Face Lift Cosmetic Surgery | Face Lift Plastic Surgeons | Rhytidectomy | Mini Face Lifts

Face Lift (rhytidectomy)

If you're considering facelift surgery, you are not alone. Many people want to turn the clock back to when they looked younger. Face lift or rhytidectomy is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries. We read about stars having cosmetic procedures like face lifts, but many non-famous people - men and women - are seeing plastic surgeons to look younger too. But if you want a face lift, there are many things to consider, from finding a qualified plastic surgeon to getting the look you really want.

Lots of changes happen to our face as we get older. Those fine lines get a bit deeper, then turn into permanent creases and wrinkles. We may notice that we have sagging skin on the face and neck. Cheeks might start to look like jowls. You may notice a double chin, or the skin might appear loose. Face lift surgery - one of the most common types of facial cosmetic surgery - can help change that. The double chin can be replaced with a more defined profile. The jowls can become more taut. But there are many factors to consider.

Face lift procedures

During a face lift, the cosmetic surgeon makes an incision by the temple. The incision is placed where it can be hidden by natural skin folds or by your hair.

• Regular or full face lift - In a full face lift, there is a lot more surgery. A full face lift involves the forehead, upper and lower eyelids, mid face, lower face, and neck.
• Mid face lift - A mid face lift, focuses on the cheekbone area, the skin under the eyes and the eyelid area.
• Lower face lift - In a lower face lift, the skin of the face is moved up and back. The focus is on improving sagging skin of the face and neck
• Thread face lift - A threadlift generally has a shorter recovery time. In a thread lift, a barbed suture is used to grab the facial tissues and lift them. There is less cutting, and therefore less recovery time and less swelling and bruising.
• Mini-facelift, lifestyle face lift - In the mini face lift (also known as a lifestyle face lift or weekend face lift), the incision is just by the ears. A mini facelift or minilift is a less invasive procedure which can tighten and smooth the lower face. In a mini face lift, a small incision is made just in front of the ear. Other procedures which can be done at the same time as a minilift include liposuction for the fat in the cheeks or jowls. The mini face lift is generally done under local anesthesia , and has less bruising and swelling, with a shorter recovery time.
• Laser face lift - Technically, this isn't a facelift. But laser resurfacing can result in a younger looking skin and face. So-called non-surgical facelift procedures include Coolglide XEO (a type of laser combination), the Cutera Titan infrared light (which uses infrared light to heat the skin below the surface), and therm-lifting procedures.

After the incision, the skin is raised and repositioned. The underlying structures can be tightened. The procedure may take several hours. Depending on how extensive the face lift is, it can be done using sedatives, or with local and/or general anesthesia. After the facelift, the incision area will be sutured and bandaged.

What to expect after a face lift

After a face lift, as with any cosmetic surgery, there will be swelling and bruising. You should keep your head elevated. When you sleep, use several pillows, and make sure you sleep on your back. Avoid strenuous activity, and avoid bending over. It's also a good idea to avoid getting overheated or doing anything that will make you sweat. You may need to use pain medication or cold compresses for swelling. The sutures will be removed about a week following surgery. It will take several weeks for positive results to be seen.

How much does a face lift cost?

The cost of a face lift is definitely an issue. This type of cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance - it is not cheap. A face lift can cost $5000 to $10,000, depending on whether it is a full face lift or a mini face lift. If there are other procedures done at the same time, this will be added to the cost.

It's important that you not choose a cosmetic surgeon on the basis of price alone or special prices, however. This is a big procedure, with long-lasting results, and you want to make sure you have the best outcome.

A lot of things will help determine how happy you'll be with the results of your face lift, including:

• your age
• your general physical health
• how well your skin heals and whether it tends to form scars
• your bone structure
• the texture of your skin
• your coloring
• your expectations
• the skill of your plastic surgeon

Face lift links and resources

If you are thinking about a face lift, you need to explore all your options thoroughly. For example, consider alternatives such as nonsurgical facelifts, creams, exercise and diet before considering surgical options. Creams and lotions that call themselves "facelift in a bottle" certainly won't give you the results that surgery will, but they can at least improve skin texture. There are also many places on the web with links to face lift resources such as forums and message boards, but always remember that the information you get on message boards and forums may not be accurate, so check and verify everything carefully.

Choosing a face lift surgeon

When it comes to choosing a cosmetic surgeon for a face lift, look for someone who is board certified, for example by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. You should get photos of your face and talk to your doctor about risks and what to expect. Ask to see before-and-after face lift pictures of this doctor's patients. Make sure you tell the doctor about any health problems you may have, such a high blood pressure. Other issues such as hypertension or blood clotting problems must also be considered.

Keep in mind that the face lift may not be enough. You may need other procedures such as liposuction or liposculpture to remove excess fat. A brow lift or eye lift may also be done at the same time. If you have deep wrinkles, other treatments such as cosmetic fillers might help those conditions.

Also remember that a facelift will not correct skin discoloration or age (liver) spots. For; for that you would consider cosmetic laser surgery or other aging skin treatments. A face lift will also not eliminate wrinkles or acne scars.

One other thing to keep in mind - although a face lift can make a big difference in appearance, it's not forever. You may need more procedures in the future There can also be side effects. Patients may feel that their skin is too tight, or there can be scarring. Other risks include bleeding, infection, poor healing, numbness, nerve damage and anesthesia risks.

If you are considering a face lift, a healthy lifestyle is essential. Don't smoke - this can impact circulation and healing, plus studies show that smoking ages skin, to say nothing of other effects. Also, both before and after the surgery, make sure you follow a healthy skin diet, with essential vitamins and minerals. Talk with your plastic surgeon about any medications you might be taking, both prescription and over-the-counter. It's also essential that you use good sun protection, such as sunblock or sun protective clothing both before and after surgery. This can help protect the face following the face lift, and also help to prevent problems and additional skin aging.

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Updated May 2008

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