Facelift surgery improves the overall facial appearance by tightening its muscles and removing the wrinkles. Also termed as Rhytidectomy, it is common among men and women alike nowadays.

SELECTING YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON

Considering the invasive nature of the procedure, the concerned plastic surgeon would need possessing adept experience, expertise and knowledge about the facelift surgery.

Any lapse on the part of the surgeon may lead to dire complications, especially on the face. These may include facial asymmetry, swelling, nerve damage, pain, surgical wounds, abnormal fluid discharge and so on. High fever could also be a possibility.

To get away with such side effects, the selection of the right plastic surgeon with credible experience is of utmost importance.

Initial discussion

After choosing the best facelift surgeon, make sure your initial consultation with him is frank enough. Provide all the necessary details about your health, medical history, surgery or any other information that could have direct or indirect impact on Rhytidectomy that you are about to undergo. Your realistic expectations would also be helpful for the surgeon to perform the procedure. The expert will examine your facial muscles and elasticity. Generally, patients with good skin elasticity are more likely to attain optimal results.

Earlier, people used to opt for facelift surgery to regain their youthful facial look. Later on, the surgeons also started doing minor facial changes to combat the signs of injuries or to reposition the fat.

PREPARING FOR THE EYELID SURGERY

The surgeon will advise you to maintain sound health and take adequate rest one week prior to the surgery. Smoking is a strict no for around 3 to 4 weeks before going under the knife. The surgeon may also suggest medications to boost metabolism and advise some changes in the existing medications, if required.

Keep pillows ready and some loose-fitting clothes before leaving home. Also keep ice cubes, gauze tapes and wash clothes handy.

THE FACELIFT SURGERY PROCEDURE

All the facelift procedure intend at providing the optimal results as per your expectations. In any case, the surgeon will give local or general anesthesia before the treatment starts.

Standard Facelift

This method can reduce the fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin near the jaw and on the cheeks. For this, the surgeon creates thin incisions at the ear front crease and along the hairline. Next, she will reposition the skin over the face to diminish the wrinkles and creases. The surgeon will remove the loose skin and tighten the remaining skin.

Mini Facelift

It is less invasive as compared to standard facelift and is suitable for patients having slight facial skin sagging or those below 50 years of age. The surgeon creates a minor incision close to the ears and along the hairline as per requirement. This helps him pull the taut on the face to regain the youthful look.

Mid Facelift

This treatment suits people aged between 30 to 40 years and have sound skin elasticity. It corrects the sagging and creases near the cheeks and eyes.

Lower Facelift

This procedure treats the wrinkles, frown lines, and sagging skin arising around the jawline, and under chin area. vertical neck bands are also treated by this surgery .The incisions are similar as in earlier methods.

Depending on the nature of the procedure, Rhytidectomy may take around 2 to 6 hours to complete. Next, the surgeon will close the incision and bandage the face.

RECOVERING FROM FACELIFT SURGERY

First Week

• The face will have a garment covering cheeks and neck. . there will be swelling and bruising of face.
• Wear the compression garment on your face.
• Avoid taking shower for around 3 to 5 days after the surgery
• Start walking next dat of surgery, precisely in the morning and evening for proper blood circulation.
• Sleeping in a tilted position is better, with the support of 2 to 3 pillows
• The surgeon will instruct to drain the tubes at regular intervals, if any.
• Cold compress could ease the discomfort due to swelling
• Refrain from sunlight for at least a month, stay indoors.

Second Week

The surgeon will remove the bandage and the drain tubes. You will still observe swelling, bruising and redness of face. Minor improvements will start surfacing by the end of the second week itself.

Next Few Weeks

Usually, the facelift surgery may take around 6 weeks to show the real effects and heal the wounds. During this time, it is better to avoid:

• Sunlight and sunburns
• Swimming or saunas
• Makeup
• Anti-inflammatory drugs

The results will become evident as the swelling disappears. There might remain some minor visible scars near the ear folds or on the hairline. Adhering strictly to the precautions as given by the surgeon will help you to retain the facelift surgery results till around 10 years. Further, maintaining healthy diet and a stable skincare schedule are equally important.

Dr. Priti Shukla

THE INFORMATION IS BEING PROVIDED BY COSMETICSURGERY.IN AND HAVE NO INTENTION TO REPLACE THE MEDICAL ADVICE OF YOUR DOCTOR. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR DIRECTLY FOR ADVICE ABOUT A SPECIFIC MEDICAL CONDITION. THIS DOCUMENT WAS LAST REVIEWED BY DR. Priti Shukla, PLASTIC SURGEON ON: 12-JUN-2020