The Ultimate Guide to Facelift Plastic Surgery

Aging might be one of the most depressing stages of life for some of you. Seeing yourself growing old gives a feeling of maturity, but also makes you feel hard in day-to-day life and insecure about how you look. So, what is the solution for this? 

This aging might become one of the most basic reasons for getting plastic surgery. Facelift surgery to be specific. However, how does it work? Well, there are some signs and precautions that you have to take care of. For instance, your face will swell and bruise for the first week after surgery which will gradually diminish. It’s mandatory to rest and eat well during this time.

Ensure your cosmetic surgeon has a clear aesthetic philosophy that aligns with yours regarding facial balance, harmony, and symmetry. Diving deeper into this topic, read this write-up till the end to comprehend the concept clearly.

What is a Rhytidectomy?

Rhytidectomy is a surgical procedure that addresses signs of aging in the face. It can be done independently or with other procedures like a forehead lift (blepharoplasty) or nose surgery (rhinoplasty).

A surgeon creates flaps of skin and alters the tissue below to tighten the skin. They can also reposition fat in the cheek area or remove excess skin. The result is a more youthful appearance.

Before facelift plastic surgery, a doctor will review your medical history and perform a thorough facial analysis. This can help them understand your goals and determine if you are a good candidate for the surgery. They will also assess your healing potential and identify risk factors affecting the results. Examples include blood disorders, severe sun exposure, and using drugs or herbs with anticoagulant properties.

What is a Facelift?

A facelift is a cosmetic surgery that reduces facial wrinkles by tightening skin, repositioning or removing fat, and adjusting muscles. The type of facelift best for you will be determined during your initial consultation with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon.

Over time, collagen levels and facial elasticity decrease, which can result in loose or sagging skin. This can be partially reversed with over-the-counter or prescription creams, but eventually, the effects of aging will take their toll. Cosmetic surgery from a trained cosmetic surgeon can re-energize your appearance and help you look years younger.

A traditional surgery addresses sagging skin in the cheeks and neck. Whereas wrinkles, fine lines, and fatty tissue can be minimized with this procedure, other concerns will require separate procedures, such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery.

How Does a Rhytidectomy Work?

Rhytidectomy is an operation that removes wrinkled and sagging facial skin. It may also tighten the muscles and fat underneath your skin to make you look more youthful. It is a popular option for people who have lost significant weight or those with severe jowls.

During facelift surgery, you will be under general anesthesia or sedation. Your surgeon will create an incision either in front of your ear into the hair-bearing scalp or behind it into your hairline.

The surgeon will then fold and suspend your SMAS layer (short for Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System). A simple tightening is done if the primary goal is to eliminate jowls whereas more extensive lifting and tightening of the SMAS is used if the cheeks are deflated.

What Can I Expect from a Rhytidectomy?

The rhytidectomy (rh-TIE-dek-ts) procedure is better known as the facelift. It is a surgical procedure designed to remove wrinkles, tighten the muscles and skin, and restore the jawline and neck to a youthful contour.

It can be performed under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Finding a surgeon who can offer these options to ensure your comfort and safety is paramount.

The best candidates for this surgery are people with moderate to severe facial laxity but good skin elasticity and strong bone structure. This surgery can produce impressive results, giving the patient a more harmonious and youthful appearance. 

The results can also have a positive impact on self-esteem and confidence. However, it is significant to remember that surgery cannot eliminate deep wrinkles, so additional treatment may be required.

This graph by Polaris Market Research Analysis shows the growth of the cosmetic surgery market size, by region, from 2018 to 2030 in USD Billion. 

What Can I Do to Prepare for a Rhytidectomy?

It’s important to fill your prescription pain medications before the day of your surgery. This will ensure you don’t have to travel to the pharmacy and risk missing a dose.

Having someone stay with you when you get home from your facelift is also a good idea. The combination of anesthesia and pain medication can cause you to feel tired or sleepy, making driving difficult.

Finding a board-certified cosmetic surgeon specializing in facial procedures, including rhytidectomy, is also necessary. This will help to ensure that your treatment is performed properly, resulting in a more youthful appearance. The surgeon should be able to provide you with before and after photos of their work.

What Can I Do to Prepare for a Facelift Recovery?

There are several things you can do to prepare for your facelift recovery. For example, make sure you fill your pain medication prescriptions to keep up with them as needed during recovery. Also, avoid medications or supplements that can interfere with your ability to clot properly, such as those containing aspirin.

You should arrange for someone to drive you to and from your surgery and take care of you during your recovery since you will likely be sedated for the procedure. Stock up on books or movies so that you have something to keep yourself occupied when you are recovering. Lastly, make arrangements for your hair care, as you must wear a hat or scarf after the surgery.

What Can I Do to Prepare for a Facelift Recovery After a Rhytidectomy?

As you get older, your skin loses its elasticity and firmness. A facelift can tighten loose skin and restore its shape. Incisions can be hidden along natural anatomical lines to minimize scarring. Choosing a surgeon with experience is pivotal to achieving the best results.

During recovery, patients should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity. They should also avoid saunas and massages to prevent further injury to the skin. It is also necessary to follow your doctor’s post-operative care instructions and to take pain medication as needed.

Swelling and bruising will peak around three to four days after surgery. It is helpful to sleep on two pillows for this period to help alleviate swelling and discomfort. After a few weeks, any remaining stitches will be removed, and the facelift results should become visible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)