Facelift
Are you looking to turn back the clock on aging? A facelift might be just what you need! With hundreds of thousands of people worldwide undergoing facelift each year, it’s clear that this procedure can have a significant impact on your appearance. In fact, facelift has a 93% worth it rate according to RealSelf.
What is Facelift?
A facelift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the face by tightening the skin and underlying tissues, removing excess fat, and repositioning the facial features. A facelift can help you look younger, fresher, and more rejuvenated.
There are different types of facelifts, depending on the extent of correction needed and the areas of the face that are targeted. Some common types of facelifts are:
- Mini facelift, full facelift, mid facelift, neck lift
A facelift can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the type of facelift and the patient's preference. The surgery can take anywhere from two to six hours, depending on the complexity and extent of the procedure. The recovery time can vary from one to four weeks, depending on the individual healing process and post-operative care.
A facelift can have many benefits for people who are unhappy with their facial aging signs, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, jowls, or loss of volume. A facelift can restore a more youthful and harmonious appearance to the face, boost self-confidence and self-esteem, and enhance one's quality of life.
Benefits of Facelift
Improved appearance:
A facelift can enhance your facial features by removing excess skin and fat, tightening the underlying tissues, and repositioning the skin to create a more youthful contour. A facelift can also correct asymmetry or balance in the face, making it more harmonious and attractive.
Younger look:
A facelift can take years off your appearance by reducing the signs of aging that make you look older than you feel. A facelift can smooth out wrinkles and creases, lift sagging cheeks and brows, and define the jawline and chin. A facelift can also improve the quality and texture of your skin by stimulating collagen production and blood circulation.
Increased confidence:
A facelift can boost your self-esteem and confidence by making you feel more comfortable and happy with your appearance. A facelift can also improve your social and professional interactions by making you look more approachable and energetic. A facelift can also help you express your emotions better by eliminating the tired or angry expression that aging can cause.
Long-lasting results:
A facelift can provide lasting results that can make you look younger for years to come. Unlike non-surgical treatments that require repeated sessions and maintenance, a facelift can offer permanent changes that only age naturally with time. A facelift can also be combined with other procedures such as eyelid surgery or brow lift to achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
If you are interested in getting a facelift, you should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your facial anatomy, skin condition, and goals, and recommend the best technique for you. A facelift is a personalized procedure that requires careful planning and preparation to ensure optimal results and safety. A facelift is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation and usually takes about two to four hours to complete. The recovery time varies depending on the extent of the surgery and your individual healing process but generally ranges from one to three weeks.
A facelift is not a magic solution that can stop or reverse aging completely. It can only improve the current state of your face and neck by addressing the existing signs of aging. It cannot prevent future aging or change your fundamental facial structure or expression. It also cannot treat other areas of the face such as the eyes or forehead that may also show aging. Therefore, you should have realistic expectations about what a facelift can do for you and how it will affect your overall appearance.
A facelift is a personal decision that should be made based on your own needs and desires. If you are unhappy with how aging has affected your face and neck, and you want to look younger and more refreshed, a facelift may be a good option for you. However, if you are looking for a drastic change in your appearance or identity, or if you are doing it for someone else's approval or pressure, a facelift may not be suitable for you. You should discuss your motivations and expectations with your surgeon before undergoing a facelift to make sure it is the right choice for you.
Types of Facelift
There are different types of facelift procedures available, depending on your goals, preferences, and anatomy. Some of the most common types are:
Traditional facelift:
This is the most extensive type of facelift, which involves making an incision along the hairline from the temples to behind the ears. The skin is lifted and repositioned, and the underlying muscles and connective tissues are tightened and reshaped. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the incisions are closed with sutures or staples. A traditional facelift can address the lower two-thirds of the face and the neck.
Mini facelift:
This is a less invasive type of facelift, which involves making smaller incisions around the ears. The skin is lifted and tightened in the lower part of the face, and the underlying tissues are sutured in place. A mini facelift can address mild to moderate sagging and wrinkles in the lower face and jawline.
Deep Plane facelift:
This is a more advanced type of facelift, which involves making deeper incisions along the hairline and around the ears. The skin and the underlying muscles are repositioned and secured in the mid and lower part of the face, and the excess skin is trimmed. A deep plane facelift can address severe sagging and wrinkles in the lower face, cheeks and neck.
Rhytidectomy:
This is a type of facelift that requires less cutting of the skin, which means smaller scars around the ears. The skin is pulled and smoothed in the lower part of the face, and the deeper layers are stitched in place. A rhytidectomy facelift can improve mild to moderate sagging and wrinkles in the lower face and jawline.
Liquid face lift:
This is a minimally invasive type of facelift, which involves injecting dermal fillers into strategic areas of the face. The skin is plumped and smoothed in the mid and lower part of the face, and the facial contours are enhanced. A liquid facelift can address mild to moderate signs of aging and volume loss in the lower face and cheeks.
Neck lift:
This is a type of facelift that targets the neck area only. The incision is made under the chin or behind the ears. The skin is lifted and tightened, and the underlying muscles are sutured together to create a smoother and firmer neck. Excess fat may be removed with liposuction or direct excision. A neck lift can address loose skin, muscle bands, and fat deposits in the neck.
