Our aging process, the effects of gravity, sun exposure and the stress of everyday life, leave signs in our face, creating the appearance of sagging lax facial skin. Creases can appear and deepen in certain places, especially between the nose and mouth. The oval of the face lose definition at the jaw, the skin folds and new deposits of fatty tissue arise in the neck.

Facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) won't stop this process, but can refresh your appearance in all of these areas, recovering the relaxed and pleasant appearance we used to have.

Who are the best candidates for a Facelift Surgery

Best candidates for a facelift surgery are women and men whose face and neck started to lax, but preserve an elastic skin and and strong, well defined bone structure. The majority of these patients are between 40 to 60 years-old, although excellent results might be obtained in individuals of 80 years-old and more.

A facelift can give a more youthful and lush in this appearance, and in this way improve your self-esteem. However, it would not give a totally different aspect, nor will return the health and vitality of your youth. Before deciding on this surgery, think well about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon on an initial consultation.

Planning a Facelift Surgery

When a facelift is performed by a qualified Plastic Surgeon, complications ara rare and generally minor. However, patients vary in their anatomy, physical reactions and healing power, so the results are never 100% predictable.

You will be given instructions for preparing yourself for the surgery, including recommendations on food, drink, smoking and eventually some prescriptions. If you smoke, it is very important to stop smoking two weeks before surgery: smoking reduces the blood flow to areas of the facial skin and might provoke problems in your healing process.

Anesthesia

The majority of facelifts are performed under general anesthesia, so you will sleep while the procedure is being carried out. A combination of local anesthesia with prespcription to keep you sleepy might be an alternative. In this cases, you will be awake but sedated and you won't feel any pain, although you might feel some discomfort while your skin is being reacommodated.

About the procedure

A facelift lasts several hours. This duration could be longer if it is combined with other procedures. In some cases two stages might be needed.

Facelift surgery starts generally by making an incision at the temples behind the hairline. The incision typically extends downward, along the natural creases in the skin, in front or on the edge of the ear, in the crease of the ear lobe, and behind the ear. In some cases an aditional incision might be required below the chin. Making the incision in the natural creases helps hide scarring after surgery.

Then the surgeon separates the skin from the fatty tissue, which is then cutted out of aspirated around the neck and chin to improve contour. Then muscles are tightened. After the tightening or removal of excess skin, the skin is re-draped and sutured or stapled in place.

Finally, slight compression bandages are applied and also a fine drain might be indicated.

After surgery

Pain is generally minimal and in such cases medicines are prescribed (if you experience heavy pain or sudden and significant swelling, consult your surgeon immediately). The treated area won't have sensitivity right after surgery, which will be recovered within a few weeks. It is preferable not to bend your head downwards to avoid bruising.

Bandages are retired between one to five days after sugery. Do not fear about pale aspect, swollen or bruised in your face. Remember that in a few weeks you will get back to normal life.

Almost all stiches are retired at the fifth to seventh day, although some might be left a few days more.

You should avoid strenuous activity until the swelling has subsided. At first your face will seem strange due to swelling. Your facial movements will be limited and some bruises will be visible for two to three weeks, enough to engage in some social activities.

After the third week you will look and feel much better. Many patients get back to work and social life two weeks after surgery. You might use special make up if bruises are visible.

You will certainly feel very satisfied with your facelift if you consider that results are not going to be apparent immediately. Even after swelling and bruises subside, hair nearby the incisions might be too thin and the skin may feel dry and feel rough for a few months. Men can experience a different distribution of the hair when shaving.

You will notice some scar after the facelift, but they will be hidden in your hair or below the natural folds of your face. Anyway, they will fade with time becoming almost invisible.

Final words

A facelift won't stop the watch. Your face will continue to age  with time and perhaps you will consider to repeat this procedure within 5 to 10 years. However, it is true that the effects of a facelift are durable, and in years to come you will have an improved aspect that wouldn't be there if you hadn't performed the facelift.

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