Whether you’re considering a facelift or are just curious about the procedure, it’s important to be well informed before making any decisions.
In a nutshell, the facelift procedure is not a new technique. It has been around for over a century and is still a hot topic in the beauty industry. Whether you want to have a few nips and tucks or a complete face overhaul, a facelift will help you achieve a youthful appearance and age gracefully into your golden years.
More importantly, the decision to have a facelift should not be taken lightly. You need thorough research and consideration before making this significant change in your life, so here’s everything you can know about how it works.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about facelifts, from the basics of the procedure to the recovery process and everything in between.
What is a Facelift
A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of your face and neck. The goal of a facelift is to make you look younger by reducing wrinkles and sagging skin.
During a facelift, your surgeon will make incisions around your hairline and ears. Through these incisions, your surgeon will access the underlying muscle and connective tissue, which will be lifted and tightened. The doctor will trim excess skin, and the remaining skin will be redraped over your newly lifted facial structure.
Furthermore, rhytidectomy reshapes the lower half face. It removes excess facial skin, jowls (loose hanging skin around jaws), and deep creases around the mouth/nose area – eliminating fat under the chin and along the neck.
This enables the patient to achieve the desired appearance – whether it be through eliminating wrinkles or changing the contour of the face.
Surgical vs. Non-surgical Facelift: What’s the Difference?
There are two main types of facelifts: surgical and non-surgical.
As the name suggests, surgical facelifts involve going under the knife, while non-surgical facelifts use less invasive techniques, such as injections or laser treatments.
Both types of facelifts can achieve similar results, but there are some important differences to remember.
Surgical facelifts are the more invasive option of the two and require a recovery period of around two weeks.
During this time, patients must take it easy and avoid strenuous activity. Surgical facelifts also carry risks such as infection and nerve damage. However, these risks are rare, and patients who undergo surgery typically recover without any complications.
Non-surgical facelifts are less invasive than surgery and require little to no recovery period.
This means that patients can resume their normal activities almost immediately after treatment. Non-surgical facelifts also carry less risk than surgery, although there is still a small chance of side effects such as bruising or swelling.
How Can A Facelift Help?
A facelift can help to improve the following:
- Nasolabial folds (parenthesis lines or smile lines)
- Marionette lines (the vertical creases that run from the corners of your mouth to your jawline)
- Sagging skin in the mid-face
- Laxity in the skin of the lower face and neck
- Loss of definition in the jawline
- Excess fat and skin under the chin and on the neck
Types of Facelifts
Many types of facelifts are available, and your surgeon will recommend the best option for you, depending on your individual goals. The main types of facelifts are as follows:
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift, also known as a limited incision facelift, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that can provide noticeable results with minimal downtime. The process is typically used to address concerns such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and drooping facial muscles.
Additionally, patients typically experience less bruising and swelling after a mini facelift. As a result, they can often return to their normal activities within just a few days. If you are interested in rejuvenating your appearance but are not ready for a more extensive procedure, a mini facelift may be right for you.
Mid Facelift
A mid-facelift is a type of plastic surgery that corrects rejuvenates the appearance of the middle third of the face. It can address concerns such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and volume loss in the cheek area.
A mid-facelift is different from a traditional facelift, which targets the lower third of the face. The incisions for a mid-facelift are made along the hairline and extend into the creases around the ears. This facelift can be combined with other treatments, such as eyelid or brow lifts, to create a more comprehensive result.
Full Facelift
A full facelift is a type of surgery that can address multiple areas of the face, including the cheeks, jowls, and neck. This type of facelift aims to create a more youthful appearance by tightening the skin and underlying structures and repositioning fat and tissue.
A full facelift is the most invasive option and usually involves incisions placed along the hairline, around the ear, and sometimes even extending into the scalp.
What to Consider Before a Facelift?
A facelift is a great way to turn back the clock and achieve a more youthful appearance. However, there are a few things to consider before undergoing surgery.
