Face Lift Surgery (Rhytidectomy) - Surgery & Risks

Face lift techniques have evolved significantly over the last 15 years, and fortunately, major complications from face lift surgery are infrequent. According to statistical data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), more than 114,279 face lifts were performed in 2004, making it a common type of plastic surgery.

However, a face lift, like any other invasive procedure, is not for everyone. There are specific prerequisites for a successful surgery and potential face lift risks that you need to take into consideration before making the decision to have the surgery.

Are You a Good Candidate for Face Lift Surgery?

To find out if you are a good candidate for a face lift, you should consult a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon. Be prepared to discuss your reasons for considering a face lift, medical history, medications you are taking, any habits you have that may be hazardous to your health (e.g. smoking), plans to lose weight and other essential factors that may affect the outcome of your face lift surgery. Your answers will aid the surgeon in making an accurate decision as to whether rhytidectomy is right for you.

You should review a checklist to identify whether you are a good candidate for a face lift. Additionally, your doctor should aid you in helping to set realistic expectations by reviewing the psychological aspects of having plastic surgery, as well as the computer generated images of what you will look like post-face lift.

The initial consultation with a plastic surgeon may be the turning point in making the right decision about a face lift. Review the ten questions every face lift surgery patient should ask his or her plastic surgeon. Also, learn how often you will need to see your doctor before and after the face lift.

View sample "before" and "after" face lift images to get a general idea of potential face lift results.

How Can You Prepare for Face Lift Surgery?

Your plastic surgeon will help you to effectively prepare for a face lift based on your individual medical history, habits and other essential factors by giving you the necessary information. You should further educate yourself about what to expect the day of surgery and become psychologically ready for the procedure.

Where Will Your Face Lift Surgery be Performed?

In most cases, a face lift is performed as an outpatient procedure in a plastic surgeon's office or a surgical facility. Be aware that both must meet certain quality standards set forth by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF). To verify that your plastic surgeon's office or facility is properly accredited and to review the standards, visit the AAAASF website.

To become acquainted with the safety of outpatient plastic surgery facilities, read "What You Should Know about the Safety of Outpatient Plastic Surgery". In some cases, face lift surgery is done at the hospital and may require an overnight stay.

What Should You Know About Anesthesia for Face Lift Surgery?

Face lift surgery includes incisions (cuts) and requires the use of local or general anesthesia, which may result in complications and, in rare cases, death. Learn about different types of anesthesia available to you and how anesthesia may affect you by reading "Anesthesia: Options and Considerations" by the Mayo Clinic.

Find out more about the necessity of a preoperative interview with your anesthesiologist and learn about your anesthesiologist's qualifications.

What Happens During Face Lift Surgery?

During a face lift procedure, the surgeon makes incisions within the natural creases and lines of the skin. The cuts run above the hairline at the temples, behind the earlobes and down to the lower scalp to hide the scars. The surgeon will then separate the skin from the underlying tissue to access and manipulate the connecting tissue and muscle, if necessary. After the skin has been pulled back into place, the excess skin and fat are removed and the final incisions are made. The procedure may take two to six hours.

To find out more about the face lift surgery, review a detailed description of the face lift procedure. Moreover, educate yourself about different face lift surgery variations, which include deep plane face lift (or SMAS lift), mid face lift and composite face lift.

Be prepared that a face lift alone may not be the only procedure necessary to obtain the look you desire. During or after the procedure, your plastic surgeon may decide that blepharoplasty (or eyelid surgery), tightening of the eyelids, a forehead lift (or forehead lift surgery), where smooth, deep lines are made on your forehead, or a neck-lift, where your neck is brought back to shape, is necessary to achieve your desired look. A face lift or a neck-lift may also be accompanied by liposuction, to remove excess fat from the facial areas, or laser skin resurfacing.

Following the procedure, your plastic surgeon may insert temporary thin tubes under the skin behind your ear to drain any blood that might begin collect there. Additionally, your head may be wrapped in loose bandages to minimize bruising and swelling.

Are There Less Invasive or Non-Surgical Alternatives to a Face Lift?

New technology allows for less invasive and non-surgical alternatives to a face lift, including Botox, injectables and fillers, mini-facelift (or weekend face lift), "two stitch" mini-facelift, thermage, the feather lift (also known as a thread lift) and others. However, if you are looking for longer-lasting results, traditional face lift surgery is the best option. Also, educate yourself about various treatments of facial wrinkles.

What Are the Potential Face-List Complications?

Fortunately, major complications from a face lift are infrequent. However, a face lift is an invasive surgery and does carry risks associated with anesthesia, as well as potential post-surgery complications. Find out how you can minimize the risks from face lift surgery.

Other Plastic Surgery Procedures

Are you looking for other plastic surgery procedures? Check out other credible sites on abdominoplasty surgery, breast surgery, liposuction surgery, and rhinoplasty surgery.

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