5 Common Questions About Getting a Facelift

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by Dr. Steven Wallach

Facelift procedures are notably popular for numerous reasons. Maybe you’ve been noticing a certain unattractive droop in your chin? Perhaps your cheeks have reduced in volume, revealing an aged appearance. You may even have fine lines and wrinkles all over the face. There are many reasons why you may decide to undergo a facelift. You probably have many questions about the facelift procedure. 

Am I the right candidate for a facelift?

There is no definite age limit or profile for the perfect candidates for a facelift. The procedure is customized to suit your specific desires and needs. However, facelifts are recommended for people battling signs of aging. The general optimal age range to get a facelift is between 45 and 60 years old. 

What should I expect during surgery?

The time taken to complete a facelift procedure mainly depends on the approach taken by the surgeon. The standard facelift typically takes an average of four hours to complete. Your surgeon will administer anesthesia to help you be comfortable and feel no pain. Incisions for a facelift normally start above the hairline along the temple. Your surgeon then carefully extends the incision in a natural line inside the cartilage located in the front ears, to the hind areas of the earlobe, and finally ends inside the hairline following the lower scalp region. You may combine a facelift with other procedures such as brow or eyelid surgery for a complete and uniform transformation. The incisions will be closed using sutures and dressed to allow healing after the surgery.

What’s the expected recovery time? What about the scars?

You will experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort after surgery. Nonetheless, the discomfort should subside with time. Your surgeon may recommend pain killers to deal with the pain and help you relax. It takes anywhere between two to four weeks to recover from a facelift. Most individuals return to normal routines in two weeks.

Scarring is a major concern among individuals interested in facelifts. Highly qualified cosmetic surgeons are meticulous when making incisions and will hide them behind the ears. Once the scars begin healing, they become less noticeable, giving you the perfect appearance. You may use make-up to cover the scars until they are completely healed.

Are the results immediate?

After surgery, your face will appear swollen and bruised. Your facial features may seem distorted and stiff during the first few days after surgery. However, facelift results are immediate. Once the swelling goes down, you will see the results. The results will continue to settle in as you heal, and it could take anywhere from two to three months.

What are the expected costs of a facelift?

The costs of a facelift procedure vary depending on several factors, including the location of the clinic, the expertise of the cosmetic surgeon, accommodation, and prescription medication.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’ve been contemplating getting a facelift, and you are still not sure about the decision, we will help you. Contact us at Premier Plastic Surgery to book an appointment with Steven Wallach, MD. Get the change you desire!