5 Things to Consider Before Getting a Facelift
Apr 01, 2023
Laser therapies, dermal fillers, and other nonsurgical aesthetic treatments have come a long way recently. However, none of these therapies match the skin tightening and facial contouring results offered by a facelift. That’s why the procedure remains such a popular solution for improving the appearance of aging skin.
Although he’s a gifted plastic surgeon, Brian Blumenauer, MD, at Oceana Aesthetics in Stuart, Florida, considers the most effective nonsurgical and surgical solutions available when customizing treatment plans to address aesthetic concerns.
His practice is known for its patient-centered approach and for providing the information patients need to make informed decisions about their care. In this blog, Dr. Blumenauer goes over five questions you should consider before getting a facelift:
A facelift tightens age-related loose and saggy skin on the lower two-thirds of your face, including your cheeks, jawline, and chin. The procedure also smooths skin folds that develop from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth.
And, if you’re experiencing that dreaded saggy turkey neck, Dr. Blumenauer may recommend adding a neck lift to your procedure. You may also benefit from a brow lift as well as eyelid surgery to rejuvenate the skin around your eyes. While often performed at the same time, these procedures aren’t the same as a facelift.
And, while a facelift is very effective at tightening droopy skin, it doesn’t address sun damage, vertical lip lines, uneven skin color (pigmentation), or otherwise improve skin texture. Fortunately, these conditions respond very well to nonsurgical treatments, such as dermabrasion or laser skin resurfacing.
A facelift turns back the clock, giving you a second chance to look your youthful best, but it doesn’t halt aging. However, if you continue with healthy skin care habits and anti-aging regimens, the results generally last 10 years.
Many people start noticing significant facial changes in their 40s and 50s, and this stage in life may be the perfect time to consider a facelift. However, facelifts are considered safe for people in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s if their overall health status fits surgical guidelines.
Notably, many of today’s nonsurgical anti-aging therapies can help delay your need for a facelift by a decade or more. Dr. Blumenauer recommends scheduling an evaluation whenever you’re concerned about your skin’s appearance, regardless of age.
Preparation for a facelift starts several weeks before your scheduled surgery and may include the following:
Dr. Blumenauer may also advise you to stop using certain skin care products several weeks prior to surgery to help prevent irritation and other complications.
Recovery times can vary from person to person. However, Dr. Blumenauer will discuss your post-surgical care and expected healing times before scheduling your procedure. In general, most people return to routine activities two weeks after surgery, but strenuous exercise is usually forbidden for four weeks.
You can expect bruising and swelling after your procedure, but these issues usually peak within a couple of days and resolve within 10-14 days. Many people are comfortable appearing in public a week or sooner after surgery, but you’ll need to wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors for extra sun protection.
If you’d like to learn more about getting a facelift, Dr. Blumenauer can help you. To learn more, call 772-324-9515 or book an appointment online with Oceana Aesthetics today.