Facelift Surgery 101: What Everyone Should Know When Considering This Procedure

There have been major improvements in facelifts, the medical term for which is rhytidectomy, in the last 25 years. While still a major surgery that is not without risks, the procedure today offers better results and a shorter healing time than it did several years ago. Facelifts improve the following signs of aging: sagging skin, deep creases and folds, loss of muscle tone in the face, and loose skin.

Patients will first need to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon who will work with the patient to determine if he or she is a good candidate for a facelift. Some factors that the surgeon will consider include overall health of the patient, type of problems patient wishes to correct, and the expectation of the patient.

If you are a good candidate and elect to have the surgery, you will need to follow all of the pre-op instructions very carefully. This may include stopping certain medications or taking certain medications. You will also need to quit smoking at least one month prior to surgery.

On the day of surgery, you will be given anesthesia. Most facelifts require general anesthesia, but there are some exceptions, such as with some types of Lifestyle Lifts, which are sort of mini-facelifts. Sometimes, in those cases, a local anesthesia will be sufficient. Next, incisions are made and excess skin and fat removed. Muscles are tightened and then the skin is stapled in place. There are scars associated with facelift surgery, but they are hidden behind the ears or in the natural creases of the face. This surgery is sometimes performed in a hospital setting, but it is also common for plastic surgeons to perform facelifts in surgical rooms in their office. The entire procedure takes from two to five hours, depending on the type of facelift and the complexity of your particular surgery.

Facelifts do come with potential complications including bleeding, pain, discoloration, slow healing, and infection. You will want to discuss all possible complications with your plastic surgeon prior to making a decision about having a facelift.

Follow all recovery instructions carefully as failing to do so can result in slower healing and other complications. Expect some pain and discomfort, especially for the first week following surgery. Full results are usually visible at around seven to eight weeks after surgery.

The average cost for facelift surgery is $3,500-$10,000 depending on the type of facelift and the plastic surgeon that you choose.