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A facelift surgery is a cosmetic procedure aimed at reducing signs of aging in the face and neck. During this surgery, skin, fat, and muscles are repositioned or removed. The procedure can address the following aging signs:

  • Sagging skin on the face: As we age, the skin loses its elasticity and begins to sag.
  • Deep wrinkles between the nose and mouth corners: These are some of the most noticeable signs of aging.
  • Reduction or displacement of facial fat: Aging can cause facial fat to decrease or shift, making the face appear older.
  • Sagging skin on the cheeks and jawline: This leads to a loss of facial contours.
  • Loose skin and excess fat in the neck (double chin appearance): This makes the neck look older.

Facelift surgery is an aesthetic procedure and cannot stop the aging process. It does not treat superficial wrinkles, sun damage, or skin discoloration. Each facelift surgery is personalized and planned according to the individual’s facial structure and desired outcomes.

Types of Facelift Surgeries:

  1. Traditional Facelift: Incisions are made around the ears, hairline, and under the chin. The surgeon separates the skin and underlying tissues, tightens the muscles, and removes excess fat. The skin is repositioned naturally, and excess skin is removed. This is suitable for moderate to severe facial aging.
  2. SMAS Facelift: Targets the lower two-thirds of the face. The surgeon tightens the muscles and removes excess skin and fat in the cheeks. This is a variation of the traditional facelift.
  3. Deep Plane Facelift: The surgeon lifts the SMAS, fat, and skin as a single unit. This procedure affects multiple areas of the face simultaneously.
  4. Mid-Facelift: Treats the cheek area. The surgeon repositions the fat in the cheeks and tightens the skin.
  5. Mini-Facelift: Focuses on lifting the lower face and neck. It is quicker and less invasive. Recommended for younger individuals with early signs of facial sagging.
  6. Skin-Only Facelift: Involves only the skin and focuses on the neck and lower face.

Additional Procedures with Facelift Surgery:

  • Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): To make the eyelids look younger.
  • Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty): To change the shape of the nose.
  • Facial Implants: To add volume to certain areas of the face.
  • Brow Lift: To make the brows appear higher and younger.
  • Non-Surgical Facelift with Dermal Fillers: Injecting fillers under the skin to make the face look younger.
  • Chemical Peels: Removing the top layer of skin for a clearer and younger appearance.
  • Laser Skin Resurfacing: Using laser technology to renew the top layers of the skin for a younger look.

Who is a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery?

Generally, you are a good candidate for facelift surgery if:

  • You are physically healthy: You do not have medical conditions that impair healing.
  • You do not smoke: Smoking can slow down the healing process and negatively affect the results.
  • You are mentally healthy with realistic expectations: You should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of facelift surgery.

The best candidates for facelift surgery are those with signs of facial aging but still have some skin elasticity. This typically includes patients aged 40-60, although younger or older individuals may also be candidates.

Detailed Procedure of Facelift Surgery

Planning for Facelift Surgery

Each facelift surgery is unique to the individual’s facial structure and goals, making a thorough discussion with your plastic surgeon essential before the procedure. During a facelift consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss:

  • Your desires and goals for the facelift surgery.
  • Any medical conditions, allergies, and/or medical treatments.
  • Current medications, vitamins, supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.
  • Previous surgeries.

During the consultation, your surgeon will also:

  • Evaluate your overall physical health.
  • Assess your psychological and emotional health.
  • Discuss facelift options.
  • Examine, measure, and (with your permission) take clinical photographs of your face and neck to help plan the surgery.
  • Recommend specific facelift procedures.
  • Discuss the likely outcomes of your facelift surgery and any risks or potential complications.
  • Discuss the type of anesthesia you will receive before the surgery.

It can be helpful to ask your surgeon the following questions during your facelift consultation:

  • How many years have you been a plastic surgeon?
  • How often do you perform facelift surgeries?
  • Can I see before-and-after photos of the facelifts you have performed?
  • What surgical technique do you recommend for me?
  • How long will my facelift results last?
  • What are the risks and possible complications of facelift surgery?
  • What should I expect during recovery?
  • What happens if I am not satisfied with the results of my facelift surgery?

Preparing for Facelift Surgery

When preparing for facelift surgery, your surgeon may advise you to:

  • Undergo blood tests or a medical evaluation: This is important to check your overall health.
  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications: Your surgeon will inform you which medications to take and which to avoid.
  • Apply specific products to your facial skin: This can help prepare your skin for surgery.
  • Stop smoking: Smoking can slow down the healing process and negatively affect the results.
  • Avoid certain foods or drinks: Your surgeon will inform you which foods and drinks to avoid.
  • Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs: These medications can increase bleeding.

It is crucial to follow your surgeon’s preoperative instructions to ensure a smoother surgery and proper healing.

After Facelift Surgery

  • Have someone stay with you for the first 48 hours after surgery.
  • If you have a more invasive procedure like a traditional facelift, you may need to take up to three weeks off work. Less invasive procedures like a mini-facelift typically require five to seven days off work. Discuss this with your surgeon beforehand to plan accordingly.

