We are constantly looking for the best ways to keep our complexions looking healthy, vibrant, and youthful. While we often start with skin creams and sun protection, we often move on to non-surgical treatments. However, there are times when surgical correction is needed.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift is a cosmetic procedure, sometimes known as a rhytidectomy, and is often associated with a neck lift performed to tighten loose skin on your face and neck. The procedure is often performed to reverse any signs of aging around the face and neck.
Facelift Procedure
The specific technique that your plastic surgeon uses depends on the desired results. Some people only require minimum skin tightening, while others need extreme skin removal to achieve the desired results. Neck lifts and facelifts before and after pictures are important before the surgeon begins the procedure so you can see the achieved results.
After the pictures are taken, the surgeon will make markings on the skin and administer anesthesia. An incision will be made behind the ears, behind the hairline or under the nose contour to help lift facial features and tighten the skin around the cheeks and forehead. Here is a list of facelift and neck lift techniques your surgeon may decide to use.
Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift and neck lift are performed on patients that show severe wrinkles on the cheeks and neck. This procedure results in longer-lasting, more natural results.
Full Brow Lift
Also known as a forehead lift, a full brow lift is performed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and creases on the forehead and brow area. This procedure can be performed on younger people with creases in the forehead from constantly folding the skin when frustrated.
Temporal Brow Lift
A temporal brow lift technique involves the creation of smaller incisions at the side of your face to tighten the skin from the temples. This procedure is considered less invasive and requires less time to recover from.
Mid-Face Lift
The surgeon makes two small incisions on the lower eyelashes for this procedure. The procedure is performed to provide a lift on the skin covering the cheeks for a more dramatic outcome. A mid-facelift is more suitable for patients looking to get the most results around the cheek area.
Lip Lift
A lip lift is designed to enhance the appearance of the lips through skin tightening and reduction of loose skin around the skin. This procedure usually involves the creation of small incisions under the nose. If you get this kind of facelift technique done, you will have a shorter recovery time.
Neck Lift
A neck lift gives the most dramatic results from a face and neck lift because it covers a larger surface area and removes the most fat and excess skin compared to other techniques.
Facelift Q&A
Does a facelift leave a visible scar?
Yes, a facelift/ neck lift procedure leaves scars, but they are barely visible. Your plastic surgeon will make surgical incisions behind the ears and hairline to conceal scar tissue. Some incisions are made in natural creases and heal without a trace of scarring traceable with the naked eye.
How can I prepare for the facelift procedure?
Your plastic surgeon will advise you to stop taking any NSAIDs, blood thinners, or herbal supplements about three weeks before the facelift. If you are a frequent smoker, your surgeon will advise you to stop smoking for a while so your body can heal properly.
If you take any medication that can impair the healing process, your surgeon will advise you to wait until the medication is over. Any medication like chemotherapy or radiotherapy will disqualify you from cosmetic procedures.
Will a facelift leave my face looking stretched?
No, your plastic surgeon will make sure to leave your surgery will leave the skin looking smooth and supple. There should be no sign of stretching or stress on the skin after a facelift.
Is a facelift painful?
No, a facelift should not leave you in debilitating pain because your plastic surgeon or doctor will prescribe pain management medication to keep you comfortable for the first few weeks of recovery.
How long will my facelift take to heal?
Your face lift should take about four to six weeks to heal. After this duration, you should be able to see the facelift results because the swelling and bruising will have gone down.
How much time off should I arrange?
Patients who work in a sedentary 9-5 job should be able to return to work within the first two weeks. After three weeks, patients should be able to get back with minimal discomfort.
