a guide to cosmetic enhancement
face lifts
What exactly is a facelift?
Most people seek facelifts to reduce some of the most noticeable signs of aging. With age, the skin around the face begins to lose its elasticity. This leads to drooping skin, deep creases & lines, folds of skin around the neck, and more.
A facelift is designed to tighten the muscles around the face, re-tighten the skin on the face, and remove excess fat from the neck, jawline, and face.
Who should get a facelift?
The majority of individuals who seek facelifts are in their forties, fifties, and sixties, but there is no set age range that is best for a facelift. Some individuals may show signs of aging much earlier or much later than their peers.
Facelifts are most successful on individuals whose skin still has some elasticity. Men and women are equally ideal for facelifts, and individuals who have well-defined bone structure generally enjoy the best results from a facelift.
Are facelifts dangerous?
While all surgical procedures carry some degree of risk, a facelift performed by a specialist who is experienced in facial plastic surgery is very safe. The most common problems that arise from facelifts include nerve damage and complications that arise from anesthesia. Ensuring that procedures are performed only by certified specialists is one way of reducing the likelihood of medical complications from a facelift. Following the instructions of a surgeon before and after a facelift will also greatly reduce the chance of problems.
Speaking of anesthesia ...
Each physician differs in his or her preference for anesthesia. You may be able to choose between a local anesthesia or general anesthesia, but in most cases the physician will make the decision based on the procedure. If the facelift calls for a local anesthesia, your face will be numbed to pain and you will feel very relaxed. In contrast, with general anesthesia you will actually sleep through the facelift.
What to Expect After the Facelift
First and foremost, it is important to understand that any physician who tells you that you will not have scars is not telling the truth. Facelifts require small incisions, and incisions leave scars. However, incisions can be made along the hairline and behind the ears to minimize the visibility of the scars and the incisions as they heal.
Most of the time, pain and discomfort following a facelift is minimal, and most physicians will prescribe a pain medication to help ease any discomfort. You may also experience some swelling and bruising. Be sure to follow your physicians instructions to help minimize these effects.
Also, many patients report numbness in the face. Sometimes this can last just a few days, while in other cases the numbness may persist for several months. It is temporary, though, and should subside with time.
A Few Final Thoughts
Remember that a facelift will not prevent the effects of aging - it only repairs them. That means many individuals return five to ten years following a facelift for another procedure to again tighten the skin that has once again begun to sag and droop.
Also, be sure keep realistic expectations. As long as expectations are reasonable and you take the time to ensure you have found a reputable physician, the facelift can be a life-enhancing experience.