The type of facelift that is best for you depends on several factors, such as your age, skin quality, degree of aging, facial features, budget, and desired outcome. A board-certified plastic surgeon can help you choose the most suitable type of facelift for your needs and expectations.
The Facelift Procedure
A step-by-step explanation of what happens during a facelift procedure
Step 1: Anesthesia
Before the surgery, you will be given medications to make you comfortable and numb the area. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you based on your health and preferences.
Step 2: The incision
Depending on the type and extent of the facelift, your doctor will make different incisions. The most common types are:
- Traditional facelift: The incision begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear, and ends in the lower scalp. This allows the doctor to lift and reposition the deeper layers of the face and neck, as well as remove excess skin and fat.
- Limited incision facelift: The incision is shorter and begins at the temples, continues around the ear, and ends in the hairline behind the ear. This is suitable for patients with less skin laxity who want a more subtle improvement.
- Neck lift: The incision begins in front of the earlobe and wraps around behind the ear, ending in the posterior hairline. This is used to address sagging jowls, loose neck skin, and fat accumulation under the chin.
Step 3: Closing the incisions
The doctor will close the incisions with sutures that may dissolve or need to be removed after a few days. Some doctors may use skin glue to seal the incisions. Once healed, the scars will be well hidden within the hairline and natural contours of the face and ear.
Step 4: See the results
After the surgery, you will have some swelling and bruising that will subside gradually over a few weeks. You will also need to follow your doctor's instructions on how to care for your incisions, how to manage pain and discomfort, and when to resume your normal activities. The final results of your facelift will appear once all the swelling has gone down. You should expect a more youthful and refreshed appearance that enhances your natural features.
Facelift Recovery
1 week
The first week after a facelift is the most critical and challenging time for recovery. Patients should expect some swelling, bruising, pain, and numbness in the face and neck. They should also follow their surgeon's instructions carefully to avoid complications and infections. Some of the common recommendations are:
- Keep the head elevated at all times to reduce swelling and bleeding
- Apply cold compresses to the face and neck to ease discomfort
- Avoid any strenuous activities or movements that could strain the incisions
- Take prescribed painkillers and antibiotics as directed
- Clean the incisions gently with soap and water and apply ointment as instructed
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and blood-thinning medications that could interfere with healing
- Wear a compression garment or bandage around the face and neck to support the tissues
- Avoid exposure to sunlight or heat sources that could cause inflammation or scarring
Patients should also schedule a follow-up visit with their surgeon within a week to check on their progress and remove any stitches or drains.
2 weeks
The second week after a facelift is usually when patients start to see some improvement in their appearance and feel more comfortable. The swelling and bruising should subside significantly, and the incisions should start to heal. Patients may also regain some sensation in their face and neck. However, they should still be cautious and gentle with their recovery. Some of the common recommendations are:
- Continue to keep the head elevated and apply cold compresses as needed
- Resume some light activities such as walking or reading, but avoid anything strenuous or stressful
- Avoid wearing makeup, hair products, or accessories that could irritate the skin or incisions
- Avoid rubbing, scratching, or picking at the face or neck
- Continue to take prescribed medications as directed
- Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect the skin from sun damage
- Be patient and realistic with the results, as they will continue to improve over time
Patients should also schedule another follow-up visit with their surgeon around two weeks to monitor their healing and address any concerns.
3 weeks
The third week after a facelift is usually when patients start to feel more confident and normal. The swelling and bruising should be almost gone, and the incisions should be barely visible. Patients may also notice some improvement in their skin tone and texture. However, they should still be careful and respectful of their recovery. Some of the common recommendations are:
- Continue to keep the head elevated at night and apply cold compresses as needed
- Resume most of their daily activities and routines, but avoid anything vigorous or risky
- Start wearing makeup, hair products, or accessories if desired, but make sure they are gentle and hypoallergenic
- Avoid any facial expressions or movements that could stretch or pull the skin or incisions
- Continue to take prescribed medications as directed
- Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect the skin from sun damage
- Be positive and optimistic about the results, as they will continue to improve over time
Patients should also schedule another follow-up visit with their surgeon around three weeks to evaluate their outcome and make any adjustments if needed.
4 weeks
The fourth week after a facelift is usually when patients start to enjoy their new look and feel more satisfied. The swelling and bruising should be completely gone, and the incisions should be healed. Patients may also notice some enhancement in their facial contours and features. However, they should still be mindful and respectful of their recovery. Some of the common recommendations are:
- Continue to keep the head elevated at night if possible
- Resume all of their normal activities and hobbies, but avoid anything extreme or dangerous
- Wear makeup, hair products, or accessories as desired, but make sure they are suitable for their skin type
- Avoid any facial expressions or movements that could compromise the results or cause discomfort
- Continue to take prescribed medications as directed if necessary
- Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect the skin from sun damage
- Be proud and happy with the results, as they will last for years with proper care
Patients should also schedule another follow-up visit with their surgeon around four weeks to confirm their satisfaction and receive any final instructions.
