Face Lift - What You Need to Know

A face lift can give you a younger look and create a new found confidence. Since you feel great inside, you want to get rid of the tell tale signs of age and come across well rested and ready for anything. You can choose a specific area to work on or complete an entire procedure for a more complete effect. 

What Do You Want to Change?

Before going in for the initial face lift consultation, take a look in the mirror to see what you want to change. Do you want the wrinkles to be less noticeable? Is there excess skin that you would like to see removed? No matter what you decide, you can go into the doctor's office with some idea of how you would like to look different. It can be worth it to mention every concern as a face lift may address several of your concerns in just one procedure.

At the Consultation

Meeting with your doctor is a great way to have all of your questions about the face lift answered. He or she will talk to you about what type of change you are interested in. After looking over the area, he may ask about your health history and perform a physical evaluation. This ensures that you are a candidate for this type of operation and there are no foreseeable complications.

If you are worried about any part of the process, this would be the time to talk about it. Ask about how anesthesia works in the procedure you have chosen. Discuss recovery time and side effects. A great plastic surgeon will be happy to answer all of the questions and set your mind at ease. If you aren't satisfied with the answers or your doctor's interaction with you, consider seeing someone else. This is an important decision and you want to feel confident that you are in good hands.

The Operation

During a face lift, incisions are typically made somewhere around the ear or scalp area. These places help to mask any type of scarring that takes place as a result of the procedure. Next, depending on the specific type of surgery, the skin as well as areas underneath are pulled or “lifted” into a new position. With the excess skin removed, patients remove years from their countenance.

Many times a face lift is coupled with other forms of plastic surgery to assist in creating a new look. You can have liposuction around the throat and cheek area, a chin lift to create a new profile, and a brow lift to open up the eyes. Talk to your doctor about how these things can all be done at once to save money as well as time in recovery. Every person is different and therefore each assessment and surgery is different.

Recovery

It will take time to see the full results. Plan for some pain and swelling, most of which can be curtailed with medications. Each day you will see improvements in your look as well as the way that you feel about yourself. Many patients find that they have a new perspective on their lives.