5 Commonly Asked Questions On Cosmetic Surgery Facelift
Does it suit you? Facelift is nowadays a common procedure, and many think about the possibility. It is fairly easy to get general information, but far harder to get specific answers even to quite common questions. Let us go through 5 common questions, and their careful answers.
* What is the best age for me to undergo cosmetic surgery face lift?
Every body is different from the next one. These differences come from both genetic predispositions as well as aging factors. In some people aging simply doesn’t affect the skin as much, where as others may have conditions where aging shows earlier. Aging factors such as smoking, alcohol and sunlight exposure also play an important role. However many cosmetic facelift surgeons recommend facelifts in the forties to fifties, because at this age the skin usually still has a good amount of elasticity. Probably most important though - when does it suit you?
* How long do cosmetic facelifts last and then what?
Usually a well performed facelift lasts about ten years, give or take a few years depending on at what age performed and other factors, see above. After the first procedure most patients will want to have a second one performed. This is not a problem! Most times the second cosmetic surgery facelift will yield the same good results, if not even better.
* What is the difference between deep facelifts and standard facelifts?
Anatomically the different layers of tissue between outer skin and bone can be divided into three layers. These are the skin layer, muscle layer and the fatty tissue layer. Most facelifting techniques lift all these layers to a more desirable position. During the deep facelift technique all these three layers are lifted together at the same time, as one piece rather than positioning them independently. Some facelift surgeons argue that this yield better results that last longer. The technique is also popular during secondary cosmetic surgery facelift as the scar tissue from the first lift may be avoided more easily. The technique is however also more technical demanding and takes longer time to perform. The ultimate choice of technique is probably best left to the plastic surgeon though! Read about finding a facelift surgeon.
* May I combine for example breast augmentation or rhinoplasty with facelift surgery?
Yes, several surgical procedures may be performed at the same time. It is not good to prolong the amount of time during anesthesia too much though, as the risk of post operative complications such as deep vein thromboses increases. Other factors such as your physical health also play an important role. To get a good recommendation on this issue, be sure to consult a board certified plastic surgeon.
*I am still numb and swollen after my facelift procedure, is this normal?
Post operative swollenness and numbness is common after facelift surgery. Depending on technique used, skill of the surgeon and the amount of lifting performed times may vary. Individuals also respond differently to surgery. As a general rule though expect swollenness for about 15-20 days. The numbness may stay for several weeks additionally.
I hope these questions with answers have helped you with your cosmetic surgery face lift issue. Please browse for more information, and look out for future additionals!
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Risks And Complications With Facelift Surgery
Many thousands of people undergo successful facelift surgery every year and most of them have no or minor problems after surgery. Cosmetic surgery facelifts are however no exact science and unpredictable complications may occur. It is therefore important for the patient to be well informed before the plastic surgery of possible risks and complications.
Among the potential complications that may be discussed with you can din hematoma, which means accumulation of blood under the skin, infection and other reactions to anesthesia. Sometimes structures under the skin get injured, though it is usually only temporary. The incisions of the facelift surgery are most often subtle, but sometimes according to individual variations in healing, the result can be unpredictable.
If you follow your surgeon´s advice and instructions you will minimize the risk of complications. Don´t forget to ask your surgeon questions if you feel anxiety for your cosmetic facelift surgery.
Potential risks
Among the potential risks you may find - Unfavorable scarring, Hematoma, Infection, Poor wound healing, Anesthesia risk, Hair loss at the incisions, Facial nerve injure, Changes in skin sensation, Skin loss, Fat necrosis (fat tissue die), Fluid accumulation, Long term pain, Swelling of the skin, Unsatisfactory results, Deep vein thrombosis, Cardiac and pulmonary complications.
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Life After Cosmetic Facelift Surgery
After the cosmetic surgery facelift it is important that you follow your physician´s instructions to maximize your chances of a successful operation. You will receive information on how to take care of the surgical site and what medication you can take to minimize symptoms of discomfort and to reduce risk of infections. Remember to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs. You will also get information when to follow up with your plastic surgeon. Remember that the relationship with your surgeon doesn’t end with the surgery and together you will evaluate the result weeks after the surgery and you should feel free to contact your surgeon with any additional questions.
If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains or unusual heart beats after the surgery it is important that you seek medical care immediately. These symptoms may indicate that you are having a complication.
