Q - What is a facelift?
A facelift, technically known as rhytidectomy, is a plastic surgery procedure able to restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance to the face. By removing excess skin, tightening underlying muscles and redraping the skin, the facelift can improve the appearance of sagging skin of the face and neck.
Q - How do I know if I’m a good candidate for a facelift?
If you are physically healthy, realistic in your expectations, and seeking an improvement in sagging facial and neck skin, you may be a good candidate for a facelift. While most patients are in their forties to their sixties, facelifts can be successfully performed at other ages.
Q - What will happen during a consultation for a facelift?
During your consultation for a facelift, the surgeon will talk to you about your goals and what you dislike about your facial appearance. A thorough medical history will be taken and an examination will be performed whereby your facial skin and underlying bone will be evaluated. All aspects of the surgery will be explained including the technique, the facility, the anesthesia, the recovery, the risks and the associated costs. Photographs of your face may be also be taken at the time of consultation.
Q - Where does the facelift procedure take place?
Facelift surgery may take place in a surgeon’s office-based facility, a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.
Q - What type of anesthesia will I receive for my facelift procedure?
Facelift surgery is often performed with a combination of local anesthesia and sedation, though general anesthesia is sometimes used instead.
Q - How is the facelift surgery performed?
The facelift surgery begins by making an incision which is often located at the temples above the hairline and extends in front of and behind the ear. A small incision may also be made just under the chin if the neck needs work as well. The skin is then lifted and the underlying muscle and membrane are tightened. The surgeon will trim or suction out excess fat from the neck and chin, pull the skin taught and remove any excess, and then close the incisions. A bandage may then be loosely wrapped around the head.
Q - How long is the surgery for a facelift?
The average surgery time for a facelift is about three hours.
Q - Where are the incisions located for a facelift?
The incision is usually located above the hairline at the temples and extending in front of and behind the ear. Patients requiring additional work on the neck may also have a small incision made just under the chin.
Q - Will I have scars after my facelift?
The incisions made for the facelift will result in scars, though they tend to be well concealed within the natural creases of the face and ears and they will further fade in time.
Q - How much pain can I expect after my facelift procedure?
Though you will likely be prescribed pain medication, facelift patients generally do not experience any significant pain or discomfort.
Q - Will I need someone else to drive me home after my facelift procedure or will I be able to drive myself?
You will not be able to drive after your facelift procedure and will need to arrange for a ride home.
Q - What should I expect of the recovery after my facelift?
You should expect some numbness, swelling and bruising after your facelift, with most of the bruising clearing up in about two to three weeks. Your face will appear puffy and pale at first. Bandages applied after surgery may be removed within one to five days, and stitches are usually removed in about five days.
Q - How much time should I plan to take off from work after my facelift?
Normal activities, including work, can usually be resumed within ten to fourteen days after the facelift procedure.
Q - How soon after my facelift procedure will I be able to exercise?
Any strenuous exercise will need to be postponed for two or more weeks, and sun exposure will need to be limited for several months.
Q - When will the stitches be removed after my facelift procedure?
The stitches may be removed within about five days.
Q - What risks are associated with the facelift?
As with all types of surgery, there are some risks that are associated with rhinoplasty and these may include adverse anesthesia reactions, asymmetry, bleeding, excessive scarring, infection, nerve injury and poor healing.
Q - Will my facelift be covered by insurance?
Facelift procedure are usually considered cosmetic in nature and, thus, are not covered by insurance. However, patients should be sure to check with their own insurance company.
Q - Can I finance my facelift?
Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.
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Rhinoplasty
