A facelift is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve your appearance and reduce the signs of aging.
Just like everyone’s face shape is different, the results of each cosmetic surgery can be different.
Many facelift patients can expect to look about ten years younger than their real age, which is a very dramatic result.
Given the improvements the procedure can provide, as well as the time and monetary investment required, many patients want to enjoy their new, rejuvenated appearance years after surgery.
But how long does a facelift last?
In this article, we’ll be discussing what you should consider before getting a facelift and what we can do before and after getting a facelift treatment.
Benefits of facelifts
- Tightens the jawline. Facelifts can tighten the jaw and remove sagging skin on the chin and neck.
In some cases, facelift procedures require liposuction that can be used to remove fat from the neck and chin area.
On the upper part of the face, it can make your cheeks and under-eyes look smoother.
- Boosts confidence and self-esteem.
This procedure can help you gain confidence in everyday life, work, and social situations.
It can even change your mood by giving you a more positive outlook on life.
When you look younger, people may see you differently, which may boost your self-esteem.
- The effects of cosmetic surgery can last for years.
Even as you age, your facelift can slow down your face because the skin and muscles have tightened.
- Facial muscles tighten.
Muscles make up the underlying structure of the face, and over time, they weaken and sag.
During a facelift, these muscles can be tightened before sagging skin is repaired.
- Sagging skin is repaired.
Sagging skin is one reason you might consider cosmetic surgery in the first place.
As you age, your skin loses its elasticity and cannot hold its original shape. This process tightens the skin and makes it look younger.
- The muscles are tighter and your face looks less stressed.
Persistent expressions of tiredness and tension may disappear, leaving you looking happier and more relaxed.
Risks of facelifts
- Infections.
Surgical incisions are potential entry sites for bacteria, leading to the potential for postoperative infection in healthy people.
This risk is less likely to happen to people in their peak health but higher in people with diabetes, smoking, taking steroids, or other medical conditions.
Symptoms of infection include fever, redness, pain, tenderness, warmth, discharge, and a foul odor.
If you suspect an infection, be sure to notify your surgeon immediately so you can receive prompt attention.
- Allergies.
Some patients may experience allergic reactions to certain medications or materials used during or after surgery.
Most reactions are mild and can be treated by stopping the drug.
In some cases, the allergic reaction may be more severe and require additional treatment.
In rare cases, an allergy to the drug may cause shock.
- Possible Scarring.
Every surgery leaves a scar, and cosmetic surgery is no exception.
The face usually heals well, and the scars are placed in specific locations around the hairline and ears to minimize visibility.
Talented surgeons use specific techniques to make scars nearly imperceptible, including precise closure and the use of multiple layers to remove tension on the skin.
- Bleeding.
Abnormal bleeding after surgery may develop into a blood collection called a hematoma.
Hematomas can have many causes, including increased blood pressure, changes in blood clotting, and strenuous activity.
Hematomas may appear as sudden swelling, tenderness, bluish-purple skin discoloration, painful bumps, or bruises that worsen rather than improve.
- Delay in recovery.
Everyone heals at their own pace.
This means your recovery time will vary based on your age, genetics, skin type, overall health, and the type of procedure you have performed.
Some patients may experience delayed healing, which can lead to prolonged swelling and other side effects.
In some cases, peeling or wound breakage may occur.
- Skilled plastic surgeons perform cosmetic procedures with a very high probability of success, but there is a small chance that you will be dissatisfied with the results.
The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science, so reputable surgeons cannot guarantee results.
In some cases, unsatisfactory or poor results may require additional procedures.
The best way to reduce or avoid the risk of unsatisfactory results is to carefully select a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience and a good reputation in facelift procedures.
How long does a facelift last?
There are many factors that affect the longevity of cosmetic surgery results, including the quality of the patient’s skin, the specific techniques used by the plastic surgeon, and the lifestyle for several years after surgery.
Having healthier, younger-looking skin and maintaining some degree of elasticity is often more elastic after surgery.
The intrinsic quality of this skin is often an important predictor of success in facial rejuvenation.
After completing this procedure, you can enjoy long-lasting results for up to 20 years.
The total length of results depends on your age at the time of surgery and the way your body ages over time.
Facelift aftercare
- On the first day after surgery, you must remove the bandage and clean the incision to prevent the buildup of bacteria that can lead to infection.
After removing the bandage, gently stroke your skin, especially any swollen and tender areas.
- After cleansing, moisturize the skin with a soft cloth and a mild antibacterial cleanser to help reduce scarring.
Apply a moisturizer, preferably unscented, after your cleanser.
Keeping your skin moist, especially around incisions, can reduce the appearance of scarring and help your face heal flawlessly.
Hydrated and moisturized skin will prevent incision scars
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure as this may darken the wound and prolong your recovery.
Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when outdoors or near bright windows.
- Drink clear fluids for a few days after surgery, and be sure to include plenty of protein in your diet.
Avoid skipping meals, which can affect your recovery process.
- Your face may be swollen or bruised after a facelift, but these after-effects will lessen over time.
Raise your head when sleeping or resting.
You can also use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
