Facelift Surgery

Facelift Surgery

As we grow old, our appearance also develops many changes. The face is the foremost part that comes to our mind when we talk about looks. You may see some wrinkles on your face with growing age and the shape of your face may also get altered. Your skin may also become saggy, and especially the cheek skin may become loose. FaceLift Surgery can address these issues .

What is Facelift Surgery?

Facelift surgery is also known as Rhytidectomy. It is a surgery done to make one look young by altering his or her face. In this surgery, the folds of the skin on the cheeks and the jawline are reduced. A part of the skin on both sides of the face is stretched backward and the tissues below the skin are altered or shaped to make the face look younger. The excess skin from the face is also removed in this therapy.

Facelift surgery is often coupled with neck-lift surgery. In the latter, the fat deposits and the saggy skin of the neck are reduced.

How To Proceed?

Once you decide to have a facelift surgery, you should visit a plastic surgeon after consulting with your primary care physician. The surgeon would take you through a procedure as follows:

• He would ask you about your past and present medical conditions. He may also ask you if you have undergone any surgeries before. He would inquire about smoking, drugs, and drinking habits. These questions are necessary for him to decide whether your face is ready and fit to undergo the procedure.
• The surgeon would also take pictures of your face from different angles. He would examine the shape, bone structure, and fat distribution on your face along with the quality of your skin.
• The plastic surgeon would also ask you about your expectations after undergoing the facelift surgery and would make you aware of the correct outcomes. 

The surgeon, in consultation with your physician, will provide you with instructions regarding the procedure. You may be

• Asked to temporarily discontinue your medications.
• Advised to wash your face with a germicidal soap so that your face gets ready for facelift surgery.
• Asked to avoid eating for some hours before you undergo the surgery. 
• Advised  to have someone assist you at home after the surgery.

During the procedure, you will be sedated with general anesthesia. The surgeon will then proceed to make incisions on your face and neck along the contours. He will then re-contour your face and neck by reducing fat, elevating the skin, and tightening the tissues. At the end of the procedure, the facial outer skin is repositioned on the newly sculpted contour lines and fixed with stitches.

The procedure will take you a minimum of 3-4 hours. You may have to wait for the sedation to wear off before you can go home. 

You may experience the following side effects after the surgery:

1. Mild pain 
2. Swelling on your face
3. Numbness
4. Bruising

You should make an appointment with your doctor if you are facing any of the problems below:

1. Shortness of Breath
2. Chest Pain
3. Irregularity in heartbeats
4. Severe pain on any side of your face or neck

Even after the surgery, you would be called for regular follow-ups to monitor the progress of your face after the facelift surgery and for the removal of stitches. Along with the guidance of the doctor, you need to take care of yourself at home as well. Your surgeon may give you the following instructions:

1. Try to wear clothes that can be worn from the front.
2. Avoid make-up.
3. Avoid vigorous exercises.
4. Avoid direct exposure to the sun.
5. Avoid bleaching for at least 6 weeks.

Who is Eligible for A Facelift Surgery?

Anyone who wishes to undergo the procedure can get it done. However, this procedure is recommended for those above the age of 40.

Request an appointment at Apollo Hospitals

Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment

Also, you must know about the following before going for facelift surgery:

1. If you have some medical conditions already that prevent blood-clotting, then you shouldn’t have facelift surgery. 
2. If you are a diabetes patient or suffer from high blood pressure, then going for facelift surgery is not a good option. These problems increase the risk of hematomas that can lead to skin damage and other heart complications as well.
3. Avoid smoking if you want to go for facelift surgery as it can increase the risk of poor wound healing, hematomas, and even skin loss.
4. If you are experiencing sudden repeated weight loss or gain, then this surgery would not work as well as it should. Weight loss or gain affects the shape of your face too and consequently, may affect the outcomes of Facelift Surgery.

Why is Facelift Surgery Done? 

Facelift surgery is done to reduce the aging effects on the face. It is required because of the following changes:

1. With growing age, the cheeks become saggy; so for shaping the cheeks facelift surgery is preferred.
2. Excess skin may appear at your lower jawline as you grow old. Facelift surgery would help to alter that skin and make you look younger.

Along with the facelift surgery, the excess fat in the neck is also removed.

What Are The Risks Associated With Facelift Surgery?

There are certain risks associated with this cosmetic surgery. They are as follows:

1. Hair Loss: You might face hair loss after facelift surgery. It may be a permanent hair loss or a temporary one. The former can be treated by hair transplantation. 
2. Hematoma: Hematoma is the common risk associated with the procedure and results in swelling due to the collection of blood under the skin. It is treated with surgery to prevent damage to skin and tissues.
3. Scarring: Scarring is also a risk associated with facelift surgery. Post-surgical scars are permanent and are concealed by natural contours of the face and ear. Incisions may even lead to red scars, a rare occurrence that can lead to complications. Further, medications and injections are given to cure the scars.
4. Injury to nerves: Facelift surgery can also cause injury to nerves. It is again rare, but it can lead to severe complications like facial paralysis. It affects the appearance of the face. It can be treated by further surgeries. 
5. Sloughing: Sloughing is also known as skin loss. Facelift surgery can lead to skin loss by interrupting the supply of blood to the tissues of the face. It can be treated with various medications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: What is the best age to have facelift surgery?

A: The best age for a facelift is 45-60 years of age. As at this age, the signs of aging become prevalent. So the facelift would help to remove the wrinkles and make you look younger.

Q: Is it worth having facelift surgery?

A: The facelift gives long-lasting and effective results so it is helpful to have a facelift surgery if you want to have a younger appearance.

Q: How long does the youthful appearance of a facelift surgery last?

A: The results of facelift surgery may not be permanent. But they are expected to last at least 10 years.