A facelift is a serious medical procedure. Choosing a plastic surgeon is an important decision that should not be taken lightly.
Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Facelift
A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a type of cosmetic surgery that is performed to improve the appearance of the face. The procedure can remove excess skin, wrinkles, and sagging in the face and neck area. It is important to note that a facelift will not stop the aging process. Nor will it change your features or make you look like someone else. Rather, it can help you look as young as you feel. If you are considering getting a facelift, here is everything you need to know.
The Procedure
During a facelift procedure, your surgeon will make incisions along your hairline. These incisions will start at your temples, go around your earlobes, and end behind your ears. Your surgeon will then separate the skin from the underlying tissue and muscles. Next, they will tighten the muscles and remove any excess skin. Finally, they will close the incisions with stitches or Staples. The entire procedure usually takes two to five hours but can take longer if you are also getting other procedures done at the same time such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery.
Recovery Time
After a facelift procedure, you can expect some swelling and bruising around your face and neck area. This is normal and will typically dissipate after two weeks. You may also experience some numbness around your incisions which should also improve within a few weeks. Most people take one to two weeks off from work to recover but this will depend on how you are feeling and what type of work you do. During your recovery, it is important to sleep with your head elevated and avoid strenuous activities such as exercise.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, there are always risks and complications associated with facelifts. These include bleeding, infection, facial nerve injury, scarring, skin loss, and asymmetry. However, serious complications are rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon.
Factors to Take Into Consideration When Choosing a Surgeon
There are many factors to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon for a facelift. The following are some important tips on how to choose a plastic surgeon.
1) Board Certification
The first and most important factor to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon is board certification. Board certification ensures that the doctor has completed the necessary training and meets the standards required to practice plastic surgery. DO NOT choose a plastic surgeon who is not board-certified.
2) Experience
The second factor to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon is experience. It is important to choose a plastic surgeon who has performed many successful facelifts. Be sure to ask about the number of facelifts the surgeon has performed and ask to see before and after photos of previous patients.
3) References
Another factor to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon is references. Ask the potential surgeon for references from past patients. In addition, it is always helpful to ask friends or family members if they know anyone who has had a facelift with good results.
4) Rapport
It is also important to choose a plastic surgeon with whom you feel comfortable and with whom you can easily communicate. Be sure to schedule a consultation appointment with the potential surgeons on your list. This will give you an opportunity to get to know the doctor and ask any questions you may have about the procedure or recovery process.
5) Cost
Finally, cost should be considered when choosing a plastic surgeon for a facelift. Be sure to get cost estimates from each of the potential surgeons on your list prior to making your final decision. It is also important to remember that cheaper is not always better when it comes to cosmetic surgery procedures like facelifts.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon for a facelift including board certification, experience, references, rapport, and cost. Carefully weigh all of these factors in order to make the best decision for you and your needs."