Facelift: The Basics
A facelift is known medically as a rhytidectomy. As individuals age, the skin begins to show signs of stress, wrinkles and a decrease in skin elasticity. Individuals may select to receive a facelift to improve signs of aging or sagging skin. A facelift may also improve the signs of wrinkling, sagging skin, and sagging areas of the neck. Eyelid surgery is also often a part of a facelift as well. Individuals receive facelifts to improve their confidence by improving the way that the look and feel. An Austin facelift will help the individual appear more youthful and refreshed.
Preparing for Face Lift Surgery
To prepare for face lift surgery, a consultation must occur between the patient and the physician to determine the goal of the facelift. The physician will determine the plan of action for the surgery and give the patient an idea of the results. After the problem areas and tissues are identified, deep sedation or “twilight anesthesia” will be administered. Some surgeons will administer general anesthesia. However, deep sedation is preferred. Then, an incision will typically be made near the temple. The incision will continue in-front and around the ear and will continue to the scalp area. The physician will be tightened and realigned. After this process, the excess skin will be removed. If neck sagging is the problem, a chin incision will be made. Afterwards, many surgeons will use a harmonic scalpel to seal blood vessels without the use electrocautery. This process may damage tissues, whereas, harmonic scalpels yield less damage to tissues, reduce swelling, and bruising. Recovery time is also reduced with this process.
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After the Procedure
To assist with healing, surgical drains are often used after surgery. Medical gauze is wrapped around the head in order to capture the draining fluids. Within 24 hours, the bandages will be removed. Most patients will experience a general feeling of tightness, but little pain. Pain medication is administered to control any discomfort.
The recovery time varies from patient to patient. Surgeons should be consulted about your expected recovery time. Most patients may resume their daily lives within a few weeks after the surgery. Until the physician releases the patient, he or she should refrain from strenuous activity. Most individuals do not experience significant scarring after the surgery.
Most patients may enjoy the results of a facelift for five to ten years. The time period will depend upon the patient’s personal situation. Most often, the rate of the patient’s skin growth, the amount of sun exposure, and other aging factors play a role in the frequency of facelifts needed by patients. Consult with your physician to determine how often you will require a facelift.