Introduction: What is facelift surgery?
Cosmetic surgeries are becoming increasingly popular, and facial rejuvenation, especially facelift surgery remains one of the most demanding aesthetic procedures.
With aging comes various changes in the skin of the face as it loses collagen and elasticity due to sun exposure, gravity, and constant muscle contraction caused by talking, smiling, laughing, and other facial expressions.Â
Aging causes drastic changes in the skin such as wrinkles, sagging skin, jowl formation leading to insecurities and low self-esteem in individuals.Â
Facelift surgery, clinically known as rhytidectomy, helps to restore the youthful appearance of the skin, reduces facial wrinkles and other visible signs of aging thus improving the overall appearance of the face and jaw area.
How does facelift surgery work?
- In Facelift surgery, the underlying muscles of the face which have started sagging due to age and gravity are lifted and tightened.
- The skin that has lost its natural elasticity usually around the eyes, mouth, and jawline are removed by this procedure.
- It creates a more aesthetically pleasing contour and rejuvenates the facial structure. Â
- It can be done on both men and women.Â
What are the Benefits of Facelift Surgery?
- Restores facial firmness Â
- Regenerates muscle tissue Â
- Lifts facial features Â
- Opens up the eye expressions Â
- Increases skin elasticity Â
- Reduces bags under your eyes Â
- Fresh skin & smooth complexion Â
- Reduces flabbiness and sagging Â
- Reduces wrinkles
As a result, Your skin will be firmer, tighter, younger, and fresh-looking which will give you a boosted confidence and self-esteem.
Things to know before going for a facelift surgery
- Finding the Right Doctor – one who is certified as a surgeon and specially trained in aesthetic surgery techniques Â
- Choosing the Type of Facelifts – There are many types of facelift surgery such as Brow Lift, Temporal Lift, Mid-Face Lift, Eyelid Lift, Lip Lift, Neck Lift, Full Facial Rejuvenation, etc. Your surgeon will advise you and decide which method is most suitable and appropriate for you.
- Preparation before the operationÂ
- Facial examination and proper assessment of the face
- Medical history (drugs, allergy, etc.).
- Smoking, NSAIDs, hormone replacement therapy, anticoagulants should be stopped 3 weeks prior to surgery.
- Photographic documentation of the result – before surgery and 6 months after surgery.
- The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia and takes around 2 to 5 hours. Most people need to stay in the hospital overnight for postoperative recovery.Â
- Healing Takes Time and patience.
- It takes about 2-4 weeks to recover after surgery
- The full effect of the facelift could take up to 6-9 months to become visible.
Who are the Ideal patients for the surgery?
- Absence of any medical conditions that may interfere with wound healing (uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, etc.).
- Elastic skinÂ
- Good bone structure
- Age of fifty or below
What are the Contraindications of facelift surgery?
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Uncontrolled diabetes Â
- Smoking Â
- Collagen-vascular disease Â
- Major psychiatric history Â
- Steroid use
What are the Indications of surgery?
- Visible signs of aging (wrinkling of the skin, sagging of eyes)
- Skin drooping of the cheeks and jowls
- Predominant eye bags folds in the eye areaÂ
- Permanent crease above the bridge of the nasal regionÂ
- Folds in the forehead
What are the steps of facelift surgery?
Traditional facelift
- An incision is made in front of the ear extending up the hairline at the temples as well as behind the ear in your lower scalp. An incision is also made under the chin if the jawline is to be lifted.
- The skin is gently lifted from the deep facial muscles and slowly pulled back in an upward direction.
- Excess fat and skin is removed
- The incisions are then closed using sutures.Â
- A drain may be placed under the skin behind the ear to remove any excess blood and fluids. Bandages are applied.
- Sometimes a secondary facelift may be needed to get the expected results.
Facelift without surgery
Not everyone can opt for surgery as it might sound sometimes frightening for the patient and requires time dedication to expect the following result. Non-invasive techniques are becoming increasingly popular due to early recovery time, less time-consuming, and fewer complications after surgery. Though these techniques do not give a permanent effect and may require several sessions to achieve the desired results. Some of the non-invasive procedures include-
- Liquid facelift – In this procedure, hyaluronic acid as dermal fillers are injected within the skin folds in very small quantities to eliminate the visible aging on the skin.
- Botox – Purified protein complex is injected within the skin folds.
- Thread lift – thin threads are inserted into the face through tiny incisions made in the targeted area of the face. The threads biodegrade and are eventually absorbed by the body within around 18 months.Â
- Radiofrequency (RF)Â
- Liposuction techniques/devices
- Injectable cytolytic drugs for submental fat reduction
- Fractional lasers
- Ultherapy – in which ultrasound energy is used to tighten deep layers of skin and underlying muscle in the face and neck
What are the Expected results after facelift surgery?
- The full result of the procedure will be noticeable once swelling and bruising go away.
- It takes around 6-9 months to see the full effect of the facelift.
- Sometimes, more than one facelift surgery (secondary facelift) may be needed to achieve the desired results.
Will you need a revisional/secondary surgery?
Yes, sometimes a secondary surgery is needed to correct minor irregularities and to remove scars from previous surgery.
What do you have to do after the surgery? (Facelift recovery)
- Complete bed rest after surgery for the first 24 hours
- Light dressings should not be removed and soaked with water until 24 hours later
- Rest with the head end of bed elevated Â
- Incisions and bandages must be kept dry
- Pain medications to prevent pain
- Cool packs to face
- Sutures are usually removed 5 to 10 days after surgery.
- Self-care at home for at least 3 weeks for proper recovery and wound healing
- Sleep in supine position with the back of the head on the pillow for about 2 weeks
- Avoid sleeping on the side of your face
- Avoid too much neck flexion, better to avoid pillow Â
- Avoid strenuous exerciseÂ
- Avoid makeup
- Avoid sun exposure. Use sunscreen with a high SPF.
- Diet changes – a high calorie, high protein intake is very important.Â
- You should be well hydrated to prevent nausea and vomiting.
- Care for the skin, moisturize regularly.
What are the Complications of Facelift surgery?
- Collection of blood under the skin (Hematoma)Â Â
- Skin slough Â
- Puffy face
- Facial numbness
- Swelling and edema
- Unsatisfactory scarsÂ
- Nerve injury
- Asymmetrical facial features Â
- Alopecia Â
- Infection (rare)
- Skin flap necrosisÂ
- Pixie earÂ
- Hairline changesÂ
- Hypertrophic scar and widening of the scar
Facelift surgery cost
The cost of a facelift varies greatly from hospital to hospital, surgeon to surgeon, and depending on the extent of the procedure.Â
The average cost of a facelift ranges between $7,700 to $11,780 in the USA and up to £10,000 for a face and neck lift in the UK. In countries like India, facelift costs around Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 70,000.Â
The results of facelift surgery can last for as long as ten years if the condition of the skin is properly taken care of and maintained following healthy lifestyles and diet.
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Facelift surgery animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc7zcd-lh4U