These include:
The condition of your skin – stretched, thin, or sun-damaged skin may not respond as well to surgery.
Age – a facelift is generally not recommended for those under the age of 40. It’s because, around this age, your skin begins loosening due to the loss of collagen and elastin, making a facelift a helpful solution to improve your appearance.
Pre-existing medical conditions – certain medical conditions can interfere with wound healing or increase the risk of complications.
Lifestyle – people who smoke or misuse/abuse substances are not good candidates for surgery, as their body is not 100% healthy, and it could result in complications.
Some of the other things you should keep in mind are:
- The results of your facelift will not last forever. Gravity, aging, and exposure to the sun can all cause your skin to sag over time. You might need additional surgery to maintain your results.
- A total facelift is major surgery. There are risks involved, such as infection and bleeding. There is also a possibility that you will experience numbness, tingling, or skin irritation.
- A facelift is a costly procedure. Make sure you have the financial resources to cover the cost of surgery and any potential complications.
- You will need time to recover from surgery. It may take several weeks before you are fully healed.
When ready to take the next step, find a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience performing facelifts. Talk to a professional about your concerns and goals. Together, you can decide if a facelift is right for you, and which type.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
The best candidates for a facelift are those who have begun to notice signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of definition in the jawline.
The procedure is usually performed on patients between the ages of 40 and 60.
Good candidates for a facelift are generally in good health and have realistic expectations about the surgery results.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Facelifts
Although facelifts are medical procedures that can help improve one’s appearance, it is important to be aware of the risks involved before making a decision. Some risks to consider include:
- Infection
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Hematoma
- Skin necrosis, or tissue death
- Pain or scarring
- Blood clots
- Bruising
- Prolonged swelling
- Hair loss at the incision sites
- Problems with wound healing
What Is the Recovery Process Like?
After your facelift, you can expect swelling and bruising around your face and neck. This is normal and will resolve itself over time.
To help reduce swelling, you should keep your head elevated when lying down and avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions as they heal.
It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to avoid infection or other complications. Most people take approximately two weeks off from work to recover from surgery; however, this varies depending on the individual.
How Long Will Facelift Results Last?
The answer depends on several factors, including your age, skin type, and lifestyle choices. In general, however, you can expect to enjoy your new look for at least several years.
However, it is necessary to remember that the aging process will continue and that facelift results will eventually begin to fade.
If you take care of your skin and avoid habits that contribute to premature aging, you can enjoy beautiful results from your facelift for many years.
How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon for a Facelift?
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is one of the most important aspects of getting a facelift.
Not all surgeons are created equal, and it’s important to do your research before entrusting someone with your appearance. Here are a few tips for choosing the best plastic surgeon for your needs:
– Make sure they’re board-certified: This should be your first priority when choosing a plastic surgeon. Board certification ensures that your surgeon has undergone extensive training and testing in their field.
– Do your research: Once you’ve narrowed down your options, take the time to read reviews and ask around for recommendations. You should also look at before-and-after photos of previous patients to get an idea of the surgeon’s skill level.
– Schedule a consultation: This is your chance to meet with the surgeon and get all of your questions answered. Pay attention to how well they listen to your concerns and whether or not they seem rushed. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, listen to your gut.
– Ask about their experience: When it comes to surgery, experience matters. Be sure to ask how many facelifts they’ve performed and whether or not they have any special training.
Final Thoughts
A facelift can be a life-changing decision, but it is important to remember that it is not a magical fix. It requires time and patience, for you can get what your heart desires: an improved complexion, softer features along edges or wrinkles on your face, and more confident vibes!
If you are ready to take the next step in achieving a beautiful, youthful look, schedule an appointment with us today.
At Visage, we want our patients to feel confident about their choices and provide them with all the information they need to make an informed decision. We offer consultations so our patients can ask any questions they may have and better understand what the surgery entails.
