Facelift Surgery: What It Is, What to Expects, Cost and Risks

The face is the first thing that people notice when they see you. In fact, it is one of the most important features other people use to recognize you. Therefore, if your face has some imperfections, the people you meet will easily notice them. This explains why people want to keep their faces looking as great as possible.

Unfortunately, as you age, your face might develop issues that negatively affect your appearance. For instance, the skin can lose its elasticity and develop folds, making you look older and more tired than you actually are.

Although there are some minimally invasive solutions for an aging face, their results are usually short-lived. To keep your face looking youthful for an extended period, you may have to seek facelift surgery. But what is facelift surgery, and what does it entail? 

Here is everything you need to know about facelift surgery.

What Is Facelift Surgery and How Can It Benefit You?

Facelift surgery is a cosmetic surgical procedure whose aim is to give a patient a more youthful facial appearance. Its objective is to reduce sagging facial skin and smooth out folds of skin on the jawline and the cheeks. In the end, a facelift should give you a rejuvenated, younger-looking, and more rested facial appearance and consequently boost your self-confidence.

What You Can Expect During Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgery Beverly Hills is usually performed under local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia only numbs the face, while general anesthesia should put you to sleep. Your cosmetic surgeon will advise on the most appropriate anesthesia for your case.

Once the anesthesia mediation has been administered, the right incisions will be made based on the type of facelift surgery your plastic surgeon uses. The fat under the skin will then be sculpted or moved. The surgeon will then move the excess skin and stick the incisions in a way that tightens the loose skin. The procedure should take between two to six hours, but it can take much longer if there are other procedures to be performed. Although you may be required to take rest in the recovery room for a couple of hours after the surgery, hospitalization is generally not required, meaning that you will be allowed to go home the same day.

Facelift Surgery Cost in Beverly Hills

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of facelift surgery in the US is about $8005. This is not significantly different from the average facelift surgery cost in Beverly Hills. However, it is important to note that this may not include the cost of anesthesia. Since each plastic surgery practice is unique, you will need to ask your cosmetic surgeon to give you a rough estimate of the total cost.

Facelift Surgery Risks

Facelift surgery, like other major surgical procedures, is not without risks. Some possible risks include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Anesthesia risks
• Numbness
• Blood clots
• Poor wound healing
• Persistent pain
• Prolonged swelling
• Permanent hair loss
• Unfavorable scarring

Therefore, as you consider getting a facelift, you need to familiarize yourself with the potential risks and work closely with your surgeon to minimize them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Facelift Surgery

Is facelift surgery painful?

Facelift surgery is usually performed under local or general anesthesia. Therefore, you will not feel pain during the procedure. However, as you recover from the procedure, you may experience some discomfort. The good news is that your discomfort will go away as you recover. Besides, your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain relievers you can rely on to manage pain in the first few days of recovery.

Am I a good candidate for the procedure?

Unfortunately, not everyone who wants to improve their facial appearance qualifies for a facelift. A good candidate for the procedure should:

• Be in good physical health and free of any medical condition that might negatively affect the healing process
• Be a non-smoker or willing to quit smoking. This is because smoking can accelerate aging and lead to poor wound healing
• Have realistic exceptions and not try to look like anyone else.

When can I expect full results?

Immediately after the procedure, your face might look swollen and bruised. However, you will be ready for a public presentation after about two weeks. As bruising and swelling subside, the results will become more noticeable. However, it will take about two to three months for full results to be realized.

How long will the results last?

Facelift surgery results are long-lasting, but are not permanent. This is because the procedure does not stop the aging process. Therefore, with time, your facial skin might become loose and droop again. However, you can expect the results of your facelift surgery to last about ten years, which is many times more than what you can expect from minimally infective facial treatments, such as Botox injections.