Setting Up a Recovery Area at Home

Before undergoing facelift surgery, ensure you set up a recovery area at home that includes:

  • Bandages, clean towels, and laundry: These materials will be needed during the healing process.
  • A phone within reach of where you will spend most of your time sitting or lying down: Important for staying in touch.
  • Ointments or creams recommended by your surgeon: To aid in skin healing.
  • Entertainment materials like magazines, books, or handheld games: Useful for passing the time during recovery.
  • A supply of loose, comfortable button-up shirts: Easy to put on and take off.
  • A thermometer to check for fever: Necessary for monitoring your recovery.
  • Ice (only if recommended by your surgeon): Can be used to reduce swelling.

Steps of Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgery involves several steps. Here is an explanation of the steps:

  1. Anesthesia: Your surgeon will perform the surgery under general anesthesia (you will be asleep) or IV sedation. Your surgeon will recommend the best option for you and your type of surgery.
  2. Incisions: Depending on the type of facelift surgery you receive, your surgeon may make incisions in the following areas:
    • In your hairline at your temples.
    • Around your ears.
    • In the lower scalp.
    • Under your chin.
    • Inside your mouth.

The size of the incisions will also vary depending on the type of facelift you receive. Your surgeon will discuss all of this with you before the surgery.

  1. Procedure: Facelift surgery generally involves repositioning and/or removing facial skin and/or fat and tightening facial muscles. Depending on the type of facelift surgery you receive, your surgeon may perform only one or all of these actions. You and your surgeon will discuss the process in detail before the surgery.
  2. Closing the Incisions: After the procedure, your surgeon will close the incisions using one of the following options:
    • Dissolvable stitches.
    • Stitches that need to be removed after a few days.
    • Skin glue.

After Facelift Surgery

Immediately after your facelift surgery, a healthcare professional will take you to a recovery room for observation. Once you are stable, you will be able to leave the hospital, usually after a few hours.

  • Bandages: You may have bandages around your face to minimize swelling and bruising.
  • Drainage Tubes: You may also have small drainage tubes.

Before you leave, your surgeon will give you specific instructions for your facelift recovery, including how to care for your incision sites and drains and schedule follow-up appointments. If necessary, your surgeon will prescribe medications to manage pain.

Benefits of Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery

People typically undergo facelift surgery to improve signs of aging and achieve a more youthful appearance. Some benefits of this surgery include:

  • Younger Appearance: Facelift surgery helps reduce wrinkles and sagging skin, resulting in a more youthful look.
  • Increased Self-Confidence: Looking younger and more refreshed can boost your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Possible Complications and Side Effects of Facelift Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, facelift surgery has potential side effects and complications. Although rare, the risks associated with facelift surgery include:

  • Anesthesia-related risks.
  • Risk of infection at the surgical site.
  • Poor wound healing.
  • Hematoma (blood pooling under the skin).
  • Temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation.
  • Risk of facial nerve injury.
  • Hair loss at the incision sites.
  • Scarring from surgical incisions.
  • Prolonged swelling.
  • Changes in skin color.

Other Important Considerations

  • Facelift results typically last about 7-10 years, and you will continue to age after the surgery.
  • Facelift surgeries cannot drastically change your fundamental appearance.
  • Facelifts do not address superficial wrinkles, sun damage, or skin discoloration.
  • If you decide to undergo a facelift, make sure to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon specializing in this field.

Recovery Time After Facelift Surgery

The recovery time after a facelift depends on the type of surgery you had and your overall health. Bruising and swelling may last for several weeks. However, it may take two to three months for your face to return to its “normal” state.

When Can I Return to Work or Other Activities After Facelift Surgery?

Most people with more invasive facelift surgeries can return to work within two to three weeks. If you had a less invasive procedure like a mini-facelift, you can usually return to work within five to seven days. Your surgeon will likely advise you to avoid strenuous exercise for at least three weeks after the surgery.

When Should I Call My Surgeon After Facelift Surgery?

If you have undergone facelift surgery, contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Bleeding that soaks through your bandages.
  • Excessive swelling.
  • Fever.
  • Abnormal discharge from the incision site, such as pus.
  • Severe pain.
  • Stitches coming out before they are supposed to be removed.

What is the Ideal Age for Facelift Surgery?

Most people undergo facelift surgery in their 40s, 50s, or 60s when signs of aging become more apparent. There is no “ideal age” for a facelift, as everyone ages differently due to factors like genetics, lifestyle, and environment. It is important to remember that facelift surgeries typically last seven to ten years. Some people have their initial facelift procedure in their mid-40s to early 50s and then undergo a second “refresh” facelift in their 60s.

Which Type of Facelift is Right for Me?

There are different types of facelift surgery and each procedure is unique to you. Some surgeries target specific areas of the face, while others cover most or all of the face. Discuss all facelift options with an experienced and seasoned plastic reconstructive surgeon like Dr. Dilgam Mammadov to choose the type of facelift that best suits you and your goals.