Cosmetic Plastic Surgery > Facelift

FACELIFT PLASTIC SURGERY

Facelift

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy or cosmetic surgery of the face, is an elective cosmetic surgery chosen by an individual to enhance one's appearance by repairing the loose, sagging or wrinkled skin of the face and neck. A facelift is mostly done to improve visible signs of aging, or even heredity, and is done by removing excess fat in the face and neck and tightening the underlying muscles while repositioning the skin.

Wrinkled or sagging skin occurs naturally as we age. For most of us, folds and fat deposits appear around the neck, and deep flexion creases form on the upper lip. The jawline may grow slack giving a 'double chin' appearance. Smoking, poor diet, heredity, or obesity can contribute to early or severe skin problems. Fortunately having a facelift can reduce some of the visible damage and can offer us a "younger" look. A facelift can be done alone, but many choose to have other surgeries done at the same time, such as nose reshaping, a forehead lift, or eyelid surgery.

How Is The Facelift Surgery Performed?

During a facelift operation, the patient is sedated with a local anesthesia or deep asleep, using general anesthesia The plastic surgeon will make incisions above the hairline at the temples, behind the earlobe, down to the lower scalp. The surgeon then removes some of the fat tissue and loose skin before stitches (sutures) are used to close the incisions. The fat tissue is called the SMAS layer and is the primary lifting portion of the facelift.

Risks of Face Lift Surgery

Risks of having a facelift, as in all surgeries, are:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Risks for any anesthesia are:

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

Additional risks include:

• A pocket of blood under the skin (hematoma) that may require drainage
• Injury to nerves that control facial muscles (usually temporary)

After Facelift Surgery

Most patients are pleased with the results.

If a hematoma develops, a small, thin tube may be placed temporarily behind the ear, under the skin, to drain any blood that might collect there. The head will be wrapped loosely in bandages to minimize any bruising or swelling. Most of the time there is little discomfort after surgery. If you experience any discomfort after your face lift procedure a simple pain reliever will usually be sufficient. Some numbness of the skin is normal and will disappear in a few weeks or months.

You will be expected to elevate your head on two pillows, or at a 30 degree angle, for a couple of days after surgery to help prevent swelling. If you had a drainage tube, it will be removed 1 to 2 days after surgery. The bandages are usually removed after 1 to 5 days and any stitches or metal clips in the hairline could be left in a few days longer if the scalp takes longer to heal. It is also quite normal for the face to look pale, bruised, and sort of puffy, but in 4 to 6 weeks it will be looking normal.

Most of the surgical scars are hidden in the hairline or the natural lines of the face and will fade over months. And remember that sun exposure should be limited until your surgeon says otherwise.

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