As you age, the skin on your face loses its natural firmness and elasticity.
Even with the application of makeup, you may be unable to achieve the younger and firmer looks that you once enjoyed. You may want a permanent remedy for the effects that aging is taking on your face.
Fortunately, you can find the results you are looking for when you undergo a face lift. You can determine if a face lift is the right procedure for you by learning how it is done and what you can expect once you are fully recovered.
What is a Face Lift?
A face lift is a cosmetic surgery that is also known as a rhytidectomy. It is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in the U.S. It is designed to remove wrinkles, tighten the skin on your face, and give you an overall more youthful and firmer appearance.
Face lifts are performed as both inpatient and outpatient procedures. Depending on the type of face lift you choose to go through, you might be required to stay in the hospital for at least a day to recuperate. Alternatively, you could be able to go home to rest and recover a few hours after your surgery is finished.
The procedure is performed under IV or general sedation and takes between one to two hours to complete. During the operation, the surgeon makes incisions along the hairline and behind the ears. He then uses surgical tools to remove excess tissue, skin, and fat on the forehead, along the hairline, and around the jowls and jaw.
Once the surgery is finished, the incisions will be closed with surgical glue or sutures. They also may be fitted with tubes that will drain away excess fluid and blood. The sutures and tubes can be removed a week to 10 days after the operation is finished. The total recovery period for a face lift is between four to six weeks.
Why Get a Face Lift?
A face lift can offer a number of unique benefits. People who have undergone face lifts like this surgery because it:
- Offers long-lasting or permanent results
- Gives patients a younger and firmer look
- Improves patients’ self-confidence
- Eliminates wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging
- Can improve one’s personal relationships or career
Further, a face lift can give you an appearance that matches your energy level and personality.
Face Lift Recovery
As beneficial as this surgery is, it does require you to spend several weeks recovering from it. Your face may be bruised, swollen, and sore after the operation. Your doctor may advise you to take over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers and to rest with your head elevated. You should follow up with your surgeon after 10 days to two weeks to ensure you are healing well.