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Facelift surgery can be an effective way to improve appearance and boost self-confidence, but it is not for everyone. Some patients might find that they can achieve their cosmetic goals with a non-invasive procedure, such as a chemical peel or microdermabrasion. Others may be happier with their results if they combine facelift surgery with other procedures, such as a neck lift or forehead lift (also known as a brow lift). Patients who understand both the possibilities and limitations of facelift surgery tend to be more pleased with their results.
The best facelift candidates have realistic expectations and are willing and able to follow the pre- and post-operative instructions provided by their plastic surgeons. After a one-on-one consultation, the doctor can advise a patient as to whether he or she is a good candidate for a facelift, or whether an alternate procedure might be preferable.
Ideal candidates for facelift surgery share certain important traits. The following is a list of factors that can affect whether or not an individual is a good candidate for facelift surgery:
Facelift surgery isn’t just for women. Men can also turn to rhytidectomy to erase the signs of aging and achieve a younger, rejuvenated look. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reports that over a 5-year period beginning in 2010, face lifts for men have increased by 44 percent. The steps of the procedure are typically the same for both sexes, and both men and women can enjoy outstanding cosmetic results.
Age is not the most important factor in determining candidacy for facelift surgery; skin elasticity and overall health have far more bearing on a patient’s ability to undergo this procedure. Most patients who undergo rhytidectomy are between the ages of 40 and 70 years old. However, people older than 70 can benefit from the surgery, as well. A qualified plastic surgeon can further evaluate each patient’s skin texture and condition to make individual judgments and recommendations regarding candidacy.
More people over the age of 50 are turning to cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance, according to the Indian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Seniors are lining up for facelifts, laser skin resurfacing, BOTOX® treatment, and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). The doctor will take into account each person’s particular circumstances, including age, before approving cosmetic surgery. Seniors undergoing surgery should understand that they will not look 20 years younger, although they will certainly look more youthful.
Facelift prices can vary depending on the doctor and even the region. Comprehensive facelift prices will include these costs, in addition to the surgical fees. If you are considering a rhytidectomy, you should discuss all costs with your surgeon.
The national average mentioned above can vary significantly from patient to patient. When doctors and patients are determining the final total for a facelift, there are a number of considerations to take into account. These include:
Facelifts are elective procedures and therefore are not covered by insurance. Nevertheless, many surgeons offer excellent facelift surgery financing options to cover the cost of facelift surgery, including surgical fees. At their initial consultations, patients should ask their doctors about what repayment options are available. Most doctors accept cash, check, and credit cards. Many practitioners also offer sizeable discounts when procedures are paid for in full. Additionally, patients should inquire about repayment plans. Some doctors offer rdasonable fixed-interest or even no-interest financing options for those with approved credit.
When patients are researching their financial options, they should also learn more about outside financing options. Medical financing options, available through such companies as Compassionate Finance®, are intended specifically for elective procedures, including facelifts. This company and similar providers offer fixed interest rates, and some patients can even obtain no-interest financing if they pay for their procedure within a certain time frame. Other patients will take out bank loans or utilize similar financing options to make a facelift a reasonable and affordable option.
When patients are researching their financial options, they should also learn more about outside financing options. Medical financing options, available through such companies as Compassionate Finance®, are intended specifically for elective procedures, including facelifts. This company and similar providers offer fixed interest rates, and some patients can even obtain no-interest financing if they pay for their procedure within a certain time frame. Other patients will take out bank loans or utilize similar financing options to make a facelift a reasonable and affordable option.
When a patient selects a plastic surgeon, he or she will have a thorough consultation and examination. First, the doctor will determine whether or not a facelift is a suitable procedure, considering health history, skin type, and goals for treatment. It is important for a patient to be honest with his or her doctor, especially regarding health history. Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or heart disease, can increase the risks of plastic surgery. Although not all underlying conditions will prevent a patient from receiving a facelift, it is important for the surgeon to know about these concerns so that he or she can take necessary precautions.
At the first appointment, the doctor may also address the issue of smoking. Again, the patient should be upfront, as smoking can raise the risks of plastic surgery and slow healing. Although this habit does not automatically keep someone from qualifying for a facelift, he or she will need to stop smoking for at least two weeks before and two weeks after the surgery, if not longer.
After determining that a facelift is a viable solution, doctor and patient will work together to create a personalized treatment plan. They will determine:
The doctor or the administrative team can also explain financing options and help the patient to determine the best repayment plan for his or her budget.
Treatment options include:
A full facelift offers the most comprehensive results. With this procedure, the doctor can address deep creases below the eyes, sagging around the cheeks, lines around the mouth, excess fat and skin under the chin, jowls, and more. Because it targets a larger area, the treatment requires a longer incision. It usually runs along the temple, around the ear, and down to the neck, as described above. Full facelifts can address more dramatic signs of aging, and, thus, they are popular among patients in their 50’s and 60’s.
