One of the tell-tale signs of aging is the appearance of wrinkles, folds in the skin, and a saggy appearance in the facial region. This can be attributed to the decreasing elasticity of the skin with age and a general loss of the volume of facial tissues. Gradually the skin loses its suppleness and as a result, its youthful allure.

There are a number of cosmetic procedures that can give your skin a more youthful look. One of the most common among them are facelifts. The procedure is used to lift and tighten loose skin and the underlying facial tissues, and remove any excess sagging skin, thereby restoring it’s youthfulness and improving your overall look.

Facelifts are typically complex procedures and should be performed only under the supervision of an experienced doctor. Once you find a suitable cosmetic surgeon, the next step is to discuss with him or her the type of facelift that you require and the techniques used for it.

Before the Procedure

Before undergoing the treatment, you will have to take certain precautions like staying away from smoking during the weeks leading up to the surgery and avoiding certain medications like aspirin or ibuprofen, which have a tendency to prolong bleeding. By taking these steps, you can ensure a successful procedure without any complications.

What to Expect During the Facelift Procedure

During a facelift surgery, your surgeon will make incisions around the hairline, the temple, and the earlobes. Incisions may also be made under the chin if the skin on the neck needs to be tightened as well. The three layers, skin, fat, and muscle are separated and any excess fat is suctioned out. Loose facial tissue under the skin is tightened by folding and pulling the layer of tissue over itself.

The skin is then pulled back and any excess sagging skin is removed. Once this is done, the incisions are closed and sutured. Your surgeon will make sure that the sutures are within the hairline so they can remain hidden and limit the visibility of your post-surgical marks.

Post-operative care

Once the surgery is completed, your skin will be dressed with bandages that must not be removed until you receive a doctor’s instructions to do so. Complete healing can take up to two weeks or longer depending on the complexity of the procedure. During this time, proper rest and restricting strenuous physical activities is mandatory.

If you experience any type of discomfort after the procedure, your doctor will prescribe medication to help ease the pain. This is a normal occurrence and is expected to subside soon after the treatment is completed. The incision sites should be kept clean and free from dirt, otherwise it can result in an infection.

Surgeons perform facelifts in such a way that it looks natural now and in the years to come. After you have healed fully, you will need to make sure that you follow a complete skin care routine to maintain the health of your skin. Also try to maintain a steady weight as putting on excessive weight after the procedure can nullify the results you obtain. By implementing healthy lifestyle changes, you can maintain your youthful look for years to come.

Contact Our Office

One of the most important things to keep in mind once you have decided to undergo a facelift is your choice of who is going to conduct the procedure. To work with a doctor who has experience performing the procedure, contact our office. Dr. JoAnne Lopes, a board-certified plastic surgeon, has the skills and experience necessary to deliver the aesthetically pleasing results you desire.