Frequently Asked Questions about Having a Facelift

In today's society both men and women are striving to achieve a youthful appearance. A facelift is also known as a rhytidectomy. During this procedure a plastic surgeon treats the loose skin of the face and neck making a smoother and younger appearance. Here are some common questions regarding a facelift.

What makes a good candidate for a facelift?
If a patient is considering a facelift procedure they should have a strong, defined bone structure with good elasticity of their skin. However, their skin should have begun to sag. A good candidate also should have realistic expectations and discuss them with their surgeon.

What are some of the common reasons a person chooses to have a facelift?
Some people choose to undergo a facelift to help reduce the signs of aging along with the years of sun and environmental damage. Many people in our society have lost massive amounts of weight and desire a face lift to tighten loose skin around their necks and cheeks. Most people do not desire a dramatic change in their appearance but they want to have a refreshed and healthy version of themselves.

How long is the recovery period after a facelift?
Individuals vary in recovery time but in most cases people that undergo this procedure can resume normal activities in about two weeks. It can take up to three weeks for all the swelling and bruising to be completely gone. It is important to follow the instructions given by the plastic surgeon in order to have a better recovery.

What are some of the risks involved with a facelift procedure?
As with any surgical procedure, a facelift does have risks involved. The most common risks with a facelift are blood and fluid retention under the skin, infection, problems with anesthesia, and numbness around the incision. In some cases, nerve damage and skin discoloration can occur. It is important to discuss with an experienced plastic surgeon all the risks involved in a facelift.

Find a cosmetic surgeon with whom you feel comfortable is one of the most important decisions to make before undergoing breast augmentation, tummy tuck, or another plastic surgery procedure.