Things to Know Before Getting a Facelift

Nothing about getting a facelift is uncommon these days. From celebrities to the common people, cosmetic surgeries are no more a hush-hushed topic. People openly talk about it so that everyone knows what the procedure entails and what one should expect from it. Cosmetic surgeons also discuss their successful surgeries and the anecdotes of the patients that come to them so that getting a facelift is normalized.

Looking youthful and striving to reverse some signs of aging is everyone’s right. Be it men or women, if you do not like the lines forming around your mouth or your jowls drooping significantly, you have all the right in the world to get it fixed.

No need to pay heed to any bits of advice that say, “just ignore it” or “deal with it.” It is the 21st century, and cosmetic procedures have become common, safer, and more affordable. You will not have a hole burnt in your pocket when paying for these surgeries, as was the case previously. 

Aside from the expenses point of view, the emphasis on feeling good about yourself and loving yourself before anyone is the biggest reason why you should even think about getting a facelift in the first place. Letting no one believe that you needed cosmetic surgery because you pitied yourself while you were at the beach caring for your skin is vital. Your body needs as much attention and maintenance as you think is necessary. 

So, without letting anyone play with your self-esteem, it is time to dig into the following points before you get yourself an appointment for a facelift. 

Things to Know Before Getting a Facelift 

1. No Facial Exercises Can Replace the Need for a Facelift 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Andrew Jacono, MD, FACS (@drjacono)

The first thing to know and remember is that getting a facelift is all about feeling better about yourself. It boosts your self-esteem and disregards your fears about body image. Therefore, do not listen to them if anyone attempts to dismiss your decision and convince you that facial exercises can do the trick.

Many articles on the internet mention how facial exercises can help tone your facial muscles, much like your biceps and abs after a workout at the gym. Unfortunately, such facial exercises cannot do what facelift procedures can do.  

2. When Are You Sure That You Need It? 

When Are You Sure That You Need It

There is no cut-off age for wanting to have facelift surgery. A general good overall health is a prerequisite to this surgery. The best answer to whether you need a facelift or not is self-analysis. If your self-confidence and daily social or personal life are affected by the sagging lines or face wrinkles, you should go for it. 

Nothing is important than your self-esteem and confidence. If any part of your face is affected by aging or any other issue is making your stance wobble in front of people, then getting a facelift is your best option.

3. All about Facelift 

All about Facelift 

Following your decision to opt for a facelift, it is imperative to educate yourself about the procedure. Several people feel mentally at peace and more prepared when they know what will happen to them. 

A facelift is a highly-skilled surgical procedure that helps reverse the signs of aging. Experienced cosmetic surgeons perform this procedure wherein the layers of your face are tightened, and some of the excess skin that droops is removed. Previously, these procedures gave an obvious ‘plastic’ or ‘unnatural’ look. However, getting a facelift done leaves you with a natural contour today. 

4. What Type of Facelift Should You Go For? 

What Type of Facelift Should You Go For

It is important to know that no one type of facelift procedure works for all. The difference in the facelift surgeries differs according to the needs of the people. Once you book an appointment with a plastic surgeon, you sit together and decide the type of facelift you need depending on the problem areas you want to be corrected. 

According to one of the leading plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Cleveland Clinic, James Zjns, a conventional facelift procedure entails an incision in front and behind the ears. Following the incision, your facial skin and the muscles under it are pulled to tighten. 

The surgeon then adjusts the tissues under the skin to match the contour of your face as decided. Any extra skin is then removed in the end before the incision is closed. Apart from this traditional procedure, you can opt for adjustments of specific areas, such as the neck, jowl, cheeks, or forehead. 

5. How fast is the Recovery? 

How fast is the Recovery

Concerns about the recovery process and its length are inevitable with any surgical procedure. The length and speed of the recovery process vary from one person to another. On average, it takes about one and a half to two weeks to recover from the bruises and swelling. After about two weeks of getting a facelift, most people return to the routine and can be spotted in a spa trying out different ideas of manicure and pedicure

However, healing stages and progress are different for different people. You should, at least, have someone to care for you for two weeks after the surgery. Follow-up visits also accompany the recovery process so that the surgeon is updated about the results and recovery. 

Some common side-effects of getting a facelift include a tad bit of discomfort due to the swelling, tightness in the target area, and sensation. However, all of these should subside in due time; otherwise, consult your doctor immediately.

6. Longevity of the Procedure 

Longevity of the Procedure 

While you can have the young and fresh glow of your younger times back after facelift surgery, it is irrational to assume that this procedure can stop the aging process. It indeed reverses some aging signs, such as wrinkles or droopy skin, but it cannot prevent them from returning altogether. 

Getting a facelift helps you dial back a few years of age, so you always look better after a facelift than without it. 

Leading a healthy life by preparing healthy drinks or smoothies at home and watching your diet also play a significant part in increasing the effectiveness of this procedure. The more you care about what you feed your mind and body, the more you can enjoy the rejuvenating effects of a facelift. 

7. Looking for a Good Plastic Surgeon 

Looking for a Good Plastic Surgeon 

Never overlook this critical question or compromise in any way when choosing a person who handles your cosmetic surgeries. The first thing to consider is to make sure that you find a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Dig deeper into the surgeon’s profile to ensure they had done such procedures before or assisted them. 

If possible, get an in-office introductory consultation with the top three or four picks of your research to make an informed choice. 

8. Prepare Yourself for the After-Surgery Phase 

If looking at yourself in the mirror and recognizing that you need a facelift is a big step towards boosting self-confidence, then the after-surgery phase is also no joke. There are extreme emotions involved, with, of course, tons of apprehensions about how the procedure will turn out. 

It is best to know that you will have your bandages removed after a few days of getting a facelift. You will have to take pain medication prescribed to you to make the healing process less painful. Swelling will be the first thing you will notice after removing the bandages, so be prepared to confront a puffy face. It is the time when you do not want your emotions messing up with your healing process. 

You Do You!

It is probably the best mantra that lets you lead a peaceful life without any worries. The fact that you do what pleases you speaks volumes about your body image and self-esteem. There is nothing wrong if you want to get rid of some aging signs.