Your Guide to Facelifts

A face lift is a surgical operation performed to treat severe facial sagging and skin laxity. While many patients have spent their hard-earned money on quick fixes like fillers and injectables, a growing number of people are realizing that there is simply no substitute for a traditional facelift. Where many alternative treatments tend to only last a series of months, this procedure will maintain its results for more than ten years. In this article, we will describe this procedure and provide information to help prospective patients make a more informed decision.

Facelifts can correct many aspects of appearance, including:

• Sagging of the middle of the face

• Loss of muscle tone

• Displaced or fallen fat deposits

• Deep creases under the lower eyelids

• Deep folds that extend from the corner of the mouth to the nose

• Sagging in the middle of the face

• Excess fat deposits and sagging skin under the jaw and chin, causing the appearance of a double chin.

Before surgery, you will want to schedule a consultation. This evaluation will help determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Your doctor will discuss your medical history and evaluate your skin elasticity, facial bone structure, folds and wrinkles, as well as your hairline. Be prepared to also discuss your general expectations related to the procedure. Photos will also be taken before.

Once the decision to go ahead with the procedure has been made, you will likely receive a list of instructions. These instructions will describe everything from medication use to smoking and various activities. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking.

Quitting smoking before surgery is essential for a healthy recovery. In general, it is recommended that patients stop smoking for one month before and after the operation. Smoking greatly reduces blood flow to areas of the face, greatly increasing the chances of skin death around the incision area during recovery.

The entire operation typically takes two to four hours to complete. Most procedures are outpatient, however, overnight stays can generally be arranged. Some discomfort should be expected afterward. This can be controlled through the use of prescription or over-the-counter medications. In general, patients should refrain from attending lavish social events for up to three months to ensure a full recovery.

Those wishing to learn more about options related to a facelift surgery are encouraged to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon. He or she will be in a better position to evaluate your individual case and make appropriate recommendations.