Facelift surgery is a very common procedure, and there are a number of different facelifts that can be performed. Though each facelift procedure varies slightly in treatment, there are some common factors that you can expect to experience before, during, and after your plastic surgery treatment.
Before Facelift Surgery
In the weeks prior to your
facelift surgery, you may be asked to come into the office for blood testing and a physical to ensure that you are fit for surgery. Approximately two weeks before the surgery is set to take place, you will be expected to quit smoking and stop taking any type of blood thinner such as aspirin or ibuprofen which could cause complications during the facelift procedure.
During Facelift Surgery
Depending on the type of facelift you are receiving, surgery can take approximately two to six hours to complete. Facelift surgery may be performed using either a local anesthesia or a general anesthesia. This is a decision you will have been informed of prior to surgery, and your doctor will inform you what you can expect from using either type of anesthesia.
During the surgery, the cosmetic surgeon will make any necessary incisions in the area that is to be worked on, and separate your facial skin from the tissue beneath so that excess skin and fat can be removed to tighten the appearance of the face. If necessary, facial muscles will also be repaired and tightened and the skin will then be closed after repositioning with staples or stitches.
After Facelift Surgery
After your facelift surgery, the bandages that are put in place immediately following the procedure will need to be kept clean and in place for a day or two. You will be instructed to rest for at least three to five days to prevent sweating or excessive movement that may affect incisions. You will be provided with pain medication to treat any pain and swelling that occurs, which will vary depending on the type of facelift surgery you received. The entire healing process can take several weeks, during which time you may be expected to make frequent return trips to the surgeon to evaluate how you are healing.
To learn more about facelift as well as
breast augmentation and breast implants and
liposuction and tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), it is important to come to our
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania plastic surgery office.