A facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens the skin and underlying muscles in your face. It usually involves small cuts near your hairline and behind your ears, followed by pulling the skin tighter and closing the cuts.
Most people who consider a facelift are in their 40s to 70s and want to reduce sagging jowls, deep creases, or loose skin to look more youthful.
But is that the right choice for your needs? To make that decision, you’ll want your questions answered and to understand what to expect. That will help you make the best decision for your situation and feel more comfortable with the outcome.
What a Facelift Can Offer
Getting a facelift is often done to have a more youthful appearance. You may have started to notice wrinkles and fine lines, or sagging skin along the jawline. If that’s the case, and you aren’t happy with the way you’re aging, you may want to consider what a facelift can do for your look and your confidence. This procedure tightens the skin and helps you look smoother and more refreshed, so you can feel happier and more comfortable showing your face to the world. An innovative preservation facelift can take this a step further, focusing on maintaining your natural facial structure and volume for results that are beautifully youthful and long-lasting.
Getting Your Questions Answered Matters
Make a list of questions before your consultation. Ask things like:
- How many facelift surgeries do you perform each year?
- Will I need general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation?
- What is my expected recovery timeline?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of patients with a similar face shape?
- What complications have you encountered, and how did you handle them?
These details help you feel more confident and prepared
Choose a Trusted Surgeon for Your Needs
Joel Aronowitz, MD, and other plastic surgery professionals also know that finding the right surgeon for your needs matters. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with at least 5 years of experience in facelifts. Check their before-and-after photos to see actual results. Read patient reviews on third-party sites, and ask if they have hospital privileges for facelift surgery. Make sure the surgeon mentions both common risks and how they handle complications.
You may also “click” better with a particular surgeon and simply feel more comfortable with how they treat you and what they have to offer. That’s an important part of choosing someone to perform a facelift, as well.
All surgeries carry some risks. With a facelift, you might have bruising, temporary numbness, or minor bleeding. Rarely, infections, nerve injury, or noticeable scarring can occur. Choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon and following all pre- and post-op instructions helps lower these risks
Know What to Expect From Your Procedure
As you work with your surgeon before the procedure, be sure to talk about what you can expect. You want to be realistic and informed when it comes to the results you’ll get, so you go into the procedure with confidence that you’ll be happy with the outcome. Some individuals might even look for additional enhancements along with a facelift for a more balanced facial appearance. This can include combining a facelift with procedures such as Chin Implants in Beverly Hills, or elsewhere, which can take care of the contours of the face and its underlying structure for a more youthful and refined look.
Right after surgery, expect swelling and bruising for about 1 to 2 weeks. Your surgeon may ask you to keep your head elevated and avoid strenuous activity for at least 2 to 3 weeks. Most people return to desk work in 1 to 2 weeks, but full healing can take 6 to 12 weeks. Knowing this timeline helps you plan time off work and arrange help at home.
A study in the Journal of Aesthetic Surgery found that 92% of facelift patients reported higher confidence and satisfaction with their appearance six months after surgery. This research surveyed 200 patients from various age groups and used standardized questionnaires to measure outcomes.
Conclusion
A facelift can be a transformative procedure for those seeking to revitalize their appearance and boost confidence. By understanding what a facelift can offer, getting questions answered, choosing a trusted surgeon, and knowing what to expect, individuals can make an informed decision and feel comfortable with the outcome.
Because bruising and swelling can last several weeks, plan your facelift at least three months before big events like weddings or reunions. That way, you’ll have time to heal fully and feel confident in your new look!
