Is a Facelift Right for You?

Does a Face Lift can Make You Look Younger?

     If you're a middle-aged woman, you've been there: That face in the mirror -- it's not young you anymore. Like any good house in an older neighborhood, it's time for a renovation.

People have different motivations for plastic surgery, and sometimes they are realistic, sometimes not.

Of course, cosmetic surgery -- especially facial plastic surgery -- is a serious step.

A facelift is one of the most drastic ways to make you look younger. Technically referred to as a rhytidectomy, a facelift is performed on those of you who are concerned about the signs of aging by dealing with a drooping jaw, deep wrinkles, and a saggy neck.

The success of this cosmetic procedure rests in the hands of both the surgeon and the patient. The best specialists in the world may not get the most satisfactory results if patients do not follow proper postoperative care.

What is Facelift?

A facelift, also known as meloplasty or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery to remove excess skin and reduce signs of aging on the face and neck.

Things to Consider Before Deciding to Have a Facelift

Before you choose to do a facelift, some important things to remember include:

1. While a facelift is supposed to make you look younger, it won't raise sagging eyebrows, remove deep forehead lines, change the upper or lower eyelids, or remove wrinkles around the mouth.

2. Smokers are at an increased risk for complications. To reduce the risk of these complications, and for your health and general well-being, try to quit smoking before having surgery.

3. A suture facelift, or thread lift, is best suited for younger and middle-aged patients whose tissues have sag with time, or have sun damage. It is not recommended for people with extremely thin or dry skin. Your medical practitioner will need to assess your individual suitability for this type of care.

4. Think about the financial cost. Cosmetic surgeons are seldom eligible for discounts from Medicare or private health insurance companies. Find out more:

5. Consider seeking a second opinion from another medical practitioner. It is important to have as much information as possible, before deciding to perform an otoplasty.

6. Check with your medical practitioner about any additional costs you will pay, and whether you qualify for the discount.

Finding qualified medical practitioners

Ask your GP for advice about a reputable medical practitioner or hospital where facelift is performed.

At your first consultation, check with medical practitioners about their training and experience.

This procedure should be carried out by a medical practitioner who is specially trained to perform facelift surgery and has a lot of experience in performing this type of surgery. Ask to see a medical practitioner's certificate showing that they are qualified to perform this particular operation.

Facelift Before and After: What to Expect

The method your plastic surgeon will use during a facelift will depend on your individual goals and the structure of your face. Often, people combine facelifts with eyelid lifts, eyebrow lifts or facial esthetic procedures, but this is not always the case. Consulting your surgeon will help you determine what is right for you.

The surgery itself can be performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis, depending on your needs and condition. Your surgeon will make an incision based on how your facial structure can help hide the scars from the procedure. The incision usually starts above the hairline near the temples, extends to the crease in front of the ear, and continues to the hairline behind the ear. From there, your surgeon separates the skin from the underlying fat and muscle, trimming or vacuuming the fat to correct the contours of your face.

Prior to surgery, your treatment team will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your facelift, including any foods, drinks, and medications to avoid. Your treatment team will also share individual aftercare instructions to help speed your recovery.

After the operation, you will wear a bandage to treat swelling and bruising, and your care team will advise you to sleep with your head elevated. Your surgeon will also prescribe a pain reliever to relieve discomfort. Recovery times vary widely, and your care team will advise you when you can resume activities of daily living.

Most patients start walking and doing light household activities within a week, returning to work and other normal routines after two weeks. Keep in mind that because the healing process takes time, your appearance will continue to change over the course of weeks or even months. Finally, your renewed and refreshed face appears, giving you a renewed sense of confidence.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

The median cost of a facelift is $8.005, according to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. These average costs are only a part of the total price – not including anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related costs. Please consult with your plastic surgeon's office to determine your final costs.

The surgeon's fee for a facelift will be based on his experience, the type of procedure used and the geographic location of the office.

Most health insurance plans don't cover a facelift or its complications, but many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.