Facelift Overview
A facelift rejuvenates and improves facial contours and overall appearance through the tightening of facial tissue and muscles, and the repositioning of skin. This helps remove wrinkles and droopiness from the face and neck, creating more a more attractively defined facial structure and overall rejuvenated appearance.
Time Required
It usually takes at least 3 hours to perform facelift surgery. Time requirements can depend on the extent of work being done.
Side Effects
Facelift side effects can include temporary discomfort, swelling, bruising, numbness, or tightness of the facial skin.
Risks
All surgical procedures carry risk of infection, bleeding, and reaction to anesthesia. Specific facelift risks can include:
Results Duration
It usually takes about 4-6 weeks after surgery for the final facelift result to take shape. Facelift results are long-lasting, often up to 10 years or more, but can vary depending on changes related to aging and gravity.
Recovery
Protective wrappings worn for short period, usually removed the day after surgery
Some minor discomfort will be felt temporarily, but can be alleviated with oral pain medication
Sutures are usually removed within about 2 weeks of surgery
Swelling and bruising will slowly fade, but should be at presentable levels within several weeks of surgery
Facelift recovery should wind down, and the final look will take shape over about 4-6 weeks. Some minor additional changes may still occur for a few months after that.
Discomfort Level
After a facelift, discomfort and pain is very minimal, and easily controlled with oral medication.
Anesthesia
For a facelift, anesthesia of choice is usually local with sedation, or general anesthesia.
Inpatient/Outpatient
Outpatient.
Can be combined with
For enhanced results, a facelift may be combined with:
Facelift also known as
Rhytidectomy.