A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy is a cosmetic procedure which extensively reduces the appearance of wrinkles, folds and sagginess of the face chin area for a rejuvenated youthful look. The procedure involves tightening of underlying muscles and smoothing the skin for an even appearance. Individuals between the ages of 50 to 60 or above will find the procedure very beneficial. A rhytidectomy can be done to correct the whole face appearance which is the traditional facelift or can be done partially to correct specific problem areas like fine lines around the mouth. This limited surgery is called mini-facelift and has a short recovery time compared to the traditional facelift. Consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will determine the most suitable surgery for you. Dr. Bloch operates from the Chicago area and has a board-certification on top of his 30 years experience in cosmetic surgery and surgery skills in facial artistry. You can book a consultation with Dr. Bloch at www.bodybybloch.com.
How is the surgery procedure for a facelift?
A facelift can be performed in a hospital or in an accredited outpatient surgical facility and may last up to 5 hours depending on your condition. The procedure is done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. After you are fully relaxed, your plastic surgeon will make a temple to temple incision which runs through your hair just close to your hairline. Skin can then be easily elevated for the tightening of underlying muscles. Any excess fat tissue and skin are removed. The skin is then re-draped and smoothened before it is closed with stitches. Dr. Bloch may place a tiny temporary drainage tube behind your ear to remove any accumulating fluids.
As a restorative surgery, a facelift does not change your fundamental appearance and cannot stop the aging process.
A facelift can only be performed surgically; non-surgical rejuvenation treatments cannot achieve the same results, but may help delay the time at which a facelift becomes appropriate and complement the results of surgery.
Does facelift has any risks?
All cosmetic surgeries have potential risks and most of them are similar. Rhytidectomy risks include:
All these potential risks and complications will be discussed during your consultation. Following the post-surgery instructions of your board-certified plastic surgeon will minimize most of these risks.
After your face-lift, you will experience bruising and swelling, which lasts about two to three weeks. Some people heal more quickly while others will heal more slowly. Even though you may not wish to go out in public during that time, you should begin to feel well in the first several days after surgery.
Your surgeon will remove your bandages a few days after face-lift surgery. Make sure you keep all your follow-up appointments so your surgeon can check on your progress.
Your doctor will want to see you several times during the two- to three-week period to check on your bruising and swelling and to remove your stitches.
The effects of your new look generally should last for five to ten years. You will continue to age after the face-lift, but you may still look five to 10 years younger than you would have if you never had the face-lift.
Filed under: traditional facelift
