Facelift Surgery - What the Procedure Involves

Facelift surgery or rhytidectomy is an innovative cosmetic procedure, meant to take away the visible signs of aging on the face. The surgery effectively addresses concerns such as excess facial fat, sagging facial skin, loss of jaw line or neck line, loss of skin tone and elasticity, and loose underlying facial muscles.

The incisions for this procedure begin above the hairline at the temples. They extend in front of the ear and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. In this outpatient procedure, the skin is lifted off from the underlying muscles and fat. Excess fat may be suctioned out. The underlying muscle and the connective tissue (fascia) are tightened and any excess skin is removed. The incisions made for the surgery are then closed with sutures and skin staples.

The Types of Facelift Surgery

• Skin only lifts
• Dual plan lifts
• Composite lift
• Mid-facial lift
• Sub periosteal lifts
• Short scar face lift or mini face lift

The above procedures bring about benefits such as:

• Excision of excess skin, fat and excellent tightening of skin and muscles
• Redistribution of the skin
• Redistribution of the facial fat
• Raising of the fallen ptotic facial musclar tissues

Like any other surgery, face lift is also associated with certain complications such as the following. However, you need have no concerns when the surgery is provided by an experienced and knowledgeable plastic surgeon.

• Bleeding, hematoma, bruising
• Infections post-surgery
• Neurological dysfunction (loss of muscle function or sensation)
• Loss of hair
• Widened or thickened scar
• Asymmetry (unevenness between two sides)
• Skin necrosis (loss of skin from tissue death )

Facelift surgery is very satisfying to most patients. After all,it lifts your looks and confidence as well. It helps you to appear younger. Recovery time is usually one week from the date of surgery. Pain and discomfort after the surgery are usually minimal and gradually disappears.

Is It Right for You?

There are certain conditions that you need to fulfil to decide whether you are fit for the surgery or not. Face lift is a good option for you if:

• You are physically healthy
• You do not smoke
• You have a positive attitude
• You have realistic expectations

You have to find a face lift surgeon who you can trust and be comfortable with. It will be great if the plastic surgeon you select lets you communicate with his previous patients so that you can have a clear idea about the results you can actually expect.