Considering a Facelift? Get the Facts First - Frequently Asked Questions

Laugh lines may be charming to some, but most of us aren’t laughing when we see them appear on our faces. We want to look our best but as we age, our skin becomes loose and it loses its elasticity. It would be great to have a facelift that would erase all the imperfections we see on our faces, but it is still surgery. There are many factors to consider before making a final decision to alter your appearance. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that patients often have about facelift surgery.

Is having a facelift painful?

The procedure itself involves little pain as general or local anesthesia is used during the surgery. The amount of anesthesia given depends on how invasive the procedure will be and/or the patient’s preferences. However, most surgeries involve some discomfort and pain may follow in the recovery period. Pain is often the result of swelling and bruising that occurs after the facelift, but these side effects can be managed with cold compresses and pain medication prescribed by your doctor.

What kind of results can I expect?

If you have not had this procedure, it is difficult to determine what the results will be after the treatment. In some people, much of the fat is reabsorbed into the body, which minimizes the lasting effects.

How long will facelift results last?

Facelifts are not permanent, but the results can last for a decade or more. There are many factors that determine the longevity of the results. These include whether you are a smoker or if you regularly indulge in alcohol. Your age at the time of the surgery and the general condition of your skin also plays a vital role in how long your facelift results will last. However, if signs of aging reappear, you will most likely continue to look much younger than the age you were on your last birthday. Also, remember that additional surgery or treatments like BOTOX Cosmetic are an option.

Are there risks associated with facelifts?

Surgery, by its very nature, has a small amount of risks. There are side effects from anesthesia, infections, or bleeding. There are also some additional risks associated with facelifts; specifically, nerve damage, scarring, and numbness, but these are usually temporary. Rare complications include skin or hair loss and skin discoloration.

Will others be able to tell I had a facelift?

Facelift procedures have been fine-tuned over the years so that everything possible is done to make sure evidence of the procedures isn’t visible. Incisions are strategically made so that scars caused by the surgery will most likely be obscured by your hair line or other natural creases in your face. Plastic surgeons have several ways of reducing the number of scars. First of all, incisions are made in areas that tend to heal well, and, secondly, surgeons use very small sutures when repositioning the skin. That said, some scarring is possible so you should talk with your surgeon about your concerns before the procedure is scheduled.