Even though over 127,000 facelifts are carried out every year, many people are unsure of exactly what can and cannot be accomplished with this type of surgery. For adults who are no longer happy with their appearance due to wrinkles and other blemishes, it is a good idea to take a look at exactly what takes place during a facelift and why you might be an excellent candidate for this procedure.
What Can a Facelift Do?
The most common misconception about facelifts is that they alter the entire face. While surgical lifts can be carried out almost anywhere on the body, facelifts only treat the lower half of the face and some of the neck. Patients who are dealing with issues on their forehead or near their eyes will most likely need to explore other surgeries. The same goes for any patient who is unhappy with minor cosmetic problems, such as fine lines along the sides of their mouth.
The biggest cosmetic changes take place near the jowls and cheeks. As we grow older, many of us tend to struggle with skin laxity issues in these areas of the body. When combined with a loss of subcutaneous fat, the results can be dramatic. The primary goal of a facelift is to address these issues by tightening skin and removing wrinkles along the neck, jowls and cheeks. Facelifts can also be combined with additional treatments for more dramatic changes.
A Look at the Perfect Candidate
The average healthy adult will be a great candidate if they would like to make subtle changes to the lower half of their face. Before your facelift is carried out, you will be asked to meet with our surgeon so you can ask any questions you might have and learn more about this procedure. In order to be satisfied with your surgery, it is vital that you have realistic expectations about what the procedure can and cannot do. You must also share any medical conditions you have that could affect the outcome.
Before, During and After Your Procedure
During your consultation, you will be given a comprehensive list of pre-op instructions, including specific medications and supplements that must be avoided. Extensive facelifts often take up to five hours to complete, but most minor facelifts can be carried out in two to three hours.
Once the procedure is over, you must stay with our team for a short period of time so we can make sure you are healing properly. Most patients can head back to work within seven to ten days. During the recovery period, you should attempt to rest as much as possible.
Learn More During a Consultation
To see if a facelift is right for you, sit down with our experts at Chernoff Cosmetic Surgery, with locations in Indianapolis, Santa Rosa, Beverly Hills and Newport Beach. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.