A face lift can reduce the visible signs of age, like wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin, in the face and neck areas. During the procedure, your doctor lifts tissues and tightens your facial skin and muscles via small and discreet incisions behind the hairline or your ears. If you are considering a face lift to rejuvenate your appearance, understanding what the process entails and what alternatives you may have is a useful starting point.
What Are Your Aesthetic Goals?
Getting a face lift allows your face to look more youthful and boosts your confidence. Before seeing your doctor and during your first appointment, it’s important to have a good understanding of your reasons to pursue plastic surgery. Having realistic expectations and being in a good state of mind can make a significant difference in how you approach the process and how you enjoy its results.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Face Lift?
If you are healthy enough for surgery and are dealing with sagging skin that want tightened, a face lift can be an effective and long-lasting solution. You should also be able to take some time off as your recovery will likely take several weeks before you can fully return to your daily activities.
During your initial consultation with your plastic surgeon, you can expect:
- A review of your medical history and current medications
- A thorough facial exam
- A discussion about your cosmetic expectations
Other factors that can make you a great candidate for a face lift are a strong bone structure and limited sun damage.
Face Lift Recovery and Results
A face lift usually takes two to four hours and may require more time if your surgeon performs other cosmetic procedures at the same time. Bandages will provide protection and subtle pressure to minimize side effects after the surgery. You may need a small tube under your skin behind an ear to drain any excess fluid. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to manage any pain you experience during recovery.
Common side effects after a face lift include:
- Mild to moderate pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Numbness
You will see your surgeon again for several follow-up appointments during the two months following surgery. These visits include removal of your drainage tube (if you had one), bandage changes and removal, stitches removal, and monitoring. Your scars will fade almost completely over time and the results of a face lift usually last 10 years.
Face Lift Alternatives
If your plastic surgeon determines that a face lift isn’t the right procedure for you, the good news is that they can recommend a variety of non-surgical treatments to meet your needs. Technology makes cosmetic solutions more readily accessible. This type of treatment is minimally invasive and requires little to no downtime afterward. They can effectively target wrinkles and fine lines and other skin concerns for a radiant appearance.
Popular and effective non-surgical options include:
- Injectables and dermal fillers like Botox, Juvederm, Dysport, and Radiesse
- Ultherapy
- Microneedling
- Microdermabrasion
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Chemical peels
Compared to plastic surgery, these treatments can be more affordable. The sessions don’t take much time and are convenient to fit into a busy schedule. The results are not permanent and usually last several months before you see your provider again to maintain your improved looks. Just like before moving forward with plastic surgery, your doctor will make sure to review your medical history and cosmetic goals to create the appropriate treatment plan.
Call West Coast Plastic Surgery Center today at (805) 978-8545 or use our online contact form to schedule a face lift consultation!