A facelift is a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens facial tissues. As you age, these tissues and your skin naturally lose their elasticity. It causes sagging and wrinkles. A facelift involves removing excess skin that causes the sagging. It also smoothens out wrinkles and folds while tightening facial tissue.

Procedure

Facelifts vary depending on the results you desire. Normally, the surgeon makes an incision in the hairline near your temples. The incision continues down the front and behind the ear. The surgeon then removes or redistributes excess skin and fat. The same applies to facial muscles and connecting tissue. They will then stitch the wound with dissolvable sutures, tape it or use skin glue.

A facelift takes two to five hours. You can go home after the surgery. However, this depends on whether you have other cosmetic procedures.

After the Procedure

After the surgery, your doctor will prescribe pain medication. Mild to moderate pain is normal. You may also experience numbness, swelling, bruising, or drainage from the incisions.

The doctor will bind the incisions with a bandage. They will apply gentle pressure to minimize swelling and bruising. They will also place a small tube behind one or both ears. This tube will drain any excess fluid or blood. They will then tell you when to make a follow-up appointment.

Follow-up Appointments

The first appointment is the day after surgery. Your doctor will remove your drainage tube. They will also apply antibiotic ointment to the incisions. After this, they will put new bandages. After two to three days, they will remove the bandages. You can switch from bandages to an elasticized facial sling.

A week or two after surgery, the doctor will remove your stitches and staples. The process is fast and without complication. They will also assess your wound to see how it is recovering. They will then schedule subsequent visits to check your progress.

Recovery Period

Once the swelling reduces, you will have an idea of how you will look after full recovery. The first two weeks are the most crucial. Take this time to allow your face to heal. Do not resume your normal level of activity. It will take several months for a full recovery and for your skin to feel normal.

Precautions

Ask friends or family to help during this time. You will notice that bruising and swelling will be at their peak on day three or four. It will then improve over the next couple of days. By day 14, you will be able to resume your light daily activities.

Elevate your head when you sleep. Do this for at least two to four weeks. Avoid turning it or bending your neck. If you absolutely must, move your shoulders and neck as one. Remain in bed for the first 12 hours. Do not talk too much or have many visitors. Also, do not forget to take your medication.

Be patient during the healing period. If you encounter any complications, get in touch with your doctor immediately.

For more information on facelifts, visit the Weston Center for Plastic Surgery at our office in Weston, Florida. You can also call (954) 507-4540 to schedule an appointment today.