Nobody looks forward to looking old. The effects of old age appear gradually in the form of wrinkles and sagging facial skin. One of the ways people regain their youthful appearance is by coming in for a facelift.
A rhytidectomy – the official name for a facelift – is a surgical procedure carried out to remove excess skin and smooth away harsh facial lines and wrinkles. It is one of the most common aesthetic surgical procedures in the U.S.
How Does a Facelift Work?
The procedure works by tightening the loose and hanging skin of the mid and lower face. It helps to tighten the jawline and remove creases around the nose and mouth. Excess skin on the neck can also be removed.
How Is It Performed?
A facelift does not require hospitalization afterwards – it is done as an outpatient procedure, so the patient can go home after the treatment is complete. The procedure usually takes anywhere from two to five hours depending on the details of the procedure.
The following steps describe how a facelift is done:
1. Local anesthesia is used along with a sedative to make the patient relaxed. This ensures numbness so that the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure. In some patients, general anesthesia must be used instead.
2. Once the anesthetic takes effect, Dr. Admire makes an incision. The incision is created behind the hairline and continues around the ears.
3. The skin is lifted. The muscles and other tissues are tightened, adjusted, and repositioned. Excess skin and fat are also removed.
4. The skin is redraped and the incision is closed using sutures and staples. A dressing is used to cover the site of the incision, protecting it from infection.
Additional procedures like liposuction, a neck lift, and a brow lift may also be carried out to ensure comprehensive rejuvenation.
What Happens After the Surgery?
Once the procedure is complete, the patient can leave for home almost immediately and begin their recovery process. Arranging a ride home from a friend or family member may be necessary depending on the specifics of the procedure.
The surgical dressings will need to be changed and are usually removed in a few days’ time. The sutures and staples will be removed within a week after completing the surgery.
A degree of swelling and bruising will be present for a time after the procedure. These will subside in time. Painkillers and other medication are usually prescribed to reduce any pain and inflammation.
Studies have shown that the effects of this surgery can last for over five years for most patients. Make sure to take good care of your skin to ensure that the results last as long as possible.
Contact Our Office to Schedule a Consultation
Wondering about how to take the first step towards a younger-looking face? It all starts with a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Admire, who will be happy to tell you more about the details of the facelift procedure. To set up your consultation, get in contact with our office today.