Since our teenage years, women more than men are encouraged to take care of their facial skin to prevent premature aging and wrinkles. However, the passage of time always takes its toll no matter how many moisturizing creams we apply. This explain why the facelift is a great solution to smooth the sagging skin that is evident in the area.
This procedure is very popular in patients over 40s to 60s and it has the potential to rejuvenate up to 10 years younger. For this reason, we have compiled the most important information for you to discuss in detail what a facelift consists of and what the recovery is like after surgery.
What is a facelift?
A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that tightens sagging facial skin to create a more youthful appearance [5]. It removes excess skin, smoothes creases in different areas of the face such as the cheeks, and tightens facial tissue to give it a raised appearance.
A facelift does not include a brow lift or eyelid surgery, although all could be combined in the same session if the plastic surgeon approves it [1]. Actually, the main focus of this procedure is on the lower two-thirds of the face, often including the neck and décolleté.
How does a facelift work?
The procedure to perform a facelift varies according to the patient’s needs and the plastic surgeon’s preferred techniques [7]. Broadly speaking, the doctor makes very small incisions in areas where scarring would be imperceptible such as the temple, in front of the earlobe, under the jaw, among others.
After this, the excess skin is removed from the face, fat is redistributed if necessary, and the remaining skin is pulled back and up before suturing.
How is the recovery after a facelift?
The facelift is an outpatient surgery, therefore, the patient can go home the same day of surgery and may resume their daily activities the next day if desired. However, he/she must follow all the medical recommendations given [2].
In general, wearing sunscreen daily, avoiding direct sun for at least three months, preventing physical activities that involve bending forward and refraining from heavy lifting [6] are just some of the indications to be followed during recovery.
What is the best age to have a facelift?
There is no pre-established ideal age to perform this type of treatment since each patient ages differently, they have different lifestyles and the quality of the skin from one person to another is not the same. What we have noticed is an increase in its popularity among women over 40 and men over 50. However, it is always better to get medical consultation for each case individually than to assume.
What are the benefits?
Among the main benefits for which patients request a facelift, we find [3]:
- Long-lasting facial rejuvenation: the results of this procedure attack different signs of aging and it lasts longer than any other cosmetic treatment.
- Compatible with other facial procedures: facelift can be performed in conjunction with other facial surgeries such as brow lift or eyelid surgery to complement the results and to achieve a more youthful appearance.
- Imperceptible scarring: Although the exact size and location of the incisions depend on the areas to be treated and the desired results, most incisions are made behind the ear or along the hairline for easy concealment after surgery, so you will only know your secret.
- Better self-confidence: patients feel more self-confident by improving their appearance which it also affects their interpersonal relationships with close people [4].
In summary
Facelift is a surgical procedure that improves multiple signs of aging on the face and neck. It is an outpatient procedure that serves to rejuvenate the facial appearance of both men and women.
Contrary to what some people believe, a facelift can offer natural and long-lasting results that leave scars unnoticeable to the public and allow patients to not be afraid to take selfies or be videotaped in a videochat.
If you would like to learn more about this and other facial procedures, write to us to receive personalized assistance and solve all your concerns about our plastic surgery services in Colombia. Start your free preconsultation process with us today!
You may also be interested in: New boom in male facelift
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References:
[1] American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2022. Facelift Surgery. [online] Available at: <https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facelift> [Accessed 19 August 2022].
[2] BetterME – Become your best self. 2022. Facelift. [online] Available at: <https://bettermegroup.com/facelift/> [Accessed 19 August 2022].
[3] Facialesthetics.org. 2022. Face Lift Overview – AAFE – American Academy of Facial Esthetics. [online] Available at: <https://www.facialesthetics.org/patient-info/facial-esthetics/cosmetics/face-lift/> [Accessed 19 August 2022].
[4] Golden, A., 2017. 6 Advantages of Getting a Facelift – Real Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. [online] Real Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. Available at: <https://realcosmeticplasticsurgery.com.au/6-advantages-getting-facelift/> [Accessed 19 August 2022].
[5] Mayoclinic.org. 2022. Face-lift – Mayo Clinic. [online] Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/face-lift/about/pac-20394059#:~:text=A%20face%2Dlift%20is%20a,is%20also%20called%20a%20rhytidectomy> [Accessed 19 August 2022].
[6] Nhs.uk. 2019. Cosmetic procedures – Facelift. [online] Available at: <https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/facelift/> [Accessed 19 August 2022].
[7] Yang, A. and Hohman, M., 2022. Rhytidectomy. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564338/> [Accessed 19 August 2022].
