What is a facelift?

Also known as rhytidectomy, a facelift is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck.

These signs include:

• · Sagging in the middle of your face
• · Deep creases below the lower eyelids
• · Deep creases along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth
• · Fat that has fallen or has disappeared
• · Loss of skin tone in the lower face that creates jowls
• · Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw can give even a person of normal weight the appearance of a double chin

What you should know before undergoing a facelift

A facelift is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfil someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

Facelift surgery is only a good option for you if:

• · You are physically healthy
• · You don’t smoke
• · You have a positive outlook and specific, but realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance

Be prepared to discuss:

• · Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
• · Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• · Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• · Previous surgeries

Your surgeon may also:

• · Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• · Discuss the options available to you for facelift and facial rejuvenation
• · Examine and measure different parts of your face
• · Take photographs for your medical record
• · Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• · Discuss likely outcomes of a facelift and any risks or potential complications

Important facts about the safety and risks of facelift surgery

The decision to have a facelift is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks and potential complications.

The risks include:

• · Unfavourable scarring
• · Bleeding (hematoma)
• · Infection
• · Poor wound healing
• · Anaesthesia risks
• · Correctable hair loss at the incisions
• · Facial nerve injury with weakness
• · Facial asymmetry
• · Skin loss
• · Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• · Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• · Fluid accumulation
• · Pain, which may persist
• · Skin contour irregularities
• · Skin discoloration, sensitivity or swelling
• · Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
• · Unsatisfactory results may include asymmetry, unsatisfactory surgical scar location, unacceptable visible deformities at the ends of the incisions (It may be necessary to perform additional surgery to improve your results)
• · Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• · Possibility of revision surgery

Be sure to ask questions:

It’s very important to ask your plastic surgeon questions about your facelift procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.