Face Lift, technically known as Rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery procedure aimed to remove aging signs on the face and neck. Starting at the age of 40, wrinkles, sagging skin, and collections of fat are noticeable than before. At that age, the body has spent a lot of time under the effects of gravity, the sun, and stress — leaving signs of wear behind. The facial skin gets more relaxed, loosens up, and slowly drapes below the jaw line. Neck skin, in addition, becomes loose and wrinkles begin to surface.
While nothing can really stop the aging process, a Face Lift can at least take some traces of it off. This is basically possible by having excess skin and fat removed, as well as tightening the underlying tissues around supporting structures.
How is Face Lift Performed?
Traditionally, a Face Lift is done by making an incision from the front of the ear, going up into the hairline. The incision makes its way around the bottom of the ear and behind it, often stopping close to the hairline at the back of the neck. Here, the deeper tissues can be tightened using sutures, plus the option to remove or leave a few excess deeper tissues. The skin is redraped after, then the amount of excess skin that will be removed will depend on the surgeon’s decision. When the excess skin is removed, the incisions are closed with sutures and staples.
A Face Lift is typically performed under general anesthesia and combined with other facial procedures, like Blepharoplasty and Rhinoplasty.
Risks of Face Lift
A Face Lift is a major surgery that carries its share of risks. Complications can be any of the following: excessive scarring, bleeding, hematoma, infection, poor wound healing, skin necrosis, adverse effects from anesthesia, facial nerve injury, asymmetry, skin loss, numbness, burning or cold sensations, and facial pain, to cite examples. These risks, however, can be rare, especially if the doctor who works on the patient has years of experience and is a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Who Can be Considered for Face Lift?
Individuals who wish to have a younger-looking face and do not have notable medical problems. They should also be capable of drawing realistic expectations from the procedure and aware of its limitations. Smokers and people with hypertension and diabetes have greater risk in developing complications after the procedure. Intake of aspirin or blood thinners, if any, should be stopped at least a week before surgery.
Facts on Face Lift
To enhance the results of a Face Lift, Botox can be included to address laugh lines and liposculpture to address marionette lines.
