HOW DOES FACELIFT WORK? – THE ESSENTIALS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Facelift is an internationally known name of the surgical operation that improves signs of aging on the face and neck. This type of cosmetic surgery aims to grant any patient a more youthful facial appearance. In more details - facelift procedure results in reshaping the lower half of the face by removing excess facial skin. Therefore, it visibly better reflects the patient’s vibrant self-image and positively impacts his/her self-confidence. [1]

Rhytidectomy (technical definition of facelift) came from ancient Greek words - ῥυτίς (rhytis) "wrinkle" and ἐκτομή (ektome) "excision", defining the surgical removal of wrinkles. And thanks to facelift, nowadays, people have no need in giving up naturally vibrant radiance of younger looking face. In the hands of experienced and skilled cosmetic surgeons - such as the ones in Medical Travel Czech clinique in Prague - every patient can counteract the time impact and foresee many aging signs before they would become obviously visible.

The procedure can also tighten the underlying tissues, and it may be combined with surgery to enhance the forehead, cheeks, brows, and eyelids. Usually, such types as mini facelift and full facelift are utilized for different cases. The first one reduces minor sagging on the lower face and neck. It is a minimal skin tightening procedure which offers shorter-lived results than a traditional facelift. The incision is smaller than the incision for a full facelift. The mini facelift has a reduced recovery when compared to a full facelift. [2]

Preparing and Planning for Facelift Surgery

Prior to scheduling the face lift surgery – in the same way as prior to any plastic surgical procedure - the plastic surgeon might review the patient’s medical history, since the following information about potential patient may significantly influence the future planning for facelift:

• blood pressure;

• blood clotting;

• medications;

• smoking and alcohol use;

• drug use;

• allergies;

• scarring;

• skin condition.

Moreover, doctor and patient can discuss what the surgery will involve, where it will take place, anesthesia type to be used, the recovery process, and any potential complications which may develop for individual cases. Both goals and expectations of the surgery should be examined according to the skin type, bone structure and so on.

What Are Visual Effect and Length of Facelift?

For the most of patients, results from a facelift may last rather long - sometimes up to ten years. However, different health conditions, genetics and lifestyles significantly impact the effect length of facelift procedure. 

As mentioned above, rhytidectomy procedure makes the following changes:

• removes and tightens sagging skin

• reduces the drop of the cheeks around the jaw line

• lifts the corners of the mouth

• reduces the creases between the cheeks and the lips

Providing solution for jowls, loose skin, and heavy sags, facelift also works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, not entirely removing them though… But it is often said that having a facelift helps to “turn back the clock”, making any patient to look significantly younger. [3]

How to Choose the Surgeon for Facelift?

Truth be told - facelift surgery is a complex procedure that requires an extensive knowledge in facial anatomy, a very specific skill set of surgical techniques, and a highly-developed eye for aesthetic detail. Not all the physicians, which practice cosmetic surgery, might be receiving relevant training in rhytidectomy… It’s important to research before choosing knowledgeable certified doctors, for instance – as the ones in Medical Travel Czech clinique. 

It is advisable to ask potential plastic surgeons about their specific training and experience in facial cosmetic surgery. It may be sensible to find out how many facelift procedures the doctor has performed, and to look at the patient’s photos (before and after surgery). It should help with understanding the cosmetic surgeon’s aesthetic style. Another important detail is that men and/or women, considering facelift surgery, are better to ask about the doctor’s experience with performing facelifts for male/female patients. The reason is that anatomy of the male face differs from female one, and vice versa. [4] Thus, it requires a highly qualified medical staff in Prague that ensures both smooth delivery and desired results for each patient. 

Sources:

[1] American Board of Cosmetic Surgery: Facelift Guide 

https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/face/facelift-guide/

[2] National Health Society (UK): Cosmetic Procedures - Facelift 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/facelift/

[3] The Health Line: Facelift Overview 

https://www.healthline.com/health/face-lift#overview

[4] The Medical News Today: On Facelift

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/244066