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Facelift
Diyos Hospital / Our Services / Facelift

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at reducing the signs of aging on the face and neck. During a facelift, excess facial skin is removed, and the underlying tissues are tightened to create a more youthful appearance. This can address sagging skin, deep creases, and folds, particularly around the cheeks, jawline, and neck. Facelifts can be combined with other procedures such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or brow lift to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation. It’s important to note that while a facelift can produce significant improvements, it doesn’t stop the aging process entirely, and results may vary from person to person.

What are the different kinds of facelifts?

Facelift techniques have evolved over time, allowing surgeons to customize procedures to address specific concerns and achieve more natural-looking results. Some common types of facelifts include:

  • Traditional facelift (SMAS facelift): This is the most common type of facelift surgery. It involves making incisions along the hairline and around the ears to access the deeper layers of the face, including the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). The SMAS and underlying tissues are then lifted and tightened to improve facial contours and reduce sagging.

  • Mini facelift: Also known as a limited-incision facelift or a short scar facelift, this procedure is less invasive than a traditional facelift. It typically involves smaller incisions and focuses on lifting and tightening specific areas of the face, such as the cheeks and jawline. Mini facelifts are often preferred by patients seeking subtle rejuvenation with less downtime.

  • Mid facelift: This procedure targets the middle area of the face, including the cheeks and under-eye area. It can help improve the appearance of nasolabial folds (smile lines) and hollowing in the cheeks by lifting and repositioning the underlying tissues.

  • Lower facelift: A lower facelift primarily addresses the jawline, jowls, and neck. It focuses on tightening loose skin and muscles in the lower portion of the face to create a more defined jawline and smoother neck contour.

  • Deep plane facelift: This advanced technique involves repositioning the deeper layers of facial tissue, including the SMAS and muscles, to achieve more significant and long-lasting results. Deep plane facelifts are often recommended for patients with more advanced signs of aging or significant laxity in the face and neck.

  • Thread lift: A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses dissolvable sutures or threads to lift and reposition sagging facial tissues. While it’s not as effective or long-lasting as surgical facelifts, it can provide temporary improvement in facial contours with minimal downtime.

In many cases, people who get a facelift undergo other procedures at the same time as their facelift surgery, including:

Who gets facelifts?

Facelifts are typically sought by individuals who are bothered by visible signs of aging in the face and neck and are looking to rejuvenate their appearance. While there’s no specific age range for facelift candidates, most individuals who undergo facelift surgery are in their 40s to 60s. However, some people may opt for a facelift at a younger age if they have genetic predispositions to early facial aging or if they’ve experienced significant weight loss, leading to sagging skin.

Common reasons why people choose to undergo facelift surgery include:

Sagging skin: Loss of skin elasticity over time can lead to sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck, creating a tired or aged appearance.

Deep wrinkles and folds: Wrinkles, creases, and folds can develop as a result of repetitive facial expressions, sun exposure, and the natural aging process. Facelift surgery can help smooth out these lines for a more youthful look.

Jowls: The loss of muscle tone and fat in the lower face can cause the skin to droop below the jawline, resulting in the formation of jowls.

Loss of facial volume: As people age, they may experience a loss of fat and volume in the face, leading to hollowing and a sunken appearance.

Desire for facial rejuvenation: Some individuals simply want to refresh their appearance and regain a more youthful, rested look.

Procedure Details 

What happens at a facelift consultation?

Every facelift surgery is specific to the person’s unique face and goals, so it’s important to have a thorough discussion with your plastic surgeon before your surgery. At your facelift consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the following topics:

  • Medical History Review: The surgeon will ask about your medical history, including any past surgeries, current medications, and any existing health conditions. This helps them assess your overall health and identify any potential risks associated with the surgery.

  • Discussion of Goals: You’ll have a conversation with the surgeon about your expectations and goals for the facelift. This includes discussing which areas of your face you’d like to improve, such as sagging skin, wrinkles, or loss of facial volume.

  • Examination: The surgeon will examine your face, paying close attention to the skin elasticity, muscle tone, and bone structure. This helps them determine the extent of the aging process and which techniques will be most effective for achieving the desired results.

  • Discussion of Options: Based on your goals and examination, the surgeon will explain the different facelift techniques available and recommend the most suitable approach for you. This may include traditional facelift surgery, mini facelift, or nonsurgical options such as injectables or laser treatments.

  • Risks and Benefits: The surgeon will discuss the potential risks and complications associated with facelift surgery, as well as the expected outcomes and recovery process. It’s important to have a realistic understanding of what the procedure can and cannot achieve.

