Facelift May Reduce Signs of Aging
For those with various signs of aging in the Prescott, Arizona area, a facelift may be a very helpful procedure to reverse them. The procedure involves the tightening of facial skin and muscles for a younger, rejuvenated appearance. A patient's degree of success or improvement with this procedure may depend on the stages of the signs of aging or the severity of the cosmetic conditions which the patient is looking to overcome, so it is helpful to speak with a cosmetic specialist beforehand to discuss one's goals and what kind of results one may expect following treatment.
A facelift may involve various procedures all designed to help patients reach their goals. The process may include the removal of excess fat, the tightening of the muscles or the redraping of the skin on the face. However, facelifts do not include lifting the forehead, and those expecting to raise the mid or central face may find greater success with other treatments. A browlift or forehead lift may be recommended to treat a sagging brow or middle of the face.
The best candidates for facelift procedures include those who have facial or neck skin that's lost its elasticity or firmness. However, the skin should not have lost too much elasticity to the point that reshaping is not possible or extremely difficult. Patients should come into the procedure with reasonable expectations and should not expect facelift surgery to get rid of all of their creases such as those around the mouth and eyes.
Before treatment, patients should provide a complete medical history to the Prescott specialist who is performing the procedure. Those who smoke should quit smoking prior to the surgery, as smoking constricts the blood vessels, which results in decreased blood flow and may be a detriment to normal healing. As mentioned, several procedures may be present in a facelift procedure. Loose muscles of the face and neck may be tightening, while excess skin may be removed to define facial contours and provide a more toned appearance. Liposuction, eyelid surgery, chin implants or a browlift may be used as well. This should be discussed during an initial consultation with a cosmetic specialist.
About two hours are required to perform the procedure, which may be performed using local anesthetic with an IV sedative for patient comfort. General anesthesia may be used in some cases. Incisions may be made high up around the temple and then down in front the ear, around the earlobe, behind the ear and then curving into the hairline of the neck. An incision under the chin may be used as well. Skin may be lifted forward onto the cheeks and down, while the underlying muscles are lifted. Any blood vessels that are leaking will be sealed. Skin loosened from the tissue is lifted up with any excess getting removed. Sutures and mini staples are used to close the wound.
Bandages will be used and drains may be used as well after the procedure; they should be removed a day after surgery. A gentle shampoo should be used to wash the hair regularly over the next few days. Eight days after surgery, stitches and metal clips may be removed. Many report only a slight discomfort after the procedure, but this may vary. Some experience tension around the neck and cheek areas, and around the ear. There may be some swelling or bruising of the face which can last three to six weeks, while some lag in the motion of the facial muscles may be present, too. Swelling may distort facial features and the skin may feel strange after surgery. Patients should rest plenty and follow recovery instructions given to them by their Prescott cosmetic specialist.
Learn more about facelift in Prescott, Arizona.
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