Seeing signs of aging every time you look in the mirror can be disheartening. You may be unsure whether there are treatment options available or if you will have to continue battling wrinkles, skin laxity, and volume loss that can make you look older. At DFW Center for Aesthetics and Cosmetic Surgery, we offer one of the most effective options to help you with all of your facial concerns: facelift surgery.
What is a facelift, and is it really the right choice for your needs? Learn all of this and more in our ultimate guide to facelifts.
What Is a Facelift? Getting the Skinny on the Rhytidectomy Procedure
What is rhytidectomy? It’s a surgical procedure that can help improve the visual signs of aging in your face, like loose skin, missing facial fat, wrinkles, and so much more. There are a few types of facelifts, including:
- Traditional facelift
- Mini facelift
- Deep plane facelift
The traditional facelift uses incisions around your ears, below your chin, and around your hairline. During this procedure, we separate your skin from the underlying layers of tissue while at the same time tightening muscles and adjusting facial structures to give you the look you want. A traditional facelift can also address issues with your neck.
A mini facelift involves the lower part of your face. It can be a great option for younger people who are experiencing the first signs of aging. This type of facelift procedure is less invasive and requires less recovery time.
During a deep plane facelift, the muscular layer of your face, along with the layer of fat and skin, is lifted in one piece. It can help address many areas of your face at the same time.
To be a good candidate for facelift surgery, you need to be healthy enough to get general anesthesia. You should also not smoke or use any other tobacco products, and you have to have realistic expectations of the procedure’s results.
Benefits of a Facelift: Can It Offer the Results You Want?
Now that you have an answer to “What is rhytidectomy?” you may be asking, “What can it do for me?” A facelift can offer a variety of benefits. It can help with the following:
- Sagging facial and neck skin
- Jowls
- Fallen or missing facial fat
- Mild, moderate, or deep wrinkles
One benefit of a facelift is that it offers quality results without leaving visible scars. By making incisions around your ears and forehead, your hair can hide signs of the procedure.
The results can also look natural. People often think they will not be able to smile or frown normally, but that is not the case. You can get the benefits of looking more youthful without worrying about people knowing you’ve had surgery unless you want to tell them.
Knowing Where to Start
If you want to get all of the benefits of a facelift, whether mini or traditional, you can turn to us for a consultation. During this consultation, we will gather all of the necessary information to make sure you are a good candidate for the procedure. We will need to know if you’re on any medications and whether you have any health conditions.
Since this is a procedure that requires general anesthesia, we will need some bloodwork from you as well as the approval of your regular doctor. If you are a good candidate for the procedure, we will discuss what you can expect. We will take pictures so that you can compare the results, and we will also guide you on how to prepare for the procedure.
Dos and Don’ts of Preparing for a Facelift
- Do stop smoking and drinking alcohol in the weeks leading up to the procedure. This will make your recovery easier.
- Don’t take blood thinners, whether medications or supplements.
- Do ask someone to come to the procedure with you and stay throughout the first night.
- Do start eating healthy meals and hydrating so that your body can have the necessary nutrients for proper healing.
- Do ask us any questions you have about the process.
Facelift Procedure and Recovery
The exact procedure will depend on the type of facelift you have. We will ensure you know what to expect. The procedure’s duration can also depend on the type of facelift, with a mini facelift lasting the shortest amount of time.
Afterward, we will take you to a recovery room to observe you as you recover. After a couple of hours, you can go home. The facelift recovery should involve lots of rest. Your body needs it to heal. Make sure you also stay hydrated and that you eat healthy meals. Avoid alcohol and do not smoke.
Another crucial aspect of your facelift recovery is that you take care of the incisions as we advise. Depending on the type of facelift, you may have to come back to our location so that we can remove the sutures.
Make sure to come to every follow-up appointment so that we can monitor your progress. Take the medications we recommend as prescribed. For some people, getting back to normal activities can take as long as a month, so be patient with yourself and the healing process.
Rely on Experts for Facelift Surgery
A facelift procedure can give you the smoother and more youthful look you want. At DFW Center for Aesthetics and Cosmetic Surgery in Southlake, TX, we are here to guide you through the entire process, from consultation to recovery. Get started today by giving us a call or contacting us online.
