Most adults strive to keep a youthful
appearance, but about 130,000
peopleper year want more than topical creams or Botox. As of
2016, the facelift was one of the top five most popular surgical
cosmetic treatments. Anyone who undergoes surgery will have
questions beforehand, so here are answers to the common concerns many
people have regarding facelifts.
#1. Life Resumes Quickly
Some people may avoid a facelift
because they fear they will need to wear bandages for months.
However, the downtime after a facelift typically only lasts about two
weeks. During this time, most of the bruises and swelling subside,
and the surgeon will remove the stitches. Some patients may heal
faster, and some may take a little longer.
Recovery typically involves performing
only light-duty tasks and taking good care of the incision sites.
Although risks include infection, excessive bleeding, and swelling,
these reactions happen rarely and are less likely when people use a
reliable surgeon and follow the orders of their doctor before and
after their surgery.
#2. Needs Can Vary
Certain facelifts offer a way to reduce
recovery time. Cosmetic surgeons can perform lifts on the area that
causes the most concern for the patient. A mini facelift can focus on
the face and leave the non-sagging skin of the neck alone. Skin-only
lifts, a lift that addresses the grooves vertical to the mouth, and
many other options are possible.
Targeted lifts often have smaller or
fewer incisions, so the surgery takes less time, and patients may
feel less discomfort during recovery. Someone that only wants a mild
to moderate improvement but needs more than non-invasive methods can
provide are good candidates for this procedure.
#3. Scar Solutions Exist
Surgery cannot take place without some
disruption to the skin. Cosmetic surgeons use their talents to
minimize the appearance of the incision so the scars become nearly
invisible once fully healed. The surgeon will also instruct the
patient on the care of the stitches and the incision site to help
reduce the risk of a visible scar.
The patient has options if they
discover that their scars remain too noticeable after the healing
process. Laser treatments and steroid injections can minimize raised
scarring in many people. The doctor may recommend other solutions
too.
#4. Patients Must Prepare
Hopeful facelift patients need to
discuss their medical health with their surgeons and follow all
instructions before the procedure. Every surgery has risks, and the
behavior of the patient and any preexisting conditions can
affect the safety of the surgery.
Patients may need to stop smoking and
the use of any medication that thins the blood. Patients should give
their surgeon a complete list of the medications they take. The list
should include prescription medication, over-the-counter medication,
and supplements.
#5. Concerns for Men
Men that undergo a facelift will have
two issues to consider that women usually do not. First, bald men may
have a more difficult time hiding their scars than patients with hair
for coverage. The surgeon will do all they can to reduce any
appearance of scars.
The second concern is their
post-facelift hair removal. The surgeon may pull the skin from the
face behind the ears to make it as taut as desired. The hair
follicles that form the beard and sideburns remain in the skin, so
whiskers may grow behind the ears or on the neck. Electrolysis is a
possibility, or the patient may need to shave this area.
Facelifts continue to offer a more
effective way to roll back the clock than any other cosmetic
treatment. At Ronald C Barry MD,
FACS
, we concentrate on offering the safest, most comfortable,
and most satisfactory result. Contact us with questions about what to
expect from a facelift, or schedule a full consultation and exam
today.
