A facelift is a surgical procedure that is intended to repair the damage done to the face through the natural aging process. The surgery will help to remove wrinkles, tighten sagging skin, and lift drooping facial muscles. This article provides an overview of what you can expect before, during, and after your surgery. It also includes some helpful tips on how to prepare for this procedure so you are aware of all the risks involved.
The Procedure
Depending on the amount of correction or rejuvenation that you desire, the actual surgery can last from one and a half to five hours. Once the patient is under anesthesia, the surgeon will remove excess skin from around your neck and jawline area. The basics of facial plastic surgery are that it involves the removal of excess skin and the tightening of underlying tissues. This will result in a more youthful appearance on your face.
After this, excess fat may be removed from other areas, such as the chin or cheeks, depending on what needs to be done. Your surgeon will also tighten muscles around the jawline so they will appear less droopy and less aged. Finally, the skin that has been pulled back will be closed with stitches or surgical staples.
On The Operating Table
Patients who choose to have a facelift surgery often report feeling nervous as they wait for the procedure to begin. However, as soon as you are under anesthesia, all of your worries about the risks and pain of the procedure will be gone.
After The Surgery
Following a facelift, most patients feel too exhausted and sore to do much of anything for a few days following the surgery. This period can last anywhere from one to three weeks, depending on how extensive your surgery was. During this time you must listen to what your doctor recommends. On average, most patients use pain medication for about five days following their surgery.
Over The Next Few Weeks
During the first few weeks, you must avoid any type of activity or movement that can make your face appear puffy or increase swelling in the area. This includes going out in cold weather and avoiding harsh winds. As far as specific care instructions after a facelift go, it's vital to follow them closely so you can get the best results possible. Usually, this will require a series of massages to reduce swelling and tighten sagging skin around your jawline and neck area over time. Keeping hydrated by drinking plenty of water is another way to minimize complications from surgery after a facelift.
Possible Complications
Complications from facelift surgery are rare, but they can happen. When the muscles and tissues in your face become too tight it can cause them to become visible. However, this is something that will go away as the swelling reduces. In some cases, shortness of breath or trouble swallowing may occur as a result of the procedure as well.
Who Should Avoid Facelifts
Facelifts are risky and should only be done by experienced, qualified surgeons. If you do not suffer from any medical conditions that may complicate your surgery or make it more of a risk, then facelift surgery might be for you. People who smoke or experience any kind of trouble breathing will not be good candidates for this type of procedure. Smoking increases the risk of infection and pneumonia after surgery, while anyone with breathing difficulties will have more difficulty healing afterward.
Ideal facelift candidates are those who have reached a healthy weight and appear to be in good physical shape following their surgery. It's important to remember that you should only have this type of procedure if you are truly unhappy with the skin on your face. If you would like more information on facelift surgery, make an appointment with a plastic surgeon and schedule a consultation.
A Few Tips For First-Time Patients
If this is your first time having surgery, then you must take the time to learn about what will happen before, during, and after the procedure. This includes understanding how much downtime you can expect to experience following surgery. It also includes knowing what you should eat or avoid eating beforehand. Most importantly, make sure that all of your questions are answered so you know exactly what steps to take to prepare yourself for your surgery date.
Remembering these tips will help you to feel better prepared as you count down the days until your facelift. The more information that you have about what to do and not do before and after your surgery, the less likely it is that there will be any complications.
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