Preparing for a facelift involves more than simply choosing a surgeon. Most of your fear comes from not being aware of how to prepare mentally for the experience. While having a facelift isn’t considered major surgery, it’s still a medical procedure, nonetheless.
So if you understand what to anticipate before, during, and even after the operation, you’ll be better prepared to do the necessary post-operative aftercare. Your goal should be to minimize swelling and scars while maintaining good facial function.
Many people don’t realize that cosmetic surgery can address several areas of problem in the body. Some may wonder why there’s no such thing as a “slimming” face-lift, but the answer is that it removes excess skin and fat.
The goal isn’t simply to reduce visible signs of aging like wrinkles. It also tightens the skin and smoothes out facial crevices. A good cosmetic surgeon can take all of these issues into consideration when discussing the possible procedures and which ones are most appropriate for your needs.
One method of removing excess skin is called a rhytidectomy. With rhytidectomy, a plastic surgeon will remove excess fat and muscle tissue under the skin of the face and chin. This technique involves creating an incision along the facial crease and lifting the skin as much as possible.
Another surgical procedure that can be performed to restore elasticity and decrease facial wrinkles is called a facelift. This type of plastic surgery is very similar to a facelift, but it only has a short-term goal. Instead of removing fat from the face, a facelift will tighten up the skin where wrinkles once existed.
The surgeon can use a variety of techniques to achieve the desired results, but all involve the same concept. Surgeons lift the skin in such a way that the face looks smoother. Dot therapy is another way to prepare for this procedure. In this procedure, small titanium or plastic abutments are placed on certain areas of the face. Experts do suggest a couple of specific procedures you should try, the process outlined on their website.
These abutments are then used to create the appearance of a double chin. The abutments are tiny, so they don’t cause any pain, but they are still very visible after recovery time is over. Dot therapy takes about two weeks and recovery time is approximately two to three months.
A dermal filler, also known as a fat transfer, is sometimes used for facelifts. The advantage of using a dermal filler is that it does not increase the overall volume but rather tightens the skin. It works by inserting a needle underneath the skin and depositing filler material below the skin surface.
This helps reduce the look of wrinkles or double chins caused by fat volume loss. A dermal filler typically takes about one to three months to work and recovery is roughly two to three months. Two weeks before the facelift procedure you will be instructed to avoid tanning and sun exposure. This will help you prepare for your upcoming procedure.
One week before your procedure the doctor will give you a health screening. During the screening, he or she will check for any medications that could interfere with the facelift or cause adverse reactions. You will also be instructed to make sure that you have no existing conditions that could interfere with the procedure.
After your health screening, a pre-and post-operative consultation will take place. During this consultation with your plastic surgeon will discuss any concerns you have and find out your preparation schedule.
He will also ask you questions about your lifestyle and any complaints you have had in the past regarding wrinkles and fine lines. If there are any existing conditions he will discuss these as well. He will most likely give you some suggestions for improving your appearance after having a facelift.
