A facelift is a cosmetic procedure used to tighten skin, remove wrinkles and make you appear younger. There are various methods of tightening skin and muscles including less invasive technologies. The following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about facelifts.
1. How long does it take to recover from a facelift?
Answer: Recovery time depends on the specific procedure you and your doctor choose. For example, you might choose a traditional surgical facelift, which covers a large area and includes both the face and neck. Recovery time varies depending on your age, health and other factors, but most people recover in two to three weeks.
According to information published at plasticsurgery.org, more and more patients choose nonsurgical facelifts that are often performed on an outpatient basis. Three types of nonsurgical facelift include:
- Energy Transfer
This method uses some kind of energy — like lasers or electricity — that warms deep tissue and results in tightening of the muscles and skin. This is not as effective as other methods, but there are fewer risks or potential side effects. - Injectable Fillers
These fillers include Botox and other brands that reshape your face, lips and eyelids for a more youthful appearance. The fillers reduce the effects of wrinkles by adding volume to the skin. - Lasers and Chemical Peels
These nonsurgical facelift techniques have been long established, and modern laser surgery requires very little recovery time with precisely targeted surgery. Chemical peels remove the surface layer of skin to reveal fresh, youthful skin underneath.
Recovery time for these nonsurgical procedures varies. Fillers provide almost instant results within 24-48 hours. Chemical peels take from 7 to 14 days for recovery. Most heat and laser surgery approaches take minimal recovery time — just a day or two to monitor for swelling or infection.
2. What are the negative aspects of a surgical or nonsurgical facelift?
Answer: According to information posted at medicalnewstoday.com. The following are potential risks of a surgical facelift:
- Loss of hair around the incision area
- Possible surgical postoperative infection
- Bleeding and bruising
- Damage to facial nerves
- Skin necrosis, or death of skin in the affected area
- Uneven facial appearance
- Scarring
- Anesthesia complications
A nonsurgical has fewer potential downsides, but the results are also more limited. However, many people prefer the speed, control and simplicity of nonsurgical techniques
3. How should I prepare for a facelift?
Answer: According to information posted at .plasticsurgery.org, your doctor might ask you to take the following actions before surgery:
- Stopping smoking
- Getting lab tests or an evaluation
- Taking certain medications or adjusting the medicines you’re already taking
- Applying certain topical lotions to your skin
- Avoiding aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications and other blood thinners
- Ceasing any herbal supplementation
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding and bruising
You should avoid eating or drinking after midnight on the night before your surgery. Definitely don’t smoke because smoking can damage the healing process.
4. How long does facelift surgery take?
Answer: Most facelift surgery is now performed on an outpatient basis unless there are health problems involved. Surgery usually takes between 3 and 5 hours for a full facelift. Nonsurgical facelifts take less time, and they can often be performed in 30 minutes to one hour.
5. Will there be scars after facelift surgery?
Answer: Truthfully, any facelift procedure results in some scarring, but medical procedures have advanced to be more precise and less invasive with computer-assisted targeting. Laser facelift surgery generates minimal scarring, and a skilled cosmetic surgeon often produces only minor scars that quickly fade away under routine make-up. You can take certain steps to minimize scarring and its psychological impact that include:
- Choosing an experienced, board-certified cosmetic surgeon
- Viewing before and after photos of patients to know what to expect
- Following your surgeon’s recommendations for aftercare
- Protecting incision sites from direct sunlight
- Using a moisturizing lotion brand that’s recommended by your surgeon
- Wearing compression garments if recommended
- Keeping well-hydrated during recovery
- Foregoing cigarettes and alcohol
- Eating nutritious foods with vitamins A, C, D, and E and iron at least week before surgery
6. Will a facelift make my skin look too tightly stretched?
Answer: Your skin might initially appear tight because swelling, but that usually fades as the swelling subsides. The possibility exists that your surgeon could stretch the skin too tight, and some patients actually insist on tightness to make the procedure last longer. However, most skilled surgeons won’t stretch the skin too tightly.
7. How much will my facelift cost?
Answer: The price of a facelift varies tremendously based on your location, health, age, your surgeon’s skill and other factors including the scope of the work. Where the surgery takes place also affects costs. Outpatient procedures cost less than hospital stays, and nonsurgical facelifts can cost as little as several hundred dollars. The average costs of a full facelift range from $12,000 to $22,000, but many patients combine procedures — such as getting an eyelid lift or facial rejuvenation at the same time as the facelift.
8. Do I need a full facelift?
Everyone doesn’t need or choose a full facelift — especially men or women that just want to shave off a few years. There are mini facelifts, nonsurgical facelifts and other options for looking younger. Facelifts \won’t work effectively for some patients with skin laxity.