A face lift can give you back the youthful, firm look you enjoyed years ago.
As time progresses, you may lose your once youthful appearance. You may notice that your face looks more tired and aged. However, you might be able to turn back the hands of time by undergoing a face lift. You can decide if a face lift is right for you by learning how and why this operation is performed today.
What is a Face Lift?
A face lift is a moderately invasive surgery that is also known as a rhytidectomy. It is performed primarily to eliminate or ease the signs of aging on the face and neck.
Your face may lose its firm, youthful appearance for a variety of reasons like:
- Relaxation or sagging of the skin
- The development of fold lines in the corners of your mouth and nose
- The dropping or loss of facial fat
- The development of jowls under your cheeks and along your jaw line
- The appearance of “turkey neck” or loose skin caused by a loss of fat in the jaw and neck
Your face may also look prematurely aged because of:
- Genetic or hereditary factors
- Habits like smoking and excessive drinking
- Stress
- Excess exposure to the sun and wind
A face lift is typically performed under general anesthesia and as an outpatient procedure. It can be done in conjunction with other operations like a brow lift or eyelid surgery.
How is a Face Lift Done?
The manner in which your face lift will be done will depend on the type of face lift that you choose. There are two main types of face lifts, a mini face lift and a standard face lift.
During a mini face lift, your surgeon will make incisions along your hairline above your ears. He or she will then tighten the skin around the eyes and on the forehead to give you a firmer, more youthful look.
During a standard face lift, the incisions are more extensive and made behind the hairline, near your temples, and above both ears. The surgeon tightens the facial skin everywhere on the face and neck before closing the incisions with staples or sutures.
Both types of face lifts require the placement of small drainage tubes that will get rid of excess blood and fluid. Your face will also be bandaged before you are taken to a recovery room to awaken from anesthesia.
Face Lift Recovery
It can take up to a year for your face to fully heal from a face lift. During the first couple of weeks at home, it is important that you change your bandages and keep your incisions clean. You also should take any pain medications prescribed to you. You should avoid smoking and drinking as these habits will thin your blood, could cause bleeding, and may lead to infection. They also will cause your new face to droop and sag.