  • Preoperative Instructions: If you decide to proceed with the facelift, the surgeon will provide you with preoperative instructions, which may include guidelines for medications, skincare, and lifestyle habits leading up to the surgery.

  • Cost and Financing: You’ll receive information about the cost of the procedure, including surgeon’s fees, facility fees, and anesthesia fees. The surgeon may also discuss financing options and payment plans if needed.

  • Follow-up: Finally, the consultation may conclude with scheduling a follow-up appointment to address any remaining questions or concerns before the surgery date.

Overall, the facelift consultation is a collaborative process between you and the surgeon to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the procedure and realistic expectations for the results. It’s also an opportunity to establish trust and confidence in your surgeon and their recommendations.

How do I prepare for facelift surgery?

Preparing for facelift surgery involves several steps to ensure that you are in good health and ready for the procedure. Here’s a general guide to help you prepare:

  • Medical Evaluation: Your surgeon will likely require you to undergo a thorough medical evaluation to assess your overall health and identify any underlying medical conditions that could affect the surgery or your recovery.

  • Quit Smoking and Avoid Certain Medications: Smoking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications, so it’s important to quit smoking several weeks before the surgery. Additionally, your surgeon may instruct you to avoid certain medications and supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E.

  • Arrange for Transportation and Care: Since facelift surgery is typically performed under anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure. It’s also a good idea to arrange for someone to assist you at home during the initial stages of recovery, as you may need help with everyday tasks.

  • Follow Preoperative Instructions: Your surgeon will provide you with specific preoperative instructions to follow in the days leading up to the surgery. This may include guidelines for medications, skincare, and dietary restrictions.

  • Prepare Your Recovery Space: Set up a comfortable recovery space at home with everything you’ll need during the initial days of recovery, including extra pillows for elevation, ice packs for swelling, and easy-to-prepare meals and snacks.

  • Avoid Sun Exposure: Limit your exposure to the sun in the weeks leading up to the surgery, as sunburn or excessive sun exposure can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

  • Stay Hydrated and Eat Nutritious Foods: Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can help support your body’s healing process and optimize your recovery from surgery.

  • Arrange for Time Off Work: Plan to take time off work and other obligations to allow yourself adequate time to rest and recover following the surgery. The amount of time needed will depend on the extent of the procedure and your individual healing process, but most patients typically take at least one to two weeks off work.

  • Attend Preoperative Appointment: Your surgeon may schedule a preoperative appointment to go over any final details and answer any last-minute questions you may have before the surgery.

By following these preparation steps and closely following your surgeon’s instructions, you can help ensure a smooth and successful facelift surgery and recovery process.

 

What happens during facelift surgery?

During a facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy, the plastic surgeon performs a series of steps to lift and tighten the skin and underlying tissues of the face and neck. Here’s an overview of what typically happens during the procedure:

  • Anesthesia: Before the surgery begins, you will be given anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. The type of anesthesia used will depend on the extent of the surgery and your surgeon’s preference, but it may include local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.

  • Incisions: The surgeon will make incisions in discreet locations, typically along the hairline or around the ears, to minimize visible scarring. The exact placement and length of the incisions will depend on the specific techniques used and the areas of the face being addressed.

  • Lifting and Repositioning: Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will lift and reposition the skin and underlying tissues of the face and neck. This may involve tightening the muscles and connective tissues to restore a more youthful contour and addressing excess fat deposits if necessary.

  • Trimming and Resuturing: Excess skin may be trimmed away, and the remaining skin will be carefully redraped over the newly lifted facial contours. The surgeon will then suture the incisions closed with fine stitches to minimize scarring.

  • Closing Incisions: Depending on the surgical technique used, the surgeon may use surgical staples or skin adhesives in addition to sutures to close the incisions. These will be removed during a follow-up appointment in the weeks following the surgery.

  • Drainage Tubes (Optional): In some cases, the surgeon may place small drainage tubes under the skin to prevent fluid buildup during the initial stages of recovery. These tubes are typically removed within a day or two after the surgery.

  • Dressing and Bandaging: Once the incisions are closed, the surgeon may apply dressings or bandages to protect the surgical sites and help reduce swelling and bruising. You may also be fitted with a supportive facial garment to minimize swelling and support the healing process.

  • Postoperative Monitoring: After the surgery is complete, you will be closely monitored in the recovery area until you are awake and stable. Depending on the type of anesthesia used and your overall health, you may be discharged home the same day or kept overnight for observation.

 

Overall, Diyos Hospital Plastic Surgeon goal of facelift surgery is to achieve natural-looking results by lifting and rejuvenating the face and neck contours, restoring a more youthful appearance. The specific techniques used will vary depending on your individual anatomy, aesthetic goals, and the expertise of our surgeon.

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