Rhytidectomy, commonly known as a facelift, is the surgical process of returning the face and neck to a more youthful and rested state. As we age, we lose tissue fullness, which results in wrinkling, sagging and unwanted hollows that are accentuated - specifically in areas where the tissue is attached to underlying bones. Facelift surgery removes extra skin to reduce wrinkles, firms up the layer under the skin, smoothes out the front of the neck, and refills hollow areas.
There is a myriad of variations to this surgery and they are all based on the same basic theme with few, if any, differences being seen in the long term. Do not be overwhelmed by these differences, rather invest in a meticulous and qualified plastic surgeon
Methods used for surgical incisions may vary, although all start in front of your ear, following the crease around to behind your ear, to help repair your sagging neck. In addition to this, a small cut may be made under your chin to correct any “turkey gobblers”.
The good blood supply to the face allows me to lift and tighten the skin to remove most of the folds and wrinkles. The deeper, underlying tissue layer is then sculpted for a more youthful shape. For further improvements to the face, fat injections in the lips, cheekbones and around the mouth can be added.
You may expect a youthful, smoother appearance with fuller cheekbones, fewer hollows under your skin, diminished lines around your mouth and a sharper jaw line above a younger neck. The injected fat can improve the tone of your skin, suppleness of your lips and fine lines around your mouth. Initial recovery typically may take two to three weeks, though lots of swelling is prevalent in the early healing stage after your facelift surgery. This is associated with discomfort rather than pain. In fact, numbness is much more common and it takes some time for all the feeling to return. This condition is temporary and is caused by nerve bruising, with movement returning as your swelling subsides. Complications such as sub-dermal bleeding and infections may occur but this is far more common in smokers. Though extremely rare, this leads to widened scars, a result that is totally unwanted in cosmetic facelift surgery. With proper precautions, most complications can be avoided and these can be reviewed at a later stage.
Consider travelling and post-operative consultations and trust a local reputable, registered plastic and reconstructive surgeon for the best possible results to your facelift surgery.
Regular cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising as well as sun avoidance, cessation of smoking, sufficient sleep and plenty of water must form part of a general healthy lifestyle. The gains made by facelift surgery can be lasting, despite continued aging.
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