During a mid facelift, a surgeon can lift and tighten the tissues below the eyes and around the cheeks. To perform this procedure the doctor will create incisions that are similar to those used in a traditional facelift, but they will typically be deeper. This technique allows him to lift the muscles that are normally untouched by a traditional facelift. He may also use fat grafting or facial implants to enhance contours and create more defined cheekbones. Because this procedure does not address all the signs of aging, it is often suitable for men and women in their 30’s and 40’s who are simply looking to rejuvenate their appearance.
Mini facelifts involve smaller incisions and a shorter recovery time, which is why this procedure is sometimes referred to as a “weekend facelift.” As with the mid facelift, this surgery targets a smaller area, primarily treating the jaw, lower cheeks, and neck. The doctor will usually locate the incisions along the hairline and behind the ear. Through these incisions, the doctor will lift the muscles, remove fat unwanted fat deposits, and eliminate excess skin. Many surgeons perform mini facelifts using endoscopic techniques. Like mid facelifts, this procedure is common among somewhat younger patients who are showing the first signs of aging.
As the name implies, lower facelifts target the bottom third of the face. This procedure can be an excellent way to eliminate jowls, reduce deep nasolabial folds, lift the sagging corners of the mouth, and enhance the jaw. The procedure itself is similar to other types of facelifts, and the doctor will create incisions along the patient’s ears and hairline. Lower facelifts are suitable for patients of all ages who want to decrease the signs of aging and enjoy a more youthful appearance.
Thread facelifts are a quick, minimally invasive alternative to traditional facelifts. During this procedure, a surgeon will create tiny stitches just below the skin to lift the underlying muscles. This procedure can often be performed without anesthesia and leaves no visible scars. Because the entire treatment takes about one to two hours, it is sometimes referred to as a “lunchtime lift.” This treatment is most suitable for patients in their 30’s and 40’s who simply want to make minor adjustments to their appearance.
Traditional facelifts and its variations can be performed using several different surgical tools and incision patterns. Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages, which a doctor can explain during the initial consultation. Ultimately, the optimal procedure and technique will be different for each person.
Many surgeons use endoscopic technology to perform all types of facelifts. An endoscope is a microscopic camera, attached to a small, handheld wand. To perform an endoscopic facelift, a doctor will create three smaller incisions, each an inch long or less. She will then insert the endoscope through one incision to obtain a clear view of the underlying facial structure. Through other two incisions, she will use tiny surgical instruments to lift the muscles and remove excess tissue. Endoscopic facelifts are typically best when patients want to address drooping muscles and misplaced fat, but they do not have a large amount of excess skin.
Endoscopic techniques are especially useful in mid and lower facelifts, since these procedures target smaller areas that are harder to access with traditional surgical instruments. Additionally, because the incisions are smaller, patients who choose endoscopic techniques usually enjoy a faster recovery time.
The oldest type of facelift, this technique only addresses sagging and excess skin. The surgeon will create a long incision, running along the hairline. Via this incision, she will gently lift the skin and suture it higher up in place. Because this procedure does not affect the muscular structure, it carries a reduced risk for nerve damage and other complications. However, the results do not last as long, and many experts believe they do not look as natural. Often cutaneous facelifts can leave patients with a stretched or “windswept” look.
Today, the cutaneous facelift has been nearly eliminated by the more comprehensive SMAS facelift. In fact, when people hear the word “facelift,” they almost always think of this procedure. During the SMAS facelift, the doctor will lift and tighten the underlying muscle structure to improve facial contours and achieve an overall more youthful appearance. Although the doctor will also eliminate extra skin, this treatment offers more far reaching and natural results than early forms of the facelift.
During an S-lift, a doctor will create S-shaped incisions in front of the ears. Because these incisions are smaller than those used in traditional facelift surgery, recovery time is shorter, and costs are often lower. However, this procedure does not offer results that are as dramatic as those in traditional facelifts. S-lifts are most suitable for treating the jaw and lower face.
During a deep plane lift, a surgeon will work on the layers of tissues below the SMAS layer. Instead of separating the muscles and lifting them separately, the doctor will lift the entire facial structure as a single unit. Deep plane lifts are especially effective in treating the mid face, including deep nasolabial folds. However, this technique does involve more risks, especially to the facial nerves. Therefore, there are relatively few doctors equipped to perform this procedure.
Subperiosteal facelifts go even deeper than deep plane lifts, although both procedures address sagging in the mid face. This procedure targets the tissues just above the facial bones, through incisions below the lower lash line or inside the mouth. While deep plane lifts are relatively specialized procedures, there are even fewer surgeons who offer the subperiosteal facelift.
Of course, recovery time can vary somewhat, depending on the type of facelift and whether a patient chooses to add other procedures. In general, however, there is a basic recovery timeline.
When the anesthesia wears off patients may be a bit nauseous or cold, but these feelings will typically subside quickly as the medication leaves their bodies. Usually, patients will have bandages on their faces, and there may be some drainage tubes as well, depending on the extent of the procedure. If patients do have these tubes, they should expect drainage for at least 48 hours. Surgeons will provide instructions about how to clean and care for the tubes. Patients often experience swelling and discomfort, particularly during the first day, but these symptoms can often be controlled with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.
