It may seem as if there are hundreds of facial products and nonsurgical treatments making promises to reduce the signs of aging, claiming to be a “face-lift” in a bottle or capable of making wrinkles disappear without surgery. With all these nonsurgical options and products on the market that can help erase the signs of facial aging, is the surgical face-lift procedure still something people choose?
Yes, they do! The surgical face-lift is still an excellent option for men and women looking to reduce the signs of aging, get smoother skin, improve facial definition and get back a more youthful appearance. It was also in the top five most popular surgery procedures in 2018, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
While it’s true there are other nonsurgical procedures and minimally or noninvasive options available, the face-lift is still the most effective way to treat sagging facial and neck skin or tissue.
Here are some common questions we get about the procedure.
Do I need a face-lift?
That depends on a few things. Do you have loose, sagging skin that droops or hangs down from your face or along your jawline? Do you have profound wrinkles? Are anti-aging treatments or serums no longer working? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be a good candidate for the face-lift procedure. The face-lift is the only procedure that removes excess skin, leaving you with a more youthful appearance.
What happens during the face-lift surgery?
Several different techniques may be used during the surgical face-lift procedure, depending on what you want to be corrected. After anesthesia, incisions are generally made in the hairline around the temple and along the lower part of the scalp. After incisions are made, the face is resculpted to add or remove fat and reposition underlying tissue. Facial muscles are also lifted. If your neck is also affected by aging, a small incision may be placed under the chin to allow access to sagging neck skin. All incisions are then sutured closed.
How long is the recovery, and is there scarring?
After your face-lift surgery, you should expect the treatment areas in the lower face and neck to feel tight and sore for a few days. During this time, it is a good idea to take pain medication prescribed by Dr. Peterson for discomfort.
It’s also a good idea to take a few weeks off from work and activities to heal and maximize results. You may also experience bruising and swelling for up to two weeks after your procedure.
Take it easy, avoid strenuous exercise and drink plenty of fluids to flush out excess swelling.
In most cases, face-lift scars aren’t noticeable as they are hidden in the hairline, under the chin in the natural crease or behind your ears. Even when a chin incision is necessary, it should be placed to follow the natural creases in your chin, hiding the scar.
How long until I see results of a surgical face-lift?
Immediately. While your face is going to be bruised and swollen for a bit after the procedure, you will likely notice significant changes right away. It may take two to three months to completely heal, but, during this time, new collagen and skin cells are being created, giving you even better results.
What is the next step?
If you’re considering undergoing the face-lift procedure, the next step is finding a board-certified plastic surgeon. Call Dr. Jack Peterson in Topeka now to discuss your face-lift and other anti-aging needs. Call 785-234-9000 to get scheduled!
