelift Surgery.

Facelift Surgery focuses only on the bottom two-thirds of the face and the neck. During a Facelift, the surgeon will reposition fat and tissue under the skin, too, as well as –

• Smoothen out the creases and folds
• Lift and tighten the skin tissue
• Remove excess skin

However, you must take note of the following –

• The result of a Facelift Surgery lasts around 10 years
• Facelift Surgeries cannot dramatically change the look of your face.
• The procedure cannot treat dark circles, sun damage, wrinkles, or skin colour irregularities.
• Lastly, only go for board-certified surgeons.

What are the Types of Facelift Surgery?

Below are the types of Facelift Surgery performed –

Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane Facelift involves the correction of several areas of the face at the same time. The doctors lift the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and skin as a single unit during this surgery.

Mini Facelift

Mini Facelift targets the loose skin around the neck and jawline. This helps tighten any saggy skin around the neck to give a sharp jawline.

Mid-Facelift

A Mid-Facelift is commonly known as a cheek lift which focuses on rectifying sagging skin from the upper mouth to the eyes, including the cheeks and nose.

Non-Surgical Facelift

Though a Non-Surgical Facelift does not require general anaesthesia or a larger incision, it can still rectify the signs of ageing, such as sagging skin, creases, and wrinkles. Some examples of non-surgical Facelifts are vampire, liquid, and thread Facelifts.

Facelift Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

Before the Procedure

Before the surgery, the doctor will ask for bloodwork for a presurgical evaluation. You might also need to stop certain medications or adjust the dosage if it is for certain serious ailments. Also, you will be asked to –

• Stop smoking
• Stop taking blood thinners, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, herbal supplements, etc.
• Not apply any product to your face before the surgery.

You will need someone to take you home after the surgery. Post-surgery, you will be under general anaesthesia, which limits body movement and muscle response. Therefore, you might need to ask someone to stay with you for at least 2 nights after the surgery.

During the Procedure

To begin with, doctors make small incisions in the hairline near the temple, which goes in front of the ear, and down in the front and side of the earlobe. The incision then goes back to the lower scalp behind the ears. Any excess fats or deposits are removed from the face, tightening the underlying muscle and connective tissue. However, if there is less sagging, a Mini Facelift is done, which does not involve long incisions.

Cosmetic surgeries usually involve dissolvable sutures. Doctors might use skin glue as well. In case the traditional sutures are used, you might need a follow-up with the doctor to remove the stitches.

After the Procedure

After the surgery, the attendant at the hospital will take you to the observation room, where you will be monitored. Once there are no signs of complications, you will be discharged from the hospital. You will have bandages around your face to minimise swelling and bruising.

Before you leave, the surgeon will give you specific instructions on post-operative care. They will also give you prescriptions for pain management.

Recovery

After the surgery, you will feel discomfort due to swelling and bruising, which is common in any type of surgery. Once the swelling and bruisings get better, you can observe the changes.

You must rest for at least 2 weeks before starting strenuous activities like – swimming, aerobics, jogging, etc. You can also ask your doctor when you can resume your daily activities. Here are some effective ways to take care of your Facelift Surgery-

• Moisturise your face daily
• Protect your skin from the sun (wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and protective hats)
• Drink plenty of water
• Eat a nutritionally balanced diet
• Get enough sleep 7-8 hours a day

Complications and Risks of Facelift Surgery

The following are the potential risks of a Facelift Surgery –

• Hair loss at the incision area
• Prolonged swelling and bruising
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Problems with wound healing
• Blood clots
• Nerve injury
• Anaesthesia risks
• Pain or scarring (in some cases)
• Cardiac issues

Who is not Eligible for Facelift Surgery?

If you have the following condition, you might not be a good candidate for a Facelift Surgery –

• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Drug abuse
• Smoking
• Pregnancy
• Heart disease
• Issue with anaesthesia
• Previous surgical complications

Be honest and open about any medical condition you have. If you are on certain medications, you must inform your doctor so that they can decide accordingly.

Treatment at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

At Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, you can expect the best results when it comes to Facelift surgery in India. We have India’s best cosmetic surgeon who will help you reverse the signs of ageing on the neck and face.