Face Lift Surgery

Face lift surgery-is the removal of lax skin. These wrinkles can be related to age, hereditary or environmental factors. The appropriate time to have a consultation is when you no longer look the way you feel. This may be in your 40s or your 90s.

Face lifts can do more than improve the appearance of facial skin. It can also be a tremendous boost to a person's self-esteem. While there is no "right" age to undergo a face lift, your cosmetic surgeon will evaluate the condition of your skin and may discuss alternate or additional treatments with you. In combination with face lifts, other procedures may be performed including: eyelid surgery; brow lift, forehead lift; facial implants; partial chemical peel; laser resurfacing; Botox; lip augmentation; chin augmentation; nose reshaping or liposuction.

A face lift is considered to be a major operative procedure. Like any extensive surgical procedure, operative incisions and complicated surgical stitching is required. You must accept your cosmetic surgeon's judgment and realize that he will only remove the skin of the face that can be done safely and suitable for you particular facial contour. The face lift procedure as with the brow lift procedure can improve wrinkled skin, but skin type and patient age are important factors in the final result.

It is important for all patients considering face lifts to have realistic expectations. There are many factors involved-the amount of skin removed; age and condition of the patient; skin type, as well as its condition and texture; amount of previous sun and wind exposure as well as healing ability. Skin aging continues after the face lift operation, even though the excess skin and wrinkles have been removed. Occasionally a minor secondary procedure may be recommended to enhance results such as a brow lift.

A face lift or brow lift may be performed in an outpatient facility or in a hospital setting, under general or local anesthesia. In some cases, the operation may be performed on an outpatient basis and the patient returns home following the procedure. Other physicians may hospitalize the patient for one to two nights.

Face lifts may be performed in a hospital or an outpatient facility. Within the first week you may experience some discomfort, but most patients can resume normal activities. Be sure to always follow your cosmetic surgeon's advice following your face lift.

All questions should be directed to your cosmetic surgeon. Remember that healing is a gradual process and it may be several weeks before you will begin to see the new you. After the healing period is complete, face lifts can make you look younger, and improve your self-confidence.