Many doctors ask their patients to come in the next day for a checkup. This visit allows him or her to carefully monitor recovery and ensure that a patient is not at a high risk for post-surgical complications.
During the first week after a facelift, patients should focus on recovery and avoid strenuous activities. However, they should avoid being overly sedentary; taking a walk around the room every few hours will stimulate blood flow and prevent blood clots. Typically, patients will return 5 to 7 days after their surgery to have their stitches removed. There are several other steps that individuals can take to minimize discomfort and promote healing. In addition to following specific instruction from their surgeons, patients should:
Swelling and bruising may persist for several weeks after a facelift, but as recovery progresses, patients will begin to see the results of their facelifts. Most people feel good enough to go out about two weeks after their surgery. Nevertheless, patients will still have some restrictions and they should carefully follow their doctor’s directions. In particular, they should:
In the weeks and months following a facelift, patients should attend all follow up appointments with their surgeons. They should also carefully monitor their progress and alert their doctors if they notice the signs of post-surgical complications. It may take several weeks for patients to see the final results of their facelifts. Nevertheless, as recovery progresses and swelling subsides, patients should begin to enjoy a younger, more alert appearance.
Skin type and age influence facelift results, so individuals who are interested in facelift surgery should meet with a qualified cosmetic or plastic surgeon to discuss appropriate expectations. Skin will continue to age after the procedure. Patients should also realize that some facelift scarring is unavoidable following the procedure, although the surgeon will strive to make it as inconspicuous as possible.
Ready to take the next step? Find a facial plastic surgeon in your area
Though a facelift is not a permanent solution to aging, it can set back the clock by several years. Once the swelling has gone down and your face has finished healing, you will have a chance to fully appreciate your facelift results. The goal of facelift surgery is to rejuvenate the face and give it a fresher appearance.
Some patients may struggle with disappointment or depression immediately following facelift surgery, because the positive results often take several weeks to become noticeable. Bruising, puffiness, and other negative temporary side effects associated with facelift surgery may initially mask the effects of the procedure, and can make the recovery period very trying on the patient. After one or two weeks, makeup can be used to conceal skin discoloration. The worst swelling should subside within 12 to 14 days, but skin dryness may persist for several months. Scars will fade somewhat as time passes. Most patients will begin to notice the improvement in their appearance and see the facelift results after about three weeks.
The benefits of facelift surgery continue to expand as the procedure becomes more comprehensive and complex. Today, the procedure has an unparalleled ability to restore a patient’s youthful appearance.
When properly performed, facelift surgery turns back the clock, firming up muscle tone, smoothing the skin, and restoring an attractive facial contour. Facelift surgery is not designed to make a person look like someone else, but to make that person look and feel years younger.
Facelift surgery is best-known for tightening loose, sagging skin that has begun to droop with age. By removing these extra tissues, a surgeon can address jowls, turkey wattles, drooping skin around the eyes, and an overall aged appearance. Although this component of facelift surgery remains an important part of the procedure, surgeons have realized that this tightening works best (and looks more natural) when the face’s underlying structures are also restored to a youthful configuration.
Unlike older, less sophisticated facelift techniques, which only tightened superficial facial skin, today’s techniques also address the underlying structures of the face, the Sub-Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS). Cheek fat and other structures of the face sag downward with age, as skin loses elasticity and becomes lax. Today’s surgeons first rearrange these underlying structures into a more youthful configuration before addressing the superficial layer of the face. Doing so puts less tension on the skin and helps the facelift last longer. Therefore, one of the benefits of contemporary facelift procedures is the restoration of a youthful configuration to your face’s muscles, fat, and connective tissue.
Gone are the days of an unnatural, pulled facial contour after facelift surgery. Today’s surgeons precisely rearrange the underlying structures of the face to restore a lasting and attractive facial contour. In addition, a facelift can be combined with facial liposuction to further address jowls, a fleshy neck, and other areas.
While the risks listed above are rare, many patients may experience some passing side effects that typically dissipate within a few weeks. These may include:
Although these concerns will typically resolve themselves within a few weeks, patients can take steps to minimize side effects and speed healing. Discomfort can typically be controlled with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Patients should always follow their doctors’ instructions regarding medication, and they should never take over-the-counter drugs without consulting their doctors. Certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can cause slow healing. Compression bandages help control swelling, and they can also help skin conform to new facial contours. It is important for patients to wear these bandages as directed and to keep them clean and dry. Typically, patients can remove them within a week of their facelift.
Additionally, patients can enhance healing by following a healthy diet, full of essential vitamins and nutrients. Lean proteins, fresh produce, and whole grains are always good choices. High sodium foods are to be avoided, as these can cause water retention and exacerbate swelling.
For patients who are apprehensive about the idea of surgery and for those looking for more conservative enhancements, there are several other possibilities to choose from. They include:
A one-on-one consultation with a surgeon will also help patients to determine whether one of these substitutes can help them achieve the look they desire, or if surgery is necessary for optimal results.