Facelift Procedure Description

What does the Procedure Involve?

In terms of aesthetics, your surgeon will recommend the best choice for your own comfort. You may

There are three types of incision used in a facelift, which depends on the degree of change you would like to see and the technique your surgeon will use.

1. A traditional facelift incision starts at your temples in the hairline, continues around the ear and ends in behind your neck in the lower scalp. An incision may also be made under your chin to improve the look of the neck.
2. A limited incision is shorter than traditional facelift incision. It starts in your hairline just above the ear, continues around the ear but does not extend to the lower scalp.
3. Neck lift incisions begin in front of the earlobe, continues around your ear into the lower scalp. This type of incision addresses the sagging jowls, fat accumulation under the chin, and loose neck skin.

In general, your surgeon elevates the skin and tighten the underlying tissues and muscles after making an incision. Fat in your face and neck may be removed, sculpted, or redistributed. Then, the incision is stitched.

How Long Should I Stay in the Area?

You should be able to leave the hospital on the same day of the surgery if local anesthetic is used. However, if the surgery is done under general anesthetic, you may need to stay in the hospital for about 1 to 2 days. You should plan to stay in the local area for around 7 to 10 days following the surgery because you will have to attend follow-up checkups. During the checkups, your surgeon will monitor your healing and remove your stitches.

What’s the Recovery Time?

Expect to experience bruising, swelling, and some discomfort for the first 3 to 5 days. You may be able to return to work and some light activities within 7 to 14 days, but avoid any vigorous activities for about 5 to 6 weeks. It may take 2 to 3 months until your face feels normal in terms of texture and sensibility.

What About Aftercare?

Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instruction. To avoid any complications and maximize the result, you need to follow all instructions closely. You may have to avoid any clothing that is pulled over the head, such as t-shirts and sweaters. You should also avoid using makeup and direct sun exposure for about three weeks, as well as coloring, bleaching, or perming your hair for six weeks following the surgery.

To maintain the results of your facelift, you need to avoid smoking, use sunblock, moisturize your face daily, maintain weight stability, follow a healthy diet plan, exercise regularly, and live a generally healthy lifestyle.

What’s the Success Rate?

Approximately 80% to 90% of people who had a facelift is reported to achieve a positive result after their procedure. However, although great results are expected after a facelift, there can be no guarantee. In some cases, you may need more than one surgery to achieve your desired result. To make sure your surgery is successful; you need to ensure your surgeon is skilled and experienced. You also have to follow your surgeon’s instructions, from the preparation to the aftercare.

Note that the results of a facelift are not permanent because no cosmetic procedure can stop aging. Your facial skin may begin to droop again as you age. The average facelift lasts between 7 and 10 years before you have aged enough to need additional work.

As with other surgical procedures, a facelift can carry some possible risks and complications, which may include nerve injury, hematoma, scarring, skin loss, and hair loss. Some of these risks can be managed with appropriate care and medication. However, you need to be aware of the long term and permanent complications. While they are rare, they may alter your appearance significantly.

Are there Alternatives to a Facelift Procedure?

If you do not want to (or cannot) undergo a facelift, you can opt for an alternative.

Mini-facelift – a less invasive procedure that also aims to lift the wrinkles and sagging skin in the lower part of the face. Because it involves a smaller, s-shaped incision around the ear, it cannot address neck sagging or excess skin.
Botox – it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and usually takes about 24 to 72 hours to take effect. A botox injection uses botulinum toxin to temporarily paralyze muscle activity.
Fillers – unlike botox, fillers fill the line, crease, or the general facial area with different kinds of substances. These fillers can be used as “volumizers”, plumping and lifting your cheeks, jawline, and temple.
Laser Skin Resurfacing – this works to give you a younger-looking facial skin by removing some skin layer by layer. Patients can get rid of scars, wrinkles, acne marks, and blotches.
Ultherapy – this uses ultrasound to heat targeted tissue under the surface of your skin. The heat will then trigger the natural production of collagen. This procedure can be repeated 6 to 12 months because collagen usually takes very long to develop.
LED – light-emitting diode therapy uses a variety of different colored lights to target various parts of your face. This is a pain-free procedure that treats acne, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentations, acne scars, and rosacea.

For an in-depth analysis of the Facelift procedures with before and after images, watch this short video