Five Questions to Ask Yourself about Facelifts

The struggle to look young is as old as the world. The infamous fountain of youth has been sought for centuries by men and women who simply refuse to succumb to their destiny and accept their fate as mortal human beings. The search has been unsuccessful so far, of course, but the most perseverant ones have found alternatives to delay the aging process for as long as possible. Instead of chasing illusions, plastic surgery and its plethora of cosmetic treatments, wrinkle removal procedures, and rejuvenation techniques have become the more accessible – and realistic – endeavor.

No longer considered an act of vanity, plastic surgery is now regarded by most as an investment in themselves – not just in their looks, but also in their self-confidence, social relationships, and career. While minimally-invasive procedures remain the most popular, major interventions such as liposuction, breast implants, facelifts, rhinoplasty, and arm lift surgery are gaining terrain among American men and women who want to look fresh and healthy despite their age.

Here are five questions to ask yourself about facelifts if you’re contemplating the thought of getting one:

Although for a major intervention such as a facelift, factors such as age, body type, and size should be taken into account, there is no time limit or set profile for patients who want to get it done. During the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will examine skin elasticity, bone structure, overall health, and the amount of loose skin that needs to be trimmed during the procedure. Although dramatic results can be achieved with a facelift – in most cases taking years off one’s face - it’s best to maintain realistic expectations.

A refreshed, younger appearance is reported by the majority of patients undergoing this procedure. A facelift, if performed correctly by an experienced plastic surgeon, can achieve a younger version of the self, rather than making the face look operated on. A natural look – as if merely the effect of rest and a stress-free life – is the ultimate goal of a facelift.

Evidently, the key to a successful operation – and the best way to ensure your appearance will not look artificially changed - lies in choosing the surgeon carefully. Checking his credentials and past results (make sure he is accredited and board-certified), as well as establishing effective communication and having all your questions answered prior to the operation are some of the important steps you can take to ensure a successful result.

Theoretically, a facelift is a pretty standard and safe procedure, but it ultimately depends on the competence and skills of the surgeon to enhance the benefits and minimize risks. As with any other plastic surgery procedure, facelifts have risks. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists the following risks of facelift: infection, bleeding, fluid accumulation, pain, skin loss, facial asymmetry, numbness, deep vein thrombosis, fat necrosis, and poor wound healing. Although it may seem like a procedure with a lot of possible complications, an experienced surgeon may ease your fears. 

Recovery time depends mainly on the complexity of the procedure. For instance, patients who opt for a mini-facelift will have to wait less for the skin and tissue to recover, while for those who undergo a standard facelift, it may take a month until their skin to heal completely.

The terminology may shed some light on what the procedure involves, but a discussion with your surgeon will help you decide between MACS lift, SMASectomy, short scar, deep plane, and skin only. Basically, a professional surgeon will focus less on the type of procedure and more on the results the patient wants to obtain (and his specific circumstances). The goal here is to obtain a fresh and young look, as opposed to the “lifted” one.

A facelift is a personal choice, and one of great importance. Cosmetic surgery is nothing else than an investment in yourself andeffective way to make you love yourself, despite the passing of the years, so it’s worth making the best of it.

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