A facelift or rhytidectomy is a surgical procedure that can be performed to remove sagging skin on the neck and face. While its effects are not permanent, it can halt the ageing process and make your face look younger. It can also be combined with other cosmetic procedures to address specific ageing concerns. Let’s find out how long does a facelift last and when the best time is to do it.
What Is Facelift Surgery Done For?
While fillers and peels can smooth away fine lines and wrinkles, they cannot address drooping or sagging skin that appears with age. During facelift surgery, your plastic surgeon will remove excess skin on your face and neck to tighten it. The muscles below the surface of the skin may also be repositioned or removed as required during the procedure.
What Won’t A Rhytidectomy Do?
A face lift will not plump up fine lines and wrinkles around your mouth or eyes, or address creases and fine lines on your forehead. If you would like to address these concerns, you may opt to have a chemical peel, skin resurfacing, dermabrasion, fillers or Botox.
Having a facelift will not affect the shape of your nose or the position of your eyebrows. If these are concerns you have, they are best addressed with a brow lift or nose job surgery, which could be performed at the same time.
Is Facelift Surgery The Right Procedure For You?
A consultation with your plastic surgeon is the best way to determine which procedure is best for your concern. In general, facelift surgery could be the answer if
- You are a non-smoker
- You have sagging in your mid-face
- You have creases that extend from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth
- You have displaced fat in your face
- You have jowls, which have developed as a result of reduced muscle tone
- Creases have developed below your lower eyelids
- You have fat or excess skin in the lower part of your face that creates a double chin
- You are in relatively good health and do not have any condition that compromises your body’s ability to heal
How Long Does A Facelift Last?
The effects of a facelift will not last forever because you will continue to age after the procedure.
It is best to discuss your facelift surgery with your plastic surgeon ahead of time, as he or she will be able to give you a more specific answer.
On average most patients find the effects of a facelift last for between five and 12 years, after which point you may decide to have a second facelift.
It is possible for a person to have two to three facelifts over the course of a lifetime, however, this depends on the scarring and your physical condition.
A skilled plastic surgeon will make small and discreet incisions, and hide them in hidden spots by following the natural contours and creases of the skin. Scars should also fade and become thinner over time. That said, some patients do develop thicker scars than others.
When Is The Best Time For A Facelift?
Because the effects may not last for longer than 12 years, it’s advisable not to have a facelift when you are still very young. The majority of facelifts that are performed are done for patients between the ages of 40 and 65, but it is possible to have the procedure done when you are younger than 40.
How To Prepare For Facelift Surgery
Good planning generally means a successful outcome for your facelift.
Your medical history
Your surgeon needs a full medical history to give you the best experience. You’ll need to tell him or her about any past surgeries you’ve had, any medication you are taking, your smoking status and your drug or alcohol use. Your surgeon may liaise with your GP or specialists if he or she needs more details about your medical history.
The facial exam
Your surgeon will examine your face from all angles and take some photographs. He or she will look at the shape and contours of your face, the quality of your skin and the fat distribution. This helps your surgeon make recommendations for your facelift.
Managing your expectations
You’ll have a conversation with the surgeon about your expectations or the surgery and what you hope to achieve. You will be told what the facelift can achieve and whether any other procedures could give you what you’re looking for. You will also discuss pre-and post-surgical procedures to get you in the best possible shape to speed up the healing process afterwards. Your surgeon will also explain how long does a facelift last for your stage of life and any treatments that could help the effects to last longer.
Having a facelift is a major decision that can enhance your quality of life. It needs to be well planned and performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon for the best long term outcome.
For more details on how long a facelift last, or to book your consultation please contact us for a confidential discussion: (02) 9158 6375.
REFERENCES
Facelift Surgery
https://plasticsurgery.org.au/procedures/surgical-procedures/facelift-surgery/
Face-lift
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/face-lift/about/pac-20394059
FACELIFT, MINI FACELIFT, & NECK LIFT
https://healthcare.utah.edu/plasticsurgery/facial/facelift-midlift-necklift.php
Facelift
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/facelift
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