It is central that you stop smoking at least four weeks before the surgery and at least for four weeks after the cosmetic surgery facelift. Smoking affects the healing process by reducing the blood flow and effect blood plates negatively. One in ten smokers experience skin death at the incision site if they continuing to smoke after surgery. You should also avoid extensive secondary smoking for a while.
During the first day after the surgery a fluffy dressing will be placed around your face to minimize swelling and bruising and it will typically be replaced with an elastic wrap after one day. Any bandages and drain tubes will usually be removed in two or three days.
Many patients experience moderate swelling of the eyelids and other facial areas after surgery. You should not be alarmed by any unevenness or temporary asymmetry by this variance in swelling and bruising. It is especially important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive motion and strain until the swelling has subsided and avoid wearing clothes that must go over your head. Elevating your head when you sleep will help to minimize swelling. Generally, the greatest amount of swelling occurs within 24-48 hours after surgery. It can than take four weeks to several months forth swelling to fully dissipate and up to six months for incision lines to mature. Usually the swelling has reduced enough for joining different social activities after two weeks, but it is common that patients stay at home for four weeks after surgery. After a few days, you can wear makeup which will help conceal any discoloration. It is also common to experience some numbness in the facial area, which may be present for several weeks or longer. Stitches after the surgery will be removed from four to seven days after surgery.
After the surgery the skin may feel dry and feel rough for a few months. To protect the skin it is important to use life-long sun protection to maintain your rejuvenated appearance and reduce risk of sun damage and photo-aging.
It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.
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The Facelift Surgery Procedure And Its Cost
Depending on the degree of change you would like to see your cosmetic surgery facelift choices include a traditional facelift, limited incision facelift or a neck lift. A traditional facelift incision means that the incision begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear and ends in the lower scalp. After the incision your surgeon carefully frees the skin from the underlying tissues and pulls the skin up and back. The excess skin is then removed. Sometimes deeper tissues may be repositioned and sometimes a small incision beneath the chin permits the removal of fatty tissue for a more youthful result.
An alternative to a traditional cosmetic surgery facelift incision is to use limited incision where the surgeon uses shorter incisions at the temples and around the ear. Neck lift is to prefer when loose neck skin and fat accumulation under the chin are problems. The neck lift incision often begins in front of the ear lobe and wraps around behind the ear ending in the lower scalp.
The incisions are generally hidden in the natural contour of the ear and into the hairline where they easily can be concealed by your hair or additional make up. There may also be a small incision hidden underneath your chin. Stitches can usually be removed after four to five days. For pre-operational directions see the cosmetic surgery facelift guide.
The cost of a facelift surgery
The price of cosmetic facelift surgery varies widely depending on for example geographic location, the patient and how experienced the surgeon is. Cost can be more accurately predicted after the surgeon has performed an examination and developed a surgical plan. If the patient´s skin is dry and non-elastic from excessive sun exposure, the facelift procedure is more difficult and time consuming than for more elastic skin. The cost includes several different parts:
Cost Range: $7,000-$13,000
Average Total Cost: $9,500
Surgeons fee: $6,000
Anesthesiologist: $1,200
Facility fee: $1,700
Hospital fee: $600
If you combined the cosmetic surgery facelift with additional procedures the final cost will be lower since you only pay one anesthesia fee and one facility fee. The total surgical time will also be less.
Remember to take into count the experience of the surgeon and you feeling comfort with him or her. This should be as important as the total price cost of surgery. Most of the times you get what you are paying for! Also remember that most health insurances don’t include facelift surgery or possible complications that come with the surgery. Many surgeons offer payment plans over several years, and there are also extra health insurance that can be bought specific for cosmetic surgery facelifts.
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Before Surgery And The Day Of Surgery
When you decided to perform a cosmetic surgery facelift you should adhere to a more healthy lifestyle. It is important to stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery. You should also avoid ani-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and also certain herbal supplements, as they prolong bleeding time. Some adjustment may have to be done in your current medication, if appropriate. If you have very short hair, you may want to let it grow enough to cover your cosmetic surgery facelift incisions while they heal. If you are overweight and you have a realistic desire to lose more than 15 pounds, you should discuss this with your surgeon.
You will get information what to do the night before and the morning of surgery as well as post-operative care and follow-up from your doctor. However we recommend you to go through The Cosmetic Surgery Facelift Guide in advance to be well prepared. If your surgery will be performed on an outpatient basis you should arrange for somebody to pick you up and you should not spend the first night after surgery alone. This is partially because of precaution.
