As we age, the skin of face and neck gradually lose its elasticity. The volume is lost in the midface and the soft tissues progressively descent. The effects of this process can be seen in the form of less prominent cheeks, deepening of nose to mouth lines, sagging of jawline while giving rise to jowls along with skin of neck falling downwards in loose folds. This change the facial appearance from triangle of youth to, inverted triangle of youth, as we get older.
These changes can be effectively addressed through necklift and facelift surgery which can be performed in combination with eyelid surgery.
Clinically, facelift surgery is also known as ‘Rhytidectomy’. It is a surgical procedure that involves surgery to remove the wrinkles, lines and other signs of ageing. The goal of the facelift surgery is to improve the overall facial and jaw appearance. It usually involves the removal of excess facial skin, with or without the tightening of underlying tissues, and the re-draping the skin on the patient’s face and neck.
Through neck Lift and facelift surgery the harmful effects of stress, ageing and exposure to external components are reversed.
Ideal candidates for Facelift surgery
Though facelift surgery is ideal for reversing the signs of ageing and to improve the facial appearance but it is not recommended for everyone. Many of the patients can have their conditions treated with a non-surgical facelift procedures that use dermal fillers, botox etc.
Usually, people between the age of 40-70 can undergo facelift surgery. A good candidate for a facelift surgery should have some elasticity and suppleness in skin along with a well-defined facial bone structure. They should have realistic expectations from the facelift surgery with a good overall health and a loose neck and facial skin.
Facelift Surgery at CosmeDocs
At CosmeDocs, Facelift surgery is performed by highly experienced and skilful plastic surgeons that possess extensive experience of performing surgical cosmetic procedures. They possess an artistic eye and pay immaculate attention to the details so that the patients after the surgery are left with almost invisible scarring and naturally beautiful results.
Facelift Surgery/ Rhytidectomy Procedure
The facelift surgery procedure takes almost 3-5 hours to complete. General or local anaesthesia may be given along with IV sedation. In the traditional facelift, an incision is made in front of the ear extending up into the hairline. The incision curves around the bottom of the ear and then behind it, usually ending near the hairline on the back of the neck. The skin is then pulled upwards and backwards and the amount of excess skin to be removed is determined by feel. The excess skin is then removed and the skin incisions are closed with sutures and staples. Facelifts work best in women with thin skin and good bone structure. They are best for eliminating loose skin folds in the neck and wrinkles in the cheeks.
The surgeon attempts to enhance the aesthetically pleasing contours and completely rejuvenate the facial structure.
Downtime
The patient may have to stay overnight at the hospital or clinic after facelift surgery. There is temporary bruising and swelling on the face and neck after the surgery which takes almost 4-6 weeks to settle. The patient will feel numbness, tenderness, dryness of tightness in facial skin. The results of the surgery last for about 5-7 years.
Possible Side Effects of Facelift Surgery
There are some common side effects of facelift surgery that include swelling, bruising, pain and numbness. These are temporary conditions and will subside in few weeks. Scarring may remain pink for many months then will turn white but most of the scarring is hidden in the hair line and it will not become prominent.
Risks or complications involved in Facelift Surgery
As with any other surgical procedure, Rhytidectomy or facelift surgery also involve some risks. These may include;
- Reactions to the anesthesia.
- Hematoma caused by bleeding underneath the skin.
- Skin Infection.
- Damage to the nerves supplying blood to the face. This can lead to temporary paralysis or spasm in the face.
- Numbness (in areas of your face) that may last 6 months to a year.
- Hair loss (alopecia).
- Loss of tissues.
- Scarring
- Skin discoloration.