Of the various types of plastic surgeries, face lifts can offer patients some of the most dramatic and visually noticeable results. Although a face lift won't get rid of wrinkles on your skin, this surgical procedure does eliminate excess, sagging skin on your face, according to MayoClinic.Org, making you look appear rested and more youthful.
More About Face Lifts
During a face lift surgery, drooping skin is removed from the neck and jowl. Therefore, it affects only the lower two-thirds of your face, explains MayoClinic.Org. To treat the upper part of the face, another type of surgery, such as a brow lift or eyelid lift, may be required. Face lifts don't iron out all of the wrinkles in your face; you may need other cosmetic treatments, such as laser treatment or a chemical peel to make your skin smoother and address other issues, such as discoloration. Results of a face lift last between 5 to 7 years, according to MayoClinic.Org. This plastic surgery can be performed more than once on the same patient.
Good Candidates
MayoClinic.Org indicates that people between the ages of 40 and 70 are likely to select this type of plastic surgery. Patients in their 40s and 50s who don't have a lot of excess skin to remove may benefit from a minimally-invasive type of surgery called a "shot scar" face lift, notes the Cleveland Clinic. Those age 45 and older with noticeable lower face drooping and neck sag will likely do better with a traditional face lift. You also need to be healthy and free of chronic illnesses and medical conditions that can impact your ability to heal after the procedure. Smokers have more complications during the healing process than do nonsmokers, explains the Cleveland Clinic.
Face Lift Procedure
Face lifts are typically performed by a cosmetic surgeon, who makes an incision that goes from one ear to the other, around the hairline, notes the Cleveland Clinic. During the procedure, the skin and underlying tissue are tightened and excess skin and fat removed from the face and neck. A short-scar face lift limits the size of the incision to an S-shaped cut at the temple, or in front of the ear. A traditional face lift surgery takes around four hours to complete.
Cautions and Concerns
After a face lift is done, your face may be bandaged to reduce swelling and bruising, notes the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Excess blood and fluid may drained from your skin through a slim tube. Recovery time is slow. It may take many months before swelling subsides and for the incision lines to become less noticeable. As with any surgery, there is the risk of scarring, infection, nerve injury, bleeding and an unfavorable response to anesthesia. Additionally, you may not get the cosmetic results you wanted–your face may appear asymmetrical and incision lines may be obvious.
Finding a Plastic Surgeon
Making the decision to have a face lift is extremely personal; your plastic surgeon can best explain the risks and benefits of this procedure, states the ASPS. When selecting a doctor to perform your face lift, make sure he has at least five years of surgical training with at least two in plastic surgery. Look for a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and/or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada whose expertise extends to several types of plastic surgeries. Your surgeon should be up-to-date in continuing education requirements and operate from an accredited medical facility.
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