A facelift has the ability to take upwards of 10 years off your appearance. During a facelift surgery, incisions start in the hairline at the temple, inside or around the front of the ear, and travel behind the ear into the hairline. Skin is then lifted, underlying tissue and muscle are shaped, excess skin is trimmed, and the incisions are closed. It is an invasive surgery and some people do not entirely understand what the surgery and recovery entail. Here are four facts you should know about the facelift and recovery.
A Facelift Doesn’t Stop the Process of Aging
When you get a facelift, it does lessen the appearance of the loose skin that hangs on your neck and jawline. It doesn’t stop the process of aging, however. You’ll still have fine lines and some wrinkles. Your skin tone and texture will not change. A facelift also does not make sunspots go away or address sagging skin on the eyes and forehead. After a facelift, improvements last for approximately 10 years. After that, you’ll either have to have another facelift or just embrace the changes.
Anesthesia is Required
During a facelift, you do need some form of anesthesia. At The Naderi Center, a Maryland and Virginia facial plastic surgery practice, patients are offered general anesthesia or twilight anesthesia. Both methods require you to be monitored by an anesthesiologist. This means your final bill will include the surgeon’s fee, facility fee, anesthesiologist’s fee, medications, and medical supplies.
Plan to Take Approximately Two Weeks Off From Work
You need at least 10 to 14 days off work. For the first day, you wear compression bandages to help with swelling. Sleeping with your head elevated is required, and a recliner is the ideal spot for your recovery. On the second day, you return to the facial plastic surgeon to have bandages removed. Sutures are removed after seven days.
After 10 days, you’ll start to feel back to normal, though there will still be bruising and swelling. You have to avoid strenuous activities and exercise routines. If your job requires heavy lifting, plan to take three weeks or more for the recovery.
Swelling and Bruising Take Time to Lessen
Swelling and bruising are very common after a facelift. The bruising usually lessens after two weeks. Most swelling is gone within a month. Still, it can take up to six months or longer for all of the swelling to subside. Do not expect to see the full results of your facelift immediately after the surgery.
Dr. Jessica Kulak specializes in restoring a more youthful appearance to an aging face. View these pictures of a facelift patient. Pay particular attention to how much younger the neck, jawline, and cheeks look in the after pictures. To schedule a facelift consultation with the Maryland and Virginia facial plastic surgeon, call The Naderi Center at (703) 481-0002 (Virginia) or (301) 222-2020 (Maryland).
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