Facelifts 101: What You Need to Know Before Visiting Your Doctor

We all have them: little lines across our forehead, under our eyes, and around our mouth. We call them crow's feet and laugh lines, and these wrinkles are a normal part of the aging process. Yet for many, wrinkles are just part of the problem. Their cheeks may sag, lower eyelids can protrude, and jaw lines can be virtually invisible thanks to excessive skin. When this occurs, a facelift may be something you need to consider.

As you age facial skin ages with you, often becoming loose and sagging. Genetics and lifestyle play a large part in how your face ages. If you are unhappy with your facial skin, a facelift may help. If you are also unhappy with wrinkles or sun damage, you may want to consider a skin resurfacing procedure as well.

Reasons to Consider a Face-lift

There are many reasons you may be considering a facelift procedure, but the most common are:

• Facial skin is too loose
• Cheeks are sagging
• Skin hangs from lower jaw (jowls)
• Excessive fat in neck or under jaw
• Skin bands have become visible
• Lower eyelids protrude (bags under eyes)

Complications and Risks to Consider

Before undergoing plastic surgery, such as a facelift, it is important to understand the risks and complications that can occur. Choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon can reduce these risks, but all surgical procedures carry some form of risk, including:

• Scarring: While the incisions that are left after a facelift are permanent, they are usually easily covered by hairlines. Sometimes, however, scarring can occur, making these incisions a bit more obvious.
• Swelling and bruising: Face tissue and the delicate tissue of the neck and scalp can be bruised easily. This bruising is usually temporary, but can be uncomfortable—especially when accompanied by swelling.
• Changes in skin sensation: You may experience some differences in skin sensation for up to 2 years following your surgery.
• Facial nerve damage: Although rare, the facial nerve can be damaged during a face-lift, resulting in either temporary or permanent paralysis of the facial nerve and surrounding muscles.
• Tissue loss: Also rare, the blood supply can be interrupted during a facelift, causing the tissue in the face to lose oxygen. This can result in tissue loss.
• Excessive Bleeding or infection: Any surgery can result in infection around the incision site or excessive bleeding. Prior to your surgery, be sure your plastic surgeon knows all medications that you may be on, including any blood thinners.

Prior to a Facelift

Before your facelift, it is important to understand the procedure and what will be expected of you prior to surgery. In some cases, you may be required to stop taking certain medications before the surgery and avoid eating after midnight. You will also need to arrange to have someone drive you to and from the surgery and you will likely need help around the house for the next several days while you recover.

After the Facelift Surgery is Complete

After the facelift surgery is complete, your doctor will send you home with specific post-op care instructions. Follow all post-op instructions carefully to ensure the best results. Your incisions will be covered with bandages to minimize swelling. You may also have tubes in place to help drain any excess blood or fluid away from the incision site. Avoid exposing your incisions and keep your head elevated for the first few days following the facelift. Your doctor will let you know when it is okay to resume your daily activities.

Follow up with your plastic surgeon at the appropriate times. You will likely see your surgeon the day after your surgery to remove the drain and specific bandages. You will then follow up with your plastic surgeon five to fourteen days later to remove the stitches. Continue to attend all appointments with your plastic surgeon as requested and until your facelift is healed.

Contact Pasadena Face-Lift Specialists

If you are considering a facelift, it is important to choose a plastic surgeon carefully. Pasadena men and women continue to choose Dr. Kevin Ruhge to perform their facelift surgery. His personalized approach to plastic surgery means that his clients can contact him 24/7 after a surgical procedure. If you would like to learn more about facelifts or any plastic surgery procedure, we invite you to meet with Dr. Ruhge for a private consultation at our office in Pasadena by calling 626.397.9095, or by scheduling an appointment online.