What can I expect from a Facelift?

As we get older, our faces begin to show visible signs of aging such as sagging skin, wrinkles, furrows, and fine lines. The loss of youthful contours of the face can be due to a number of reasons, including gravity, sun damage, smoking, heredity, and facial fat. A facelift, (or rhytidectomy,) can improve the physical features of your face.

Good candidates for a facelift include patients who :

·         Have enough loose skin

·         Are nonsmokers

·         Have no underlying health conditions and are otherwise healthy

·         Are individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations

During your initial consultation, your board-certified plastic surgeon here at Atlanta Plastic Surgery will evaluate your current medical history, ask about any prescribed medications, take photographs and discuss possible outcomes and complications. During your consult, the surgeon you meet with will be happy to answer your questions and discuss any concerns. The optimal age for a facelift is typically someone between ages 40 and 60, but it is possible to have the surgery even into your 80s.

Once you and your surgeon have decided on the most appropriate surgery for your needs, getting ready for your facelift involves important steps. Most recommendations include:

·         Blood work or pre-operative evaluation performed

·         Stop taking any aspirin, pain medications, and supplements that might reduce blood clotting

·         Stop smoking

During the procedure, your surgeon will reposition fat and tissue under the skin in order to:

·         Lift and tighten the facial skin

·         Smooth out creases

·         Remove excess skin

After your procedure, a friend or family member will need to drive you home after your surgery and be available to assist you. You may have to return for a follow-up visit to ensure you are healing properly and have any sutures removed if applicable.

Expect to take about two weeks of downtime before resuming “normal” daily activities. This will allow bruising and swelling to subside and you the necessary time to heal. It is best to allow a minimum of four weeks before resuming strenuous exercise. However, it can take several months for mild swelling to go away and the skin to feel normal following the surgery.

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site. This includes taking any medications necessary to help with possible discomfort. To extend the results of your facelift, use sunscreen, moisturize your face daily, stop using nicotine, and lead a generally healthy lifestyle.

To learn more about facelift surgery and our other body contouring procedures, schedule an appointment with Atlanta Plastic Surgery at one of our Atlanta, Midtown, Cumming, or Canton area locations. One of our board-certified plastic surgeons here at Atlanta Plastic surgery will be happy to consult with you and provide the best outlook for your procedure.

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