Healthy, vibrant skin is essential to maintaining a youthful appearance. Gravity and the effects of aging combine to pull downward on your skin as it loses elasticity, particularly around your eyes, cheeks, mouth and jaw. A facelift reverses the signs of aging to restore smooth, toned skin while refreshing the overall look of your face and neck.

What is Facelift Surgery?

A facelift is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure in which the deep tissues of the face and neck are tightened and excess skin is eliminated in order to reshape your face and neck, creating a younger, firmer look. A facelift can dramatically improve the appearance of the following elements.

Sagging

Deep creases along the eyelids and/or nasiolabial folds
Lack of plumpness due to a loss of facial fat
Jowls
Loose skin that gives the appearance of a double chin

How is a Facelift Performed?

Your plastic surgeon will make incisions near the temples, directly above and in front of your ears. These incisions run under the earlobes to then blend into the hairline. Once the incisions have been made, the skin is gently lifted while the surgeon tightens and repositions the underlying muscles and connective tissue. Fat and excess skin may be removed if necessary. A drain is positioned to collect fluid and prevent pressure buildup.

Cost of a Facelift

As with other plastic surgery procedures, average costs varies. There are three primary factors that affect overall cost: anesthesia fee, facility fee and surgeon’s fee. Nationally, the average cost ranges anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000.

Recovery Time

Recovery typically takes two to three weeks. During this time, you should avoid contact sports and other vigorous activities. Cold compresses may be applied to reduce swelling and bruising. Sutures are usually removed within 6 to 8 days.

Risk Factors

Incision scars are permanent but are generally hidden by your hair. Changes in sensation, specifically numbness, can persist for up to two years. Temporary or permanent hair loss may occur near incision sites. More severe issues such as facial weakness, hematoma (blood clot), or infection are rare.

Candidates for Facelift Surgery

Healthy individuals with reasonable expectations are good candidates for a facelift procedure. Those with high blood pressure, a bleeding disorder, or diabetes will certainly need to discuss their options with a physician. Smokers are not ideal candidates for facelifts and they should stop smoking for 6 months prior to decrease the risks.

While nothing can truly turn back the hands of time, a facelift is an effective means of reversing the signs of the aging process.