Face lifting

The more people age, the effect of gravity, exposure to the sun and daily stress can be better seen on their faces. Deep creases form between the nose and the mouth; the mandible line thickens and falls; creases and fat deposits occur in the neck region. A facial lifting can slow the aging process.

Attention! Medical staff can provide objective information and recommendations, family members can tell you what they think you should do, but you will only make the decision. This brochure provides you with as much information as possible about this surgery and will give you the chance to make an informed decision.

What can be done: “go back in time” – we have the chance through facial lifting to improve the most noticeable signs of aging by removing excess fat, stretching the muscles under the skin and repositioning the skin of the face and neck. Lifting can also be done together with other procedures: forehead lifting, eyelid surgery – blepharoplasty or nose – rhinoplasty. If you think of a facial lifting we offer the basic notions for understanding the procedure; can help you to answer the questions: when can it help you, how is it done and what results do you expect? It can not answer all of your questions, due to numerous individual factors and those who depend on the surgeon. Always ask the specialist about what you did not understand!

Candidates for facial lifting

The best candidates for facial lifting are those patients in whom the face and neck have begun to get loose but the skin has retained its elasticity and the bone structure is strong and well-shaped. Most are aged between 40 and 60 years, but lifting can be done even at 70-80 years. Lifting can make you look younger and younger and can make you self-confident, but it can not give you a different image, and can not restore vitality and health from your youth. Before doing this, think well what you expect and talk to your surgeon.

All surgeries involve risks

When facial lifting is performed by a plastic surgeon, complications are rare and minor. However, individual anatomical variations, patient’s psychological response, their healing ability are not always fully predictable. Complications may also occur: hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin to be discharged by the surgeon), nerve lesions that control the face muscles (usually temporary), infection and unwanted reactions to anesthesia. Poor skin cure affects smokers in particular. To reduce these risks, strictly follow your surgeon’s pre and postoperative indications.

Planning the surgery

Face lifting is an individualized procedure. In the first consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your face, including the skin and bones, and discuss with you the purpose of the surgery. The surgeon will check your health status and take note of certain conditions that may affect the surgery: high blood pressure, coagulation problems, tendency to develop vicious scars. Inform your surgeon if you smoke or take medicines, especially aspirin or other substances that can influence coagulation. If you decide for facial lifting, the surgeon will explain the technique and anesthesia used, where the surgery will take place, risks and costs. Do not hesitate to ask the surgeon about anything that is concerning you about the surgery.

Preparing for surgery

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on preoperative training on: diet, smoking, taking medication or vitamins. By following the instructions strictly, you will contribute to the normal course of the surgery. If you smoke it is important to stop at least 2 weeks before surgery; smoking prevents the circulation of the blood to the skin and may influence healing. If you have short hair, let it grow before surgery so that you can hide scars while healing. Make sure you are accompanied for postoperative examinations.

Where the surgery will be performed

Perhaps it is performed in the operating room, patients require hospitalization for 1-2 days, especially when using general anesthesia. Certain special states such as diabetes or high blood pressure will be monitored postoperatively.

Surgical procedure

Anesthetic options depend on the magnitude and specificity of the intervention. Local or general anesthesia may be used. Your doctor will recommend the best option for your case.Face lift usually takes a few hours or more if you do more than one procedure. For extended procedures, some surgeons can schedule 2 separate sessions. Each surgeon approaches the technique in their own style. Some of them completely finish a part of the face, while others move from one side to the other at the same time. The exact placement of the incisions and the sequence of the surgery frequency depends on the surgeon’s technique and your facial structure. Incisions usually start above the hairline insertion line, extend in front of the ear following the contour line of the ear (or even inside the cartilage) and continues behind the auricular lobe to the lower scalp. If the neck requires a small incision, this will be under the chin. In general, the surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscles underneath. The fat can be excised or liposucked around the neck and chin to improve the contour. Sutures are placed that will stretch the skin and close the incisions, metal clips on the scalp can be used. A drain tube can be placed behind the ear to drain all collections that may appear. The surgeon will shave the head completely to reduce edema and bruises. After surgery, usually there is no significant postoperative discomfort, but if it exists, it can be canceled with prescription drugs from the surgeon (acute or persistent pain or marked and sudden onset of the face should be announced to your surgeon right away). A certain numbness of the skin is normal, it may disappear within a few weeks or months.You will keep your head up for a few days to reduce edema of the face. If you have a drain tube, it will be removed within 1-2 days of surgery. Do not be surprised by the pale and swollen face that you will see. Just remember that in a few weeks you will look normal. Most sutures will be removed after 5 days. Healing of the scalp may take longer and the sutures will be removed later.

The recovery period

You will pick up in a day or two, but you will recover gradually in a week. Be delicate with your face and hair, because the skin will be numb and more sensitive, not reacting normally to stimuli. Your surgeon will give you precise instructions to gradually resume your normal activity. The following suggestions can be included: Avoid physical strain, including sex and physical work in the house for at least two weeks; Avoid alcohol, steam baths and sauna for a few months. Rest and leave all the energy of your body for the healing process. At first, your face will look and feel strange. Traits will be distorted due to edema; the face movements will be cumbersome and you will be aware of the scars. Ecchymosis will last 2-3 weeks and you will get tired easily. No wonder some patients will be disappointed and depressed at first. From the 3rd week you will feel and look much better. Most patients return to work in 10-14 days. If needed, use a cosmetic camouflage makeup.

The new image

The chances of you being pleased with facial lifting are excellent, especially if you realize the result does not appear immediately. Even after edema has disappeared, the hair in the temples region may be thin and your skin will feel dry and rough for a few months. Men will find that they will have to shave in new regions – behind the ear and wherever a hair area has been transposed. You will have postoperative scars, but usually they are hidden in the hair or in the natural creases of the face and ears, shrinking over time. Doing a facial lifting does not stop the time. The face will continue to grow older and you may wish to repeat the procedure once or twice, probably over 5 or 10 years.