Face LiftAbout The Procedure
As people age, the effects of gravity, exposure to the sun and the stress of daily life can be seen in their faces. Deep creases form between the nose and mouth, the jaw line grows slack and jowls form, folds and fat deposits appear around the neck. A facelift can "set back the clock" by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles and redraping the skin of the face and neck.
Procedure Description
Typically, the incision is hidden in the natural contour of the ear, and then extends around the earlobe and back into the hairline. If the neck needs work, a small incision may also be made under the chin. Working through these incisions, the plastic surgeon frees the facial skin from its underlying tissues and pulls it upward and back. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve the contour. Deeper facial support structures are mobilized and secured in a more youthful position. The excess skin is then removed. Stitches secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions; metal clips may be used on the scalp.
Best Candidates for Facelift Surgery
Candidates for Facelift surgery must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery. The best candidate for Facelift surgery is a man or woman whose face and neck have begun to sag, but whose skin still has some elasticity and whose bone structure is strong and well-defined.
Length of the Procedure
Facelift surgery usually takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Anesthesia
Facelift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia.
Inpatient or Outpatient?
Facelift surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
Possible Side Effects
Possible complications associated with Facelift surgery include nerve injury in which nerves that control the facial muscles could be damaged. This is usually a temporary post-operative condition.
Recovery
Patients typically return to work or attend social events three to six weeks after the procedure. The face and eyelids are swollen and bruised after surgery. This will be most pronounced the first few days and lasts anywhere from one to six weeks after surgery. Most bruising will disappear within two weeks and may take months to fully heal. Most patients can resume everyday activities about two weeks after surgery.
The face may feel numb for a few weeks or even months. This is normal and usually subsides. Scars take longer to fade, but because they are hidden in hairlines, behind the ears and in natural folds, they shouldn't be very noticeable.
Patients can shower by the second or third day, but must be careful not to tug on the drainage tubes or to rub the incisions. All lifting, straining, bending and any vigorous activity is to be avoided until all bruises have faded and such activities do not cause any discomfort. To minimize bleeding and swelling, patients are advised to refrain from vigorous exercise for first 2 to 3 weeks. Pain can usually be controlled with pain medication.
Duration of Results
A Facelift typically lasts for about 7 to 10 years. The best results are achieved in people who maintain a stable body weight, have skin with good levels of elasticity and a strong bone structure. In older people, or people who spend a lot of time in the sun, the effects tend to last less well.
Risks
Although complications and bad results are infrequent for face-lifts, they do occur. Some complications require further surgery. Complications can cause slow healing, abnormal scarring, discomfort, inconvenience and permanent deformity.
Complications, especially blistering and skin death, are seen much more frequently in smokers. One major study concluded that smokers had a 1500% increase in complications following a face-lift. It is strongly advised to quit smoking as soon as possible, but at least a month prior to surgery and for four weeks following the procedure.
Cost
Expect to pay $6,000 to $12,000 for Facelift surgery.
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