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Everyone wants beautiful and younger-looking face. But, with age, the skin tends to lose its natural elasticity and become saggy. Harmful rays from the sun, harsh weather, and lifestyle are the major culprits for sagged and loose skin.
With the change in time and standards of beauty, facelift surgery has become more popular. Facelift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that aims to reduce the signs of aging on the face and skin.
Overview
A facelift is a surgical procedure, in which excess skin is removed from the face and neck. This procedure is done to create a smoother, wrinkle-free, and younger-looking skin. Facelift surgery is done if:
- The facial skin has become loose
- The cheeks are sagging
- There is excess fat in the neck
- There is an excess of skin in the lower jawline
In some cases, along with the facelift, a brow-lift or forehead lift, is also performed to correct a sagging brow or forehead skin.
ELIGIBILITY
People who are healthy and take good care of the skin can undergo a facelift. However, the final decision, whether you are eligible for a facelift or not, is taken by the doctor.
The suitable candidates for facelift surgery are the individuals who:
- Have signs of aging
- Do not have any medical condition that interferes with wound healing and recovery
- Do not smoke
- Have a positive approach and realistic expectations with the surgery
PREPARATION BEFORE PROCEDURE
Initially, the plastic surgeon will review your physical health and tell you about the procedure, risk, and its benefits. The medical history, social history, and medication history of the patient will be recorded. Additionally, the surgeon will examine the shape of the face, bone structure, fat distribution, and skin condition to develop a plan for the face-lift surgery. The surgeon will also take a few photographs of your face from different angles and file in your medical record for future comparisons.
Follow these instructions to improve the outcomes and to reduce the risk of complications:
- Quit smoking
- Undergo laboratory tests as scheduled
- Avoid taking blood-thinners or any other medications that increase the risk of bleeding during and after the surgery
- Apply the prescribed skincare products
- On the night before the surgery, you are not allowed to eat or drink anything. If a facelift is done as an outpatient procedure, then ask someone to accompany you on the day of surgery.
PROCEDURE TYPE
Facelift surgeries are of the following types:
- Full facelift: In this type, excess skin is removed from the entire face.
- Upper facelift: Skin tightening is done on the upper half region of the face, especially the cheeks.
- Lower face and neck lift: Excess skin is removed from the lower region of the face and upper neck region.
- Neck lift: Excess skin is removed from the neck region.
- S-lift: Excess skin is removed from the jawline and top half of the neck.
ABOUT PROCEDURE
Facelift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Based on the type of facelift surgery, the surgeon will make an incision and lift the skin from deeper tissues to remove the excess skin and fat. The underlying muscles and tissues are then tightened. Facial skin is then re-draped over the uplifted contours, excess skin is removed, and the wound is closed with sutures.
The incision for facelift surgery depends on the type of surgery chosen:
- Traditional facelift incision: It involves making an incision in the hairlines at temples, which continues around the ears and ends in the lower region of the scalp. Once the incision is made, the surgeon will lift the skin from the underlying tissues, remove excess fat, and tighten the tissues and muscles with suture or tissue glue. Finally, the surgeon would remove excess skin and repositions the skin with the help of sutures.
- Limited incision facelift incision: It involves small incisions at the temple region and around the ears to remove excess skin.
- Neck lift incision: It involves making an incision in front of the ear and is continued around the ear till the lower scalp to remove the skin from the jaw and neck. Once the skin is removed, the underlying tissues are tightened.
POST-PROCEDURE CARE
Pain, swelling, and bruising are common for about two to three weeks after the surgery. Few days after the surgery, the surgeon will remove the bandage. Certain medicines are prescribed to manage pain and prevent infections. You can resume back to your normal activity two weeks after the surgery.
RECOVERY TIPS
The doctor will give the following instructions for quick recovery:
- Avoid strenuous exercises for at least four weeks
- Follow-up visits are must
- Take the prescribed medicines
- Moisturize your face daily
- Take necessary precaution while exposing to sun and pollution
- Have a healthy and well-balanced diet
- Do not apply make-up for a few weeks
FACTORS AFFECTING COST
The cost of facelift surgery is based on the type. In India, the price of facelift surgery is significantly lower than in other countries.
FAQ
Facelift surgery is not a suitable treatment option for superficial wrinkles, sun damage, and skin pigmentation disorders. Superficial wrinkles are treated with medicated creams or skin procedures such as laser treatment, chemical peel and dermabrasion.
The facelift surgery usually takes two to four hours. But, if other surgeries are performed along with facelift, it might take a longer time.
Individuals undergoing facelift may experience the following complications:
- Infections
- Blood clots
- Hair loss
- Rough skin
- Numbness of the face
With age, the skin begins to droop again, so the result of facelift surgery is not permanent. The result usually lasts for about 10 years.
Avoid colouring or bleaching your hair for at least six weeks after facelift surgery.