The day of surgery
The cosmetic surgery facelift is performed in a hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility or office-based surgical suite. The first step include anesthesia and pre-medicination. There are two type of anesthesia to be used and you and your surgeon will decide in advance which one to use. Both types will make you sleep, but the first one uses intravenous drugs and the other type uses gas. The medications given you will help you to relax and will reduce pain after the surgery. During the surgery you will be carefully observed and there will be several monitors to check your blood pressure, heart rate and saturation of oxygen in your blood.
After the facelift surgery you will be taken to a recovery area where you will be continued to be closely observed. You will have a bandage wrapped around your head and sometimes small tubes will be inserted under the skin to drain away fluids that otherwise might accumulate. You will not feel much pain from the surgery.
After a few hours of observation you may return to your home, although some patients like to spend one night at the hospital. If you return home, remember not to spend the first night alone.
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Choosing And Meeting Your Plastic Surgeon
If you are thinking of a cosmetic surgery facelift it is wise to discuss it with a competent surgeon, with long experience of cosmetic plastic surgery, for example cosmetic surgery facelift. Cosmetic surgeons who are members of American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has completed at least five years of surgical training with a minimum of two years in plastic surgery. The surgeon is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast augmentation, liposuction, cosmetic surgery facelifts and other types of reconstruction, and only operates in qualified medical facilities. More so the surgeon adheres to certain ethical aspects and fulfills continuing medical education requirements. The surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or in Canada by the Royal College of physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Consultation with your plastic surgeon
During the initial consultation with your plastic surgeon, you will be asked a lot of questions about your health, lifestyle and expectations of the surgery. Whether you are looking for cosmetics surgery facelift or other types of surgery, the surgeon will as you - why do you want surgery? The surgeon may give you a mirror to point out exactly what you would like to improve. This is to evaluate if the patients expectations of cosmetic facelift surgery are realistic. It is important that you are frank in your discussion and feel alright in discussing anything about your appearance that bothers you. Together you will also discuss your medical conditions, if you are eating any medications, including herbal settlement, possible drug allergies and your alcohol, tobacco or other drug consumption. It is also important to the surgeon to know about previous operations. All this information is essential because it can affect the result of the surgery and it is important to minimize the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia (for more information see cosmetic surgery facelift guide).
In evaluating you before cosmetic surgery facelift surgeon will examine and measure your face and maybe take photographs for your medical record. The thickness of your skin, texture and elasticity and the severity of wrinkles and folds will be evaluated like your bone structure. Your hairline will be examined to determine where incisions can be discreetly placed. When developing an individual surgical plan all of these factors will be taken in count.
When going through a facelift surgery there may be additional procedures that can be performed along with the facelift surgery to improve the result. For example, a face lift is frequently combined with a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, nose reshaping or skin treatments like laser resurfacing. This will also be discussed at the meeting with your plastic surgeon.
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Am I A Candidate For Cosmetic Facelift Surgery?
The cosmetic surgery facelifts are highly individualized procedures and it is important that you should do it for yourself and not to fulfill others desires. This might perhaps sound obvious to most people, but it is still worth pointing out. Therefore we at the Cosmetic Surgery Facelift Guide recommend you to put an extra thought to the matter before deciding to go through cosmetic surgery facelift.
Good candidates
If you are bothered of signs of aging like sagging in the face and neck, facial wrinkles, and lines and creases on the forehead, a cosmetic surgery facelift could help you. A face lift can only be performed surgically and non-surgical treatments cannot achieve the same results. Instead they could delay the time before a surgery is appropriate and complement the results of surgery. Patients with skin that is still somewhat flexible can expect better results, but there are no strict age requirements. Surgery is an alternative if you are physically healthy and if you don’t smoke. It is important to have realistic expectations of what a surgery can accomplish and understand the limitations as well as the benefits of the various face lift procedures. And finally remember that cosmetic surgery facelifts does not stop the aging process.
Secondary cosmetic facelift surgery
Unfortunally your skin continues its aging process, even after a cosmetic surgery facelift, and it is common that patients choose to perform a second cosmetic surgery facelift. The extent of the second surgery depends upon the quality of the first facelift procedure and the effect of natural aging.
Another reason to perform a second facelift surgery is that after undergoing facelift surgery the untreated areas of your face may appear more lax. With a second cosmetic facelift surgery the surgeon can accomplish a more consistent balanced appearance.
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