A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, can help reduce wrinkles in the lower half of the face. It tightens underlying muscles and redrapes skin for a refreshed appearance.
A mini facelift is less invasive and popular for younger patients with minor aging signs. A surgeon can recommend the right surgical package for you during a consultation at our office.
How Does It Work?
What is a facelift procedure? A facelift can be performed inpatient or outpatient, taking 2-3 hours to complete. It is usually done utilizing general anesthesia. This surgical procedure will tighten sagging skin on the face and neck by surgically lifting and redistributing fat and muscle tissue, reducing the appearance of jowls, and eliminating excess skin. It will also restore the facial muscles to a more youthful position. It may also be combined with a neck lift for added effects.
When an experienced Toronto plastic surgeon performs a facelift, complications are infrequent. However, unforeseen outcomes are possible as each individual is unique in their anatomy and physical reaction to surgery. These include hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that the surgeon must remove), injury to the nerves that control facial muscles (usually temporary), infection, and reactions to anesthesia.
Typically, the surgeon will remove any drainage tubes from the incisions on the day following surgery. After a week, patients return to have their stitches removed. The doctor will also check the incisions to ensure they are healing well. Bruising and swelling are common but will fade over time. Most patients can return to work and regular activities after a month. A full recovery can take up to 9 months. It is important to choose a surgeon licensed and certified by the General Medical Council and with experience performing this type of procedure.
What Are the Complications?
Like any surgical procedure, a facelift has risks. However, complications are generally infrequent and minor when performed by a skilled Toronto plastic surgeon. Facelift complications can include hematomas (a collection of blood that needs to be manually removed), nerve damage (usually temporary), and infection. Smokers are at greater risk for poor wound healing.
The skin is separated from the muscle and tissue beneath the skin by cosmetic incisions made around the ears and sometimes under the chin. This allows the surgeon to remove or redistribute fat and tighten the remaining skin. In many cases, the surgeon will also use liposuction to collect additional fat from elsewhere on the body before injecting it into the face.
After the surgery, a drainage tube may be placed, and the incisions are wrapped with loose bandages. This is usually removed 1-6 days after the operation and replaced with a lighter dressing to minimize bruising and swelling. Pain is normally mild and can be relieved with prescription medications. Patients are advised to avoid getting the bandages wet, showering, or participating in vigorous activities or sauna in dubai for a few weeks. They should sleep with their head elevated for a few days to help reduce swelling and bruising.
Patients are usually able to return home the day after surgery. However, some prefer to stay overnight in the hospital for added peace of mind and to take advantage of a comfortable bed. During this time, the doctor will regularly examine the incisions to ensure they heal well and do not show signs of infection.
What Can I Expect?
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the neck and face to tighten and lift the tissues. This gives the face a more youthful appearance and reduces facial sagging. The procedure can address specific areas of the face. It may be combined with other methods, such as eyelid surgery or a brow lift, for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
We will use general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation during the procedure. Incisions will be made near the ears, and excess skin will be removed to achieve your desired results. The remaining skin will be secured with sutures. Afterward, we will apply bandages or a sterile dressing.
After a facelift, you can expect pain, bruising, and swelling during recovery. To help ease these symptoms, we recommend that you sleep with your head elevated and take pain relief medication as needed. Depending on your recovery time, we may need to remove drainage tubes or freshen up the bandages after a week.
As with any procedure, some risks are associated with a facelift, but these are typically rare. Some potential complications include nerve injury, infection, hematoma, and reactions to the anesthesia. To minimize these risks, we encourage you to choose an experienced facial surgeon to perform your facelift and follow their instructions for pre- and post-treatment care.
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of facelift surgery can vary widely depending on what type of surgery is performed. Non-surgical options that do not require anesthesia are less expensive than surgical procedures, while those that reduce excess skin around the neck and jawline are typically more costly.
In addition to the surgeon’s fee, there is a charge for the operating room at the hospital or surgical facility where your procedure is performed. This may also include a fee for the anesthesiologist who administers your general anesthesia. Additional charges may consist of a medical test or presurgical appointment and the cost of any prescription medications your doctor prescribes for post-surgery care, such as painkillers, antibiotics, anti-nausea medication, or sleep aids.
A comprehensive facelift, which might combine several operations to address multiple issues, will also increase the overall cost of your surgery. However, executing several surgeries under one general anesthesia will often be less expensive than performing them separately.
Please remember that your health insurance policy does not cover the expenses related to a facelift. You can get a personal loan to help pay for the procedure or speak with a cosmetic surgeon about financing options.
