The 411 On Face Lift Surgery

Face lift surgery (or rhytidectomy) is a major cosmetic procedure designed to give you the most life out of your years. The best candidates for this procedure are those with loose skin, heavy wrinkles, deep lines and jaw or chin jowls. Face lift surgery is often complemented by eyelid surgery or laser skin resurfacing.

How do you decide if face lift surgery is right for you? If you are considering face lift surgery, the first step is to consult with a surgeon in your area. He or she will evaluate whether you are a good candidate for this type of cosmetic procedure. They will also outline the process, risks and cost. This is the time to ensure your expectations, questions and concerns are heard and addressed.

What is involved in the process of face lift surgery? There are a variety of things that your surgeon will ask you to do to prepare for surgery. Certain medications (such as NSAIDs) that increase the risk of bleeding will have to be stopped. All face lift surgery candidates must quit smoking at least a month before and a month after the procedure. Smoking reduces blood circulation and can cause the skin on your face to turn black without proper blood flow.

There are a few varieties of face lift surgeries, but most involve the same basic process: anesthesia, incision and lifting or removal of skin. Incisions are usually placed in front of and behind the ear and may extend into the scalp. The actual manipulation of the skin tissues involves separating skin from muscle, removal of some skin and fat, reshaping underlying tissue, and re-draping with staples or sutures.

What are the risks of face lift surgery? Risks include unsightly scarring, infection, bleeding, facial asymmetry, skin loss, numbness or other sensation changes, pain, hair loss and general dissatisfaction with results. Many surgeons can drastically reduce these risks. Ensure the doctor you choose is board-certified and willing to listen to your expectations and concerns.

How do you choose a face lift surgeon? Ensure your surgeon is a doctor that you feel comfortable discussing your concerns with and is someone you trust. It is extremely important to check that your surgeon is board-certified in this particular procedure with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Facial plastic surgeons must be certified both by the American Board of Facial Plastic as well as the Reconstructive Surgery.

What are some alternatives to face lift surgery? Alternatives include fillers, skin injections, such as collagen and Botox, and resurfacing techniques such as lasers, chemical peels and microdermabrasion. These options last for several months, while face lifts last for more than 10 years.