Face-lift

Face-lift is a cosmetic procedure creating a younger look to the face. The surgery involves removing the sagging skin or parts of it on the jawline and cheeks. Face-lift is an effective method to reduce the signs of aging and can be recommended mainly for older people. Depending on the condition, the doctor can recommend combining a neck lift with a face-lift to get rid of fat deposits and sagging skin on the neck as well.  In this article, we will delve into the details of face-lift surgery, what to expect from this surgery, and post-surgery instructions. 

When we become older, the appearance and shape of our faces naturally start to change because of the aging process.  The skin also loses its elasticity, fat decreases in some parts and increases in other parts of the face. The most common age-related signs of aging are the following: 

- Skin laxity and sagginess

- Jowls and excess skin in the lower jawline

- Folds of the skin from the side of the nose and corner of the mouth

- Excess fat in the neck (neck lift)

Before undergoing face-lift surgery, one must keep in mind that face-lift is not a treatment to remove fine lines, skin injury, or damage due to sun exposure, pigmentation, and skin irregularities. 

How to prepare for facelift surgery. Before face-lift, you will have a consultation with a plastic surgeon and discuss your expectations from the surgery. Your consultation with a plastic surgeon can include questions regarding your medical history and exam, a list of medications your take, expectations, and potential side effects or complications that must be also explained by the doctor during the consultation. 

What happens during the face-lift surgery? First of all, the procedure is done under local anesthesia and IV sedation. In the traditional facelift surgery, the surgeon makes incisions in the area starting at temples in the hairline going down and around the front of ears with the back ears in the lower scalp. Other than that, an incision can be made under the chin as well to improve the neck wrinkles. Then the doctor raises the skin by tightening the inner tissues with muscles. Fat from the face can be either removed or repositioned. After that, the doctor re-drapes the skin and closes the incisions with sutures. 

After the surgery, the doctor might cover the surgery sites with special bondages to give some gentle pressure to reduce and prevent swelling and bruising. You must rest on your back with an elevated pillow, take medications with the application of cold packs to the face to alleviate potential swelling and bruising.