A full facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that helps to remove the signs of aging from the face and neck. It is usually recommended for people with significant sagging and wrinkles in the center of the face and neck.
Compared to non-surgical treatments such as fillers or Botox, a facelift can achieve a more significant improvement.
During a facelift procedure, the surgeon will typically make an incision above and along the hairline, then follow it around the ear and lower scalp, which helps to minimize visible scarring. The surgeon will then separate the skin from the underlying fat layer and tighten the facial muscles to achieve a more youthful appearance.
To enhance the overall contour, any excess muscle or fat is removed or suctioned out following the procedure.
Prior to surgery, it is very important to inform your surgeon about any medications you are taking, both prescription and non-prescription. You should also include any information about allergies or medical conditions you may have.
You need to stop smoking at least two weeks before your operation as this may affect your reaction to anaesthetics. In addition, smoking can prolong the healing process after surgery.
To reduce the risk of post-operative bleeding, it is advisable to discontinue the use of Aspirin, blood-thinning medications, vitamins, and herbs for a minimum of two weeks prior to surgery.
Following a facelift surgery, your head will be wrapped in bandages to minimise bruising and swelling.
Your doctor may place a small tube under the skin behind your ear to help remove excess fluid.
After a few days, the bandages are loosened and taken off. However, the doctor may recommend that you wear a compression garment for a few weeks as part of the healing process.
It is essential to follow all the instructions given by your doctor during the recovery phase. It is also important to wear all the garments and bandages for the period of time recommended by your doctor to allow your body to heal properly.
After the operation, do not engage in any vigorous activity to avoid tension on the wound. You should also refrain from any dental work as it may cause distress to the face.
A facelift usually has a recovery period of one to two weeks, and in most cases, you can return to work during this time even though there may still be some swelling. This assumes a successful procedure without any complications.
Although facelifts are a common and generally safe procedure, it's important to acknowledge that all surgical procedures carry inherent risks that should be carefully considered and understood before proceeding.
Facelifts may present certain risks, such as potential nerve trauma resulting in numbness near the ears, as well as the possibility of infection. However, antibiotics are typically prescribed by your doctor during the recovery process to minimize the risk of any infections developing.
Swelling, bruising, soreness, and bleeding are common side effects following a facelift and are generally expected to subside within one to two weeks.
- New Me Health