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Summary
What is a facelift? How does the intervention work? Are there any risks associated with a facelift? What is the average cost of a facelift? How do I know if I am eligible for this intervention? What to expect during the postoperative care period?
What is a facelift?
As we age, collagen in the skin breaks down, resulting in a weakening of facial tissues. This is seen in the cheeks, eyes and jowls, which are the areas of the face most prone to the development of wrinkles. They undergo more movement and when the skin and fat move, it promotes the development of oily cheekbones and a sunken appearance of the cheeks. The facelift then consists of lifting and tightening the sagging skin which again gains in tone and youth. Cutting excess skin and tightening remaining tissue smooths and reduces wrinkles.
The facelift allows you to reposition the fat at the cheeks and along the jaws for a Improved facial contour. Still called rhytidectomy, it is an operation to restructure the deep layers of the face that offers a very natural result. The incision is made in the hair root and around the ear, which makes it possible not to leave an apparent scar on the face. Thus, for those who want a fresher and less tired appearance, the facelift operation is an interesting solution.
How does the intervention work?
There are many methods used by surgeons for facelift procedure. During the preoperative interviews, the patient will choose with the specialist the most suitable technique. TheSurgery can last between 3 and 5 hours. If additional procedures are planned (neck lift, eyebrow lift…), then the process will be longer.
To begin with, the patient will be taken to the anesthesia room. He will have discussed beforehand the type of anesthesia to be performed with the surgeon: local or general anesthesia. General anesthesia allows safe sleep throughout the procedure. As for local anesthesia, it only numbs the treatment area and a sedative will be given to the patient at the same time to allow him to relax.
The facelift will consist of making an incision along the hair root and in front of the ear. The size and location of the incisions usually depend on the method used. The surgeon cleans the treatment area and separates the skin from the underlying tissue before removing excess fat. He then tightens the tissues and uses the stitches in order to attach the lifted fabric to its new position. He has the possibility to reposition excess fat so that the contours of the face are enhanced. In case the fat is insufficient, then the expert can use the method of liposuction to recover fat on other parts of the body.
The final stage of facelift is the closure of the incisions. The surgeon will lift and remove the remaining skin before placing it in its new position. Absorbable and non-absorbable suture threads will be used to close the incision. Afterwards, the doctor will apply a light bandage to the face to reduce swelling and bruising.
Are there any risks associated with a facelift?
Before doing a facelift, it is essential to learn about the risks and possible complications related to this operation. Among the Surgical complications, there are:
- blood loss,
- reaction to anesthesia,
- the Nausea,
- the formation of blood clots,
- vomiting,
- allergic reactions
- One postoperative pain…
The formation of bruises at Level of the treated part is also common after the intervention. However, these should disappear during the first two weeks. In case of pain,Bruises or significant swelling, it is advisable to notify the surgeon immediately.
It also happens that the skin of the affected area changes color after the operation. It should return to normal within a few months. In the meantime, makeup can help hide this skin discoloration. It is also possible that there is hair loss and deformity, depending on where the doctor made the incisions.
If during the operation nerves have been affected, this can affect the sensitivity or facial mobility. Most often, it is a temporary problem. There is rarely a loss of movement or sensation in the long term.
The risk of infections following a facelift is not zero, even if every effort is made to reduce them during the procedure. It may therefore happen that an infection occurs in the treated area. As for stitches, they can be visible, irritable or pass through the skin. In this case, the surgeon must remove them.
What is the average cost of a facelift?
The average cost of a facelift depends on the complexity of the technique used, the estimated operating time, the operating risks and the Duration of hospitalization. The estimate is therefore provided on a case-by-case basis, specifying for each item the precise rate as well as the total amount of the intervention.
Overall, the price of facelift varies between 2500 and 10 000 euros depending on the area to be treated. It is also important to know that, whatever the cost, it is totally borne by the patient. The facelift being indeed an operation for aesthetic purposes, it is not reimbursable by Social Security.
How do I know if I am eligible for this intervention?
The best candidates for facelift are people whose skin has begun to sag, but who nevertheless retains a good level of elasticity. Some patients are then more qualified than others for this procedure. In addition, the following conditions must also be met:
- one good general health,
- a strong bone structure,
- sagging skin, deep folds and wrinkles,
- Do not smoke.
It will be up to the surgeon after examination to conclude as to thePatient eligibility or not for this surgery.
What to expect during the postoperative care period?
After the facelift, an appointment is scheduled to remove the non-absorbable stitches. The doctor may advise the patient to wear a compression dressing around the face during the first weeks after the procedure.
It is recommended to avoid too much exposure to the sun so as not to darken the treatment area. Sleeping and relaxing with your head resting on pillows for the first two weeks will help relieve bruising and swelling.
The recovery period depends on the method used and the extent of the facelift operation. Regardless of the patient’s activity, it is forbidden to lift a heavy load for at least 4 weeks.
The duration of facelift results varies depending on genetic factors, Environmental factors, the method used and the quality of the tissues. The effects of a full facelift can last more than 10 years, which means that most people perform only one facelift in their lifetime.
