Cosmetic surgery face lift procedures are fairly commonplace today and can improve one’s appearance and quality of life.
In previous times, getting a face lift was limited to Hollywood stars and would most likely result in an obvious tight faced, artificial appearance.
Times have changed and having any type of cosmetic surgery procedure is much less invasive, costly and results in a more natural return to younger looks.
What are the Benefits of Facelift Surgery?
A face lift performed by a qualified plastic surgeon can have positive benefits for appearance, health and emotion. Looking younger can help one feel younger. Feeling younger and better about oneself boosts self esteem and can even result in positive health benefits.
Plastic surgery can restore youth by eliminating sagging skin, smoothing lines and creases, restoring muscle tone and eliminating fat that has fallen creating the appearance of jowls or a double chin.
Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift
When researching facelift surgery, it’s important to understand the difference between a mini facelift and a traditional full facelift.
A mini facelift is a less invasive option that targets sagging skin in the lower face and jawline, often with shorter incisions and a faster recovery time. This procedure is ideal for patients in their 40s or 50s who are just starting to notice signs of aging.
In contrast, a full facelift addresses more extensive sagging and may include the neck, making it more suitable for individuals with deeper wrinkles and loose skin.
How is a Face Lift Surgery Performed?
Cosmetic surgery face lift is known by the medical term “rhytidectomy” and starts with an incision above and around the hairline surrounding the face.
This allows the plastic surgeon to tighten and remove skin and facial tissues that have fallen with age. The incision will be skillfully minimized and hidden in the hairline and around the ears.
Often a face lift can be combined with liposuction to remove fat in the cheeks and chin area to provide a smooth, younger contoured look with dramatic results.
How Long Does it Take to Recover?
A surgical face lift will result in facial bruising and swelling which will usually subside after two to three weeks. Those who undergo surgical face lifts should expect to be off of work for at least one or two weeks due to appearance.
Optimum results from plastic surgery face lifts will usually be seen around one month after surgery. Scarring from current face lift technologies may be visible for up to one year but should be minimal after fading.
Long-Term Results and Maintenance After a Facelift
A facelift can dramatically improve appearance and self-confidence, but it’s not a permanent fix for aging. On average, facelift results last 8 to 12 years, depending on genetics, lifestyle, and skincare.
To maintain results, patients should follow a healthy skincare routine, use sun protection daily, and consider occasional non-surgical treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, or laser skin resurfacing.
Many people search for “how long does a facelift last” or “how to maintain facelift results,” and taking care of your skin after surgery is key to prolonging the rejuvenating effects.
Other Options to Cosmetic Surgery
Though surgical face lifts may produce dramatic results, some people aren’t quite ready and choose to undergo a face lift without surgery, a much less invasive procedure.
In face laser surgery, a plastic surgeon uses highly focused light to remove the top skin tissue layer. This can resurface skin and reduce sagging and deep seated wrinkles. It may also reduce scarring, acne pock marks and the appearance of enlarged pores.
Getting a face lift without surgery using a laser may delay the need for an actual surgical procedure, allowing the patient to have a rejuvenated appearance and wait a few years before undergoing invasive surgery.
Other women choose to have additional cosmetic procedures performed at the same time such as breast lift or tummy tuck. Combining more than one cosmetic procedure may reduce the cost and recovery time of the total body makeover.