By Sofia
A facelift is among the most sought-after of all cosmetic procedures. But with all the treatment options available, it can be unclear for many people looking to eliminate signs of aging. Here are the top frequently asked questions about facelift surgery.
What Can Patients Expect from a Facelift Procedure?
A surgeon will consider various facelift procedures for patients looking to rejuvenate the skin. Typically, most techniques involve making an incision behind and in front of the ear to lift the facial muscles.
A facelift surgeon may also remove fat deposits and reposition the underlying tissue and facial muscles. In addition, some clients require chin incisions to lift and eliminate neck contours. In addition, the surgeon may apply skin adhesives to cover the incisions.
Anesthesia is administered during all facelift procedures to ease any discomfort. A traditional facelift procedure takes approximately four hours. The patient keeps the dressing for the first two days to reduce the risk of infection.
It may take at least two weeks to recover from the swelling and bruising. In addition, the surgeon may prescribe pain medication to address any discomfort. Also, the incisions are usually inconspicuous and can easily be covered with makeup.
How Long will the Facelift Last?
A classic full-facelift can last between 10 and 15 years. However, the body continues to age even after the procedure. But that depends on several factors, including skin elasticity and the structure of the muscles.
Some procedures like brow lifts are minimally invasive, but they last for about three years. Nevertheless, the patient’s commitment to self-care will also influence how long the results will last.
Sun exposure should be avoided since it impacts healing and can diminish the skin’s elasticity. However, smoking also affects the recovery process. Therefore, the surgeon will often recommend quitting the habit before the procedure.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
Before the procedure, the surgeon will interview and determine if the patient is an ideal candidate. Drooping cheeks, jowls, eye bags, and folds are some of the issues a facelift surgeon can address.
People over the age of 60 may not be the ideal candidates for the procedure. However, as with virtually all surgeries, older patients take longer to recover and may experience more discomfort from the bruising.
After age 65, the blood vessels stiffen, while muscles and tissues become less responsive. These factors can impact healing and may lead to poor surgical outcomes. Therefore, older patients can undergo a facelift after a thorough health review by the surgeon.
The surgeon will evaluate the patient before recommending a treatment plan. People taking blood-thinning medication or in poor health are discouraged from undergoing a facelift.
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What is the Alternative to a Full Facelift?
After evaluation, the surgeon must decide on the best cosmetic surgery technique to yield optimal results. There are several alternatives besides the traditional procedure. They include short-scar, high SMAS, and deep layer facelift.
The techniques may differ in duration, incision length, and downtime after recovery. A traditional procedure is suitable where lifting neck muscles and tissues is necessary. But a short scar facelift would be ideal for the patient if they have no neck contours.
A deep layer procedure improves the nasolabial folds and other mid-face muscles and tissues. Such invasive procedures can have side effects such as a longer recovery time and nerve damage.
Other non-surgical alternatives may include radiofrequency and micro-needling. The suitability of such techniques depends on the patient’s needs and budget. However, the results of most non-surgical procedures last for a limited time and require re-application.
What are the Possible Side Effects of a Facelift?
Virtually all cosmetic surgery procedures have potential side effects. The most prevalent side effect is an infection on the incision, which may trigger other health complications. Some patients also experience bouts of nausea and vomiting after the procedure.
Patients can reduce the potential for an infection or nerve damage by consulting licensed and certified professionals.
In addition, a certified surgeon will plan for post-operative monitoring to address potential issues. Most health complications can be averted by adhering to evidence-based facelift procedures and protocols.
Facelift procedures have become safer thanks to advancements in cosmetic surgery. More people are searching for minimally invasive techniques with shorter downtimes. Complications are possible but rare when performed by a qualified surgeon.
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