A facelift, also called a rhytidectomy, is often a surgical process created to eliminate excess fat and tighten the loose skin on a face, neck, and underlying tissues. Based on the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgical treatment (ASAPS), 138,245 facelifts were performed inside United States last year. Of that, 124,194 are women in between the ages of 35-50.
Who qualifies
A facelift is advised for individuals with really loose skin, deep lines, wrinkles and jowls. This really is why the system is normally performed among those over 35, that’s when many start to experience and exhibit a noticeable loss of elasticity during the skin due to the aging process. However, patients must realistically not expect to appear as being a 20 year old.
A facelift isn’t for individuals who would like to eliminate signs of aging from for the upper eyelids. That would be done with a separate process known as an eyelift (blepharoplasty). However, an eyelift can be scheduled plus a facelift. A forehead lift or neck lift, also two separate procedures, can also be scheduled and performed the same day as the facelift.
While not an absolute contraindication, the risk of postoperative issues is elevated in cigarette smokers and patients with hypertension and diabetes, notes Wikipedia. In addition, patients ought to abstain from taking aspirin or other blood thinners ahead of surgery.
How the process is done
A traditional facelift is done under general anesthesia and takes 2-3 hours to perform. However, a facelift can also be done with tumescent anesthesia which has less of the side effects (nausea, bruising) of general anesthesia. Even though facelift approaches vary, in general, an incision is produced along the earlobe near the hairline to conceal any signs of surgery. If require be, a small incision can also be made under the chin for additional tightening or removal of facial fat. The skin is then pulled back and separated in the underlying tissue and muscle. Next, the surgeon pulls the muscle and if require be, the underlying tissues upward. He then sutures the muscle for the desired tightness and recovers the area with the skin. During the final stage in the procedure, the skin is pulled upward and also the excess skin is cut away. The skin is then sutured or stapled behind the ear, near the hairline.
Common forms of facelifts
Although there are several types of surgical facelifts, they are the most common: the deep plane lift or composite lift, SMAS lift, subperiosteal lift/skin lift, mid facelift, and feather or thread lift.
Deep plane lift: Developed for older patients (over 50) with deep folds inside cheeks, nose mouth, jaw and chin. It offers the most dramatic improvement since the deep muscle and tissue under the skin is tightened and repositioned a lot more so than the skin itself. Doctors say this system can also be ideal for smokers.
Composite lift: A deep plane lift that also tightens muscles on the lower eye and upper cheecks.
SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) lift: Also called the “S-lift,” that is excellent for those who are showing early signs of aging (30s/40s) simply because a little incision is made inside the shape of an “S.” Via this incision moderate tightening can also be done to the skin in the jowl and neck.
Subperiosteal lift/skin lift: This can be a superficial procedure that involves tightening the skin and sometimes the layer below the skin. It is commonly done in those who are thin with relatively healthy facial muscles.
Mid facelift: Great for individuals in their 40s and 50s with starting signs of sagging or folds inside the cheeks and nasolabial (nose to lip) area. Smalll incisions are created on the hairline and in the mouth to lift and reposition fatty areas.
Feather/thread lift: Also known as the Aptos lift; it’s not for individuals with excessive sagging. Surgical barbed wire thread is employed to lift and pull the tissue below the skin without cutting. The stitch is produced at the hairline wherever it can’t be seen. Once the stitch is in, it’s pulled for far more tightening.
Results/Recovery
Immediately following a facelift, the patient faced is wrapped in fluffy, surgical badges. During the time the patient will experience mild to moderate facial swelling and discomfort, which have been managed with medication if necessary. According to the ASAPS, most swelling happens 24-48 hours right after surgery then subsides over the following 2 weeks. However, it is going to take a total of four to six weeks for ones entire face to heal, during which time the patient must avoid strenuous activity, smoking and long exposure to sunlight. Over the following many months, the skin may possibly feel dry and rough, but will eventually begin to think better.
It is crucial to remember, a facelift is considered major surgery. In rare cases, an individual may possibly develop a post-operative infection or negative reaction to anesthesia. Other rare, but ability side results can include: temporary or permanent facial numbness, accumulation of blood under the skin and damage to tissues or nerves underneath the facial skin. Also, a facelift does not reverse the aging process, so in some cases, patients may possibly require another facelift in the many years to come.
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