With more and more people being somewhat obsessed with the idea of being forever young, the popularity of cosmetic surgery and treatments such as facelift procedures have rose meteorically over the last few years.
Despite of its high cost, millions of people worldwide have undergone facelift. In fact, facelift ranks as the sixth most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States.
In order to guide people wanting to undergo facelift, below are some of the most important things that they need to learn about facelift procedures.
History of Facelift
The history of facelift procedures can be traced way back in 1901 in the most unlikely place – Berlin, Germany. In 1901, renowned cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eugen Hollander performed and documented the first ever facelift in history.
Hollander’s technique closely resembles that of the modern facelift procedure hence, some medical experts consider Hollander’s technique (in which he lifted the patient’s facial skin in an effort to achieve a younger look) as the mother of modern facelift.
What are the Benefits of Having a Facelift?
The main benefit of having a facelift is that it helps a person achieve a younger look and eventually a more youthful aura and personality. To be able to feel and look young – that is the first and greatest reason why people (mostly women) undergo facelift.
Apart from the physical benefit, most people who have undergone facelift now have a different outlook in life. Believe it or not, most people who have had a successful facelift are now more optimistic and positive about themselves – a benefit that far outshines physical improvement.
Are You a Good Candidate For a Facelift?
Before choosing a cosmetic surgeon and agreeing to a facelift session, you should first identify if you are a good candidate for facelift.
The most ideal candidates for facelift are those middle-aged men and women around their late 40s and early 50s. The reason for this is that those people at the said age range have saggy facial skin (more often than not) On the other hand, if you are in your 30s, your skin is still relatively supple and is not really recommended for facelift.
In addition to age, it is also imperative that people who are about to have a facelift are physically healthy and free from any sickness.
Different Kinds of Facelift Procedure
With today’s dynamic and changing medical field, different kinds of facelift procedure have been introduced. Basically, there are two facelift types surgical and nonsurgical. From the word itself, surgical requires a surgery or cutting into the skin while nonsurgical does not and is the exact opposite of surgical.
Additionally, there are types of facelift that depend on the area where it is applied or in some instance the amount of skin involved.
Choosing a Good and Experienced Cosmetic Surgeon
Choosing a good and experienced cosmetic surgeon to perform your facelift is essential for your safety and the operation’s effectiveness. You need to invest time and effort in looking for a cosmetic surgeon who can match your needs and preferences.
A good rule of thumb is to make sure that the cosmetic surgeon you are dealing with is licensed and has undergone expert training. You can do a simple background check or perhaps you can talk to some of his previous clients – being cautious and skeptic aren’t really bad especially when your health is at stake.
How to Prepare for a Facelift Procedure
Preparation is key to almost any endeavor and there is no exception when it comes to cosmetic surgeries like facelift procedures. You need to prepare for your facelift a week or two before the actual session. Most cosmetic surgeons advice their patients to stop smoking two weeks before the day of the facelift.
For some reason, the chemicals one can get from smoking cigarette can potentially affect the success and safety of the facelift. Taking aspirin a week before your facelift session is also discouraged due to possible drug and chemical interaction.
Initial Consultation with Your Cosmetic Surgeon and Physician
Consulting with your cosmetic surgeon and your general physician should be done regularly weeks before and after facelift. Tell your cosmetic surgeon what you want to achieve and how exactly you want to look after your facelift.
Discuss certain details and ask questions surrounding the operation. A good and experienced cosmetic surgeon will provide you with clear instructions on what to do before and after facelift.
In terms of your general physician, tell him that you are scheduled for a facelift and ask him if you are a good candidate based on your medical records. Likewise, your attending physician can perhaps work with your cosmetic surgeon to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the facelift operation.
What Happens During Your Facelift Session
In a traditional facelift procedure, the first step is to draw incisions in front of the ear up to the hairline. Incisions are also made in certain areas as decided by your cosmetic surgeon. After the incisions are finished, the next step is to separate the skin to the deeper tissues. Sutures are then used to tighten the deeper tissues of the skin. The end result of a successful facelift is a tighter facial skin, eventually leading to a younger look.
Downtime and Recovery
Downtime and recovery normally takes a week or two after the facelift. Heavy work is discouraged and normal operations should be ceased to give way to a quicker and a more effective recovery period.
