Rhytidectomy, or facelift, is a cosmetic surgery to lift and pull back the skin to make the face tighter and smoother. This procedure is done to reduce flabby or sagging skin around the lower half of the face and neck. Depending on the area of your procedure, your surgeon will separate the skin from the underlying fat and muscle.
The fat is then removed. Sutures elevate the supporting fascial layers of the face and neck, and the skin is pulled back into place with any excess removed. You should do a lot of research since it’s an expensive surgery whose results are not guaranteed and contain risks.
What exactly does a facelift do?
As our bodies age, our skin naturally loses its elasticity resulting in sagging and wrinkles. A facelift is a surgical procedure to tighten and lift facial tissues to reverse the signs of aging by removing excess skin, smoothing out wrinkles, and tightening facial tissues. A facelift does not include a brow or eye lift. But you can have both surgeries done at the same time. A traditional facelift is only focused on the bottom two-thirds of the face and often the neck.
How Much Younger Will I Look?
Although the results may differ for each patient, the average result is a 12-year-younger face. This procedure is an excellent choice for patients dealing with moderate or severe skin sagging. Even though the result is a younger, refreshed, and more natural face, it’s hard to determine exactly how young you will look after a facelift.
Usually, older patients see more dramatic results than younger ones. In any case, regardless of your age or how old you think you look now, expect to appear more rested, refreshed, and younger after facelift surgery. Since this is a major surgery with complications and uncertain outcomes, let’s explore the situations in which a facelift is beneficial:
The most common problem features a facelift addresses are:
Sagging neck
Sagging jawline
Sunken cheeks
Facial hollows
Deep wrinkles and folds
A facelift addresses these issues and helps counter the effects of aging by:
Tightening the jowls
Defining the jawline
Lifting and filling the cheeks
Smoothing the neckline
What types of facelifts are there?
A mid-facelift is also sometimes known as a cheek lift focusing on lifting sagging skin from the upper mouth to the eyes; the area includes the cheeks and nose.
A non-surgical facelift, or liquid lift, is a procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia or incisions but still targets the signs of aging, such as sagging skin and wrinkles. However, the results are not as extensive as surgically can be achieved, and the results are only temporary.
Possible complications associated with facelifts
Nerve injury: Facial nerve injury or weakness may occur along with numbness or changes in skin sensation. This may be temporary or permanent.
Infection and anesthesia reaction: As with any type of surgery, there is a risk of infection and a reaction to the anesthesia.
Hematoma: A hematoma, blood that collects under the skin, could occur. The doctor generally removes them.
Slower healing process (for some people): Smokers, in particular, may find that the healing process following a facelift is slower than normal. Smoking in the period leading up to surgery, or after surgery, can contribute to skin injury and permanent scarring. Your surgeon may not perform your surgery if you are currently smoking.
Scarring: The scars may not heal properly and be more visible or thick than desired. This may require further treatment or revision.
How long does it take to recover from a facelift?
A facelift usually takes about 2-4 weeks to recover. Although most of the visible signs of healing will improve after the first 4 weeks, total healing may take 6 to 12 months. If you have an important event coming up, you should discuss this during your consultation and ask any questions you might have about the recovery process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the perceived age reduction from a facelift can vary. Some studies suggest that patients may feel they look an average of 12 years younger following the surgery. However, it's important to note that while facelifts are designed to create a more youthful appearance by reducing sagging skin and smoothing wrinkles, they do not necessarily equate to increased attractiveness. The primary goal of a facelift is to rejuvenate the face and provide a refreshed look, rather than alter one's inherent features. As with any cosmetic procedure, individual results can differ, and setting realistic expectations with a qualified surgeon is crucial for patient satisfaction.
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