WHAT IS IT LIKE TO HAVE A FACELIFT?
Undergoing a facelift procedure can be a significant decision, and it’s normal to feel some anxiety or uncertainty about what to expect. Here is a general overview of what it is like to have a facelift:
CONSULTATION
Before the procedure, you will have a consultation with Dr Sandeep to discuss your goals, medical history, and the details of the surgery. This is a good opportunity to ask any questions and address any concerns you may have.
ANAESTHESIA
Facelift surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure.
INCISIONS
Dr Sandeep will discuss the incision with you in detail. The agreed-upon incisions are carefully placed in targeted locations around the hairline and ears, and in some cases under the chin to minimize scar visibility. At the end of the procedure Dr Uppal carefully closes the incisions so that the scars are well hidden and virtually out of sight.
RESHAPING
Once the incisions are made, Dr Sandeep will lift and reposition the underlying tissues, remove excess fat and skin, and tighten the remaining tissues. The exact techniques used will depend on your specific aging related changes, needs and goals.
RECOVERY
The recovery period after a facelift procedure is an important time for the body to heal and adjust to the changes made during the surgery. Here are some general guidelines for facelift recovery:
REST
You will need to rest and avoid strenuous activity for several weeks after the procedure. It’s important to take it easy and not push yourself too hard, as this can delay the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
You may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising after the procedure. Dr Sandeep will prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort.
COMPRESSION BANDAGE
Dr Sandeep will recommend wearing a compression bandage around the face and neck for a few days after surgery to help reduce swelling and promote healing.
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS
You will need to attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing. Any stitches or drain tubes will be removed during these appointments.
SKINCARE
During the recovery period, it’s important to avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight and to keep the incision sites clean and dry. Dr Sandeep will recommend specific skincare products to help promote healing and minimize scarring.
PATIENCE
The final results of a facelift can take several weeks or even months to fully appear, as the swelling subsides, and the skin settles into its new position. It’s important to be patient and allow your body time to heal fully. Healing is a process and improvement is a gradual day-by-day process.
BACK TO WORK
Most of our patients go back to work in about 1-2 weeks depending upon the kind of facelift they have undergone. They may not look great at this stage, but they’ll look okay and presentable. In three to four weeks, they look really good.
In six weeks, they look very good, and although the surface healing is complete the deeper tissues are still recovering, and they will continue to heal and look better with further passage of time. We advise clients to wait at least six weeks to attend an important social or work event that requires pictures.
RESULTS
The initial swelling after the procedure will eventually subside, revealing the improvements made during the surgery. As the swelling goes down, the skin will appear tighter and more lifted, giving a more youthful expression and overall appearance. The wrinkles will be reduced, providing a smoother and more youthful complexion.
It is important to note that the full results of a facelift may take several weeks or months to become apparent as the skin settles into its new position and the healing process is completed. However, once the healing is complete, the results can be long-lasting, providing a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance for many years to come.
POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
It’s important to note that everyone’s experience with facelift surgery will be unique, and there may be variations in the specific techniques used and the recovery process. Dr Sandeep will provide detailed instructions on what to expect before and after the procedure and will be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have along the way.
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR FACELIFT
It’s important to follow all the post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. While everyone’s recovery experience may vary, taking the necessary steps to care for yourself during this time can help ensure the best possible results from your facelift procedure.
If required, a facelift can also be combined with other rejuvenating procedures provided by Dr Sandeep to achieve the best possible results. He will discuss your options with you during your consultation to see if combinations can further enhance your appearance.
It’s important to note that while the benefits of a facelift can last for years, it does not stop the aging process altogether. However, if you had a twin who did not undergo facelift while you did, your face and neck will always appear 5-10 years younger than your twins.
As time passes, your skin may continue to age, and you may eventually consider additional procedures to maintain your results. Additionally, while a facelift can provide significant improvements, it’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that the procedure may not completely eliminate all signs of aging.
You can help maintain the rejuvenating effects of a facelift by following a healthy skincare routine and avoiding habits that accelerate the aging process, such as smoking or excessive sun exposure. By doing so, you can help promote the long-term health and vitality of your skin, and prolong the youthful appearance achieved through the facelift procedure.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF FACELIFT?
It’s important to note that although rare, facelift surgery does have some potential risks and complications, such as bleeding, infection, and scarring. However, when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon, the procedure is generally safe and can provide long-lasting results. It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of facelift surgery with a qualified surgeon before deciding to undergo the procedure.