Getting older is no fun. Especially when we look in the mirror and see the visible signs of wear and tear the years have taken on our face and neck. The skin starts to wrinkle and sag as it loses the elasticity of youth. Fortunately, there is a way to counteract these unwanted signs of aging. So, what is facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy? Facelift surgery can improve many of the telltale signs of getting older. Read on to learn what you need to know about your facelift surgery, including the types available, the steps involved in getting a facelift and what kind of recovery time you can expect after the procedure.
Do You Need Facelift Surgery?
There are several indications that getting a facelift may be advantageous for you. These include:
- Lines that extend below the lower eyelid
- Lines between the nose and mouth
- Double chin
- Sagging skin or "turkey neck"
- Deep facial folds
All of these unwanted features can be alleviated with a plastic surgery procedure. You don't feel old, so why should you look the part?
What Does Facelift Surgery Cost?
The price of getting facelift surgery depends on the work your surgeon is doing. There are four types of facelifts that have different costs associated with them:
- Standard Facelift: Moderate to severe aging signs require a total face lift. The procedure targets the lower and middle facial areas and supplies the most comprehensive results.
- Mini Facelift: This is a minimally invasive surgery, effective in combating early indications of aging by homing in on the cheeks, chin and jaw.
- Mid-Facelift: Moderate signs of aging that appear between the lower eyelids to the corners of the mouth can be eradicated to balance your facial features.
- Other Facial Procedures: Neck lifts and eyelid surgery, in conjunction with a facelift, continue to be popular in providing a younger overall appearance.
What Is The First Step In Getting A Facelift?
Set up an initial consultation with your plastic surgeon to determine if you're a good candidate for facelift surgery. The doctor will discuss things like:
- Your medical history and current health condition
- Any medication you're taking
- The state of your skin and bone structure
- What you would like to change
- Risks of side effects or surgical complications
- Options for treatment
- What kind of results you can expect
- Costs
- Facelift procedure steps
How Should You Be Preparing For Plastic Surgery?
Arrange the date for your facelift surgery and get ready for the big day. Preparing for plastic surgery involves the following:
- Put out your cigarettes. You need to quit smoking at least six weeks before surgery. Smoking can cause surgical complications and wreak havoc on facelift procedures.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your facelift.
- Follow your doctor's instructions about when to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Don't eat or drink anything (except water or black coffee) after midnight. (Your surgeon will give you explicit instructions on this, too.)
- Make sure you have someone to take you to and from your facelift surgery procedure.
- Set up a place in your home where you can rest and recover. Your doctor will indicate specific do's and don'ts.
- Arrange to have someone on hand to help with meals and household chores during recovery.
Your surgeon's office will give you a list of instructions for pre- and post-op care. If you follow your doctor's orders, you're more likely to have a successful outcome from your facelift surgery.
What Are The Facelift Procedure Steps?
You will be placed under anesthesia, so you will be unaware of what's happening during your facelift surgery. Your surgeon will make a series of precise incision points to minimize scarring. Your facial skin, muscles and tissues will then be repositioned for the best possible results.
What Should You Expect After Facelift Surgery?
Since every patient's healing timeline is different, it can take two to six weeks to recover from facelift surgery. It takes about six months for your face to achieve total face lift recovery. Make sure you follow the post-op instructions provided after surgery. Some of the things to keep in mind include:
- When you rest, keep your head elevated to reduce swelling.
- Get up and walk around a bit the day after surgery.
- Limit strenuous activities for six weeks.
- Stay away from work for 10 to 14 days.
- Expect bruising for upwards of two weeks.
- Mild numbness and swelling can last several months.
How Do You Prevent Further Skin Damage After Getting A Facelift?
To minimize the ravages of aging, there are some things you should be doing for your skin all your life, including:
- Covering up: Wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat when outside.
- Eat well and exercise: A healthy lifestyle bodes well for vibrant skin.
- Don't smoke: Aside from significantly increasing your cancer risk, smoking is terrible for your skin.
Depend On Dr. Adam Basner For Your Facelift Surgery
Dr. Basner is board-certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is highly recognized and has extensive experience as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Sinai Hospital, making him an expert on facial plastic surgery procedures in Baltimore and the surrounding region. Dr Basner is recognized as one of only twenty Plastic Surgeons listed in Newsweek's “Best Plastic Surgeons - 2021” across the United States in all four categories: Breast Augmentation, Facelift, Liposuction, and Rhinoplasty. If you're interested in having facelift surgery in Baltimore, Columbia, Owings Mills or Towson, Maryland, schedule a consultation with Dr. Basner today!