Facelift

A facelift is the most comprehensive and fastest way to completely remove or reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and any sagging on the face caused by age and sun damage. While there are many different kinds, however in the traditional facelift, one’s skin is quite literally lifted off the face in order for the skin and the tissues underneath can be retightened and so that the skin can be repositioned smoothly over the face.

Before Surgery

Before the surgery, patients are typically given general anesthesia and local anesthesia in order to numb the skin. Next, the plastic surgeon will make an incision starting at the temple and circle around the front of the ear. It is at this point that the skin is raised, while the muscles and tissues underneath are tightened. Additionally, the plastic surgeon may also remove fat and skin during this step. At this point the skin is then repositioned over the face and the incision is made. The incision is typically placed along the hairline or somewhere the skin naturally creases as to not show after the procedure.

Neck Lift

Often times, patients opt to have neck lift done at the same time of the facelift procedure. When performed a neck lift tightens the sagging and loose skin under the chin, also caused by aging. The incision is placed from the ear lobe and goes behind the ear to the lower scalp.

Aftermath

Your entire face will be completely bandaged after your cosmetic surgery. Typically, the bandages as well as any drainage tube that may have been placed, are removed 1 to 2 days after surgery. Depending on your healing process, your stitches will be removed 5 to 10 days after the procedure is performed.

It is quite normal to experience heavy swelling and bruising on the face. Applying a cold compress may help alleviate these painful side effects. Additionally, your surgeon will prescribe pain medicine to help with the pain while you heal.