3 months:
The first three months after a facelift are when you will see the most significant improvement in your appearance and enjoy the benefits of your surgery. The swelling and bruising will be mostly gone and you will be able to see the final shape of your face. You may also notice some subtle changes in your facial features as the muscles relax and adapt to the new position of the skin.
During this time, you should continue to take good care of your face and maintain a healthy lifestyle that supports your healing process. You should also keep in touch with your surgeon and follow up with regular visits to monitor your progress and address any concerns or questions you may have.
You may resume most of your normal activities after four to six weeks, depending on how you feel and what your surgeon advises. However, you should still avoid any activities that could compromise or damage your face, such as smoking, drinking alcohol excessively, or exposing yourself to extreme temperatures or sun rays.
You should also be aware that some minor swelling or asymmetry may persist for up to six months after surgery as the tissues continue to settle and mature. This is normal and usually not noticeable by others. However, if you have any major concerns or dissatisfaction with your results, you should discuss them with your surgeon who may suggest some revisions or adjustments if needed.
1 Year
By the first year after surgery, your facelift results should be fully established and stable. Your face should look rejuvenated and harmonious with your overall appearance. A facelift can turn back the clock by several years, but it cannot stop the aging process completely. You should continue to take good care of your skin and health to preserve your results for as long as possible. A facelift can last for 10 years or more depending on various factors such as genetics, lifestyle, skin quality, and type of procedure. Some people may choose to have touch-up procedures or non-surgical treatments to enhance or maintain their results over time.
Risks and Complications
Bleeding
Bleeding is one of the most common complications of rhinoplasty, especially in the first few days after surgery. Some bleeding is normal and expected, but excessive or prolonged bleeding can lead to infection, hematoma (blood collection under the skin), or nasal obstruction. To prevent bleeding, patients should avoid blowing their nose, sneezing forcefully, or taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen for at least two weeks before and after surgery. Patients should also keep their head elevated and apply cold compresses to the nose to reduce swelling and bleeding. If bleeding persists or becomes severe, patients should contact their surgeon immediately.
Infection
Infection is another possible complication of rhinoplasty, although it is rare with proper care and hygiene. Infection can cause fever, pain, redness, swelling, or pus around the surgical site. It can also delay healing and increase scarring. To prevent infection, patients should follow their surgeon's instructions on how to clean and care for their nose after surgery. They should also avoid touching their nose or exposing it to dust, smoke, or other irritants. Patients should take antibiotics as prescribed by their surgeon and report any signs of infection to their surgeon as soon as possible.
Scarring
Scarring is inevitable after any surgery, but it can vary depending on the type of rhinoplasty performed and the individual's healing ability. Scarring can affect the appearance and function of the nose and cause dissatisfaction or discomfort. There are two types of rhinoplasty: open and closed. Open rhinoplasty involves making an incision across the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils), while closed rhinoplasty involves making incisions inside the nostrils. Open rhinoplasty may result in more visible scarring on the columella, but it allows more access and precision for the surgeon. Closed rhinoplasty may result in less visible scarring, but it limits the surgeon's view and maneuverability. To minimize scarring, patients should avoid sun exposure, smoking, or picking at their stitches or scabs. They should also use scar creams or gels as recommended by their surgeon and massage their nose gently to improve blood circulation and elasticity.
Asymmetry
Asymmetry is another potential complication of rhinoplasty that can affect the aesthetic outcome of the surgery. Asymmetry can occur due to uneven swelling, healing, or scar formation. It can also occur due to pre-existing facial asymmetry that may become more noticeable after surgery. To prevent asymmetry, patients should choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who can perform a thorough evaluation and planning of their nose before surgery. They should also follow their surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully and avoid any trauma or pressure to their nose during recovery. If asymmetry persists or worsens after six months to a year, patients may consider revision rhinoplasty to correct it.
Breathing difficulties
Breathing difficulties are another possible complication of rhinoplasty that can affect the functional aspect of the nose. Breathing difficulties can occur due to swelling, inflammation, infection, or structural changes in the nasal passages. They can cause nasal congestion, dryness, irritation, or snoring. To prevent breathing difficulties, patients should avoid activities that can irritate or inflame their nose such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or using nasal sprays. They should also use saline nasal drops or humidifiers to moisten their nasal mucosa and facilitate breathing. If breathing difficulties persist or interfere with daily activities, patients should consult their surgeon for evaluation and treatment.
Conclusion
Rhinoplasty is a safe and effective procedure that can enhance the appearance and function of the nose. However, it also carries some risks and complications that patients should be aware of before undergoing the procedure. By choosing a reputable surgeon, following pre- and post-operative instructions carefully, and reporting any problems to their surgeon promptly, patients can minimize these risks and complications and achieve a satisfactory outcome.
Facelift
Before & After Photos
Before and after photos of facelift procedures are an important tool for anyone considering the surgery. They can help you understand what to expect from the procedure and give you a better idea of what your own results might look like. By looking at these photos, you can see how facelift can improve the appearance of your face and enhance your overall facial symmetry. Take a look at our collection of before and after photos to see the amazing transformations that are possible with facelift.
