Rhytidectomy (Facelift Surgery) - Recovery, Risks & Results

Facelift surgery is used to tighten underlying muscles, remove extra fat, and smooth loose skin on the face and neck. This can reduce wrinkles and skin sagging, thus giving patients a more youthful appearance.

It's essential to understand its limitations. It won't entirely reshape your face, halt ageing, or address concerns like fine lines, sun damage, or uneven skin tone. Each facelift is tailored for your unique facial structure and desired results.

Types of Facelift Surgery  

Understanding the different facelift procedures is crucial before opting for the same. It will also help to choose the procedure that best addresses individual needs and desired outcomes.

Different facelift procedures are as follows:

1. Traditional Facelift: This procedure addresses moderate to significant ageing concerns and helps with muscle tightening, fat removal, and skin smoothing.

2. SMAS Lift (SMAS Rhytidectomy): It targets the lower two-thirds of the face, focusing on removing excess skin and fat in the cheeks and lower face. 

3. Deep Plane Facelift: Involves lifting of the muscular layer, Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS), fat, and skin as a single unit. It addresses broader areas of concern simultaneously.

4. Mid-Facelift: Focuses solely on the cheek area, repositioning fat and tightening skin for a more youthful appearance.

5. Mini-Facelift: A quicker and less invasive option, ideal for younger people with early signs of sagging.

6. Cutaneous (Skin) Lift: This minimally invasive approach focuses on tightening the neck and lower facial skin.

7. Combination Procedures: Often, facelifts are combined with other cosmetic procedures to achieve a complete revival:

1. Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty): Refreshes the eye area.
2. Rhinoplasty (Nose Job): Reshapes the nose.
3. Facial Implants: Adds volume to specific areas.
4. Brow Lift: Lifts and rejuvenates the brow area.
5. Liquid Facelift: Uses injectable fillers for non-surgical rejuvenation.
6. Jawline Rejuvenation: Improves jawline definition.
7. Chemical Peel or Laser Skin Resurfacing: Improves skin texture and tone.

Who is eligible for a facelift?

Rhytidectomy, or facelift, can rejuvenate an individual’s look, but it's not for everyone. Here's a list of people who might opt for facelift surgery.

1. Minimum Age of 18.

2. Absence of conditions like diabetes, heart problems, or poor immune systems. 

3. Noticeable drooping skin on their face and/or neck.

Benefits of Facelift Surgery 

Facelift surgery offers the potential for long-lasting aesthetic improvements, typically lasting 5 to 10 years. It gives a confidence boost due to feeling better about one's appearance. However, it's important to remember that these are cosmetic benefits, and facelift surgery doesn't provide any major medical advantages.

A facelift requires specific steps of preparation before and on the day of surgery. The below section shall discuss what to expect in the days leading up to and on the day of the surgery. 

Before the Face Lifting Treatment 

To optimise recovery, one needs to adhere to any specific instructions the doctor gives before the surgery. Pre-surgery measures are key for a smooth facelift experience. This includes:

On the Day of Facelift Surgery 

A little preparation goes a long way. The final steps to take just before the facelift surgery to ensure a successful procedure are:

The best facelift approach depends on the individual's specific needs, as determined during the preliminary consultation. The surgery usually takes 3 to 6 hours and involves the following steps: 

1. Anaesthesia: The patient will be asleep under general anaesthesia or lightly sedated with IV sedation as prescribed by the doctor. 

2. Rhytidectomy Incisions: The surgeon will cut specific areas based on the facelift type. These areas could include the temples, hairline, around the ears, lower scalp, chin, or mouth.

3. Face Lift: Facelift surgery involves adjustments to facial skin, fat, and muscles, including repositioning, removal, or tightening, to achieve the desired outcome.

4. Closing the Incisions: Once complete, the surgeon will close the cuts using dissolvable/regular stitches or skin glue.

After Facelift Surgery and Recovery 

The first month after a facelift is all about healing. In this section, we have covered the hospital and week-by-week recovery process for the first 30 days.

In-Hospital Recovery 

Facelift surgery is a big decision. Understanding the initial stages of recovery is crucial. Here's what to anticipate in the early stages. 

1. The patient will be monitored in a recovery room until deemed stable for discharge.

2. The face may be bandaged to minimise swelling and bruising, and drainage tubes will be placed to remove excess fluids.

3. Patients likely experience some pain, swelling, bruising, and numbness. 

At Home Recovery 

Post-surgical care is crucial to prevent infection. Keep the incisions clean and strictly follow the doctor's instructions.

1. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage discomfort, typically needed for 1-2 weeks.

2. Expect swelling and bruising to peak around the third day, gradually subsiding over the next two weeks.

3. Temporary numbness and tightness around the surgical site are common and will improve as the patient heals.

4. They will feel progressively better with increased mobility as the weeks progress. Most social activities can be resumed within 4-6 weeks.

5. Significant improvements in facial contours become more noticeable by week four, with most surgical signs fading entirely within 1-2 months.

Note: This is a general guideline. Always follow the doctor's specific instructions for optimal healing after a facelift.

Follow-up Appointments after Facelift Surgery 

Expect follow-up appointments over the next two months to monitor. The doctor will also address any issues or concerns one might have:

1. Day 1: The surgeon will likely remove drainage tubes, clean the incisions, and apply new bandages.

2. 2-3 Days: The individual might transition from bandages to a supportive facial sling.

3. 1 Week: Stitch removal and wound evaluation will be done.

The facelift procedure is generally safe, but some things can go wrong. The possible complications are as follows:

1. One could injure a nerve that controls the facial muscles. This might cause weakness, numbness, or tingling in the face, which could be temporary or permanent.

2. Rare but potential risk of infection or reaction to the anaesthesia.

3. Blood pooling, called hematomas, can happen, but doctors can usually remove them.

4. Scars from facelift surgery may not heal and could be noticeable. In some cases, it is eliminated with additional treatment. 

When to call a doctor after a facelift?

After a rhytidectomy, it's natural to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. But it is important something that requires a doctor's attention? One should call the doctor right away if experiencing:

1. Heavy bleeding

2. Excessive swelling

3. Severe pain

4. Fever

5. Pus drainage from the incision

The facelift surgery cost in India can vary widely depending on several factors. Generally, it starts at ₹ 12,000 and can go up to ₹ 50,000. The average price of the procedure is ₹35,000. 

Note: These cosmetic surgery costs are approximate. Talk to HexaHealth consultants for an updated price. 

Factors that can affect the expenses of the procedure include: 

1. Consultation Fee: This includes the initial meeting with the surgeon to discuss expectations and procedural details.

2. Type of Surgery: The complexity of the facelift procedure itself plays a major role. A mini facelift addressing smaller areas will cost less than a full facelift with more extensive work.

3. Admission Fee: Hospitals typically charge a separate fee for admission and use of their facilities on the day of surgery.

4. Type of Hospital: Surgery in a high-end, well-equipped hospital will likely cost more than in a surgery centre with a lower overhead.

5. Type of Room Chosen: Opting for a private room for post-surgical recovery will be more expensive than a shared room.

6. Location or City: Surgeons and hospitals in areas with a higher cost of living might charge more.

A facelift is a cosmetic procedure that can enhance your appearance but has some associated risks. It can be an option for those seeking a more youthful look. However, one must know that the ageing process won't stop entirely, even after a facelift.

Considering rhytidectomy is a major decision and should be approached cautiously. HexaHealth connects you with reputed board-certified plastic surgeons. We simplify the process, from the initial consultation to recovery. Contact HexaHealth today for a free consultation.

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