Facelift Surgery

Facelift Surgery - RTN Costa Blancas Free Newspaper - Round Town News

Written by Medcare

Friday, 27 March 2009

BEAUTY Facelift Surgery - The Facts As years go by, skin begins to loosen on the face and neck. Crow’s feet appear and fine forehead lines become deeper creases. The jaw line softens and another chin can appear at the front of the neck. Heredity, personal habits and sun exposure contribute to the ageing process. As the ageing population grows, rhytidectomy has become the third most desired facial plastic surgical procedure. Is a facelift for you? With facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. Understanding the limitations of rhytidectomy is crucial and psychological stability is vital. The goal is to improve the overall facial appearance, so a number of physical features as well as a realistic attitude are discussed prior to surgery. Whilst the procedure has been carried out on a range of ages, a facelift cannot stop ageing, but it can help your face look its best and give a healthier and a more youthful, confident appearance. Also, discuss with your facial plastic surgeon whether the overall effect will be enhanced if additional changes are made. Many patients decide to have facial liposuction to remove fatty deposits in conjunction with a facelift. If several flaws need correction, more than one procedure may be necessary for the best overall result. Making the decision for a facelift Successful facial plastic surgery is a result of good rapport between patient and surgeon. Trust, based on realistic expectations and exacting medical expertise, develops in the consulting stages. Your choice of a qualified plastic surgeon is of paramount importance. During the consultation, the surgeon will examine the structure of your face, skin texture, colour, and elasticity. Photographs will also be taken. Individual risks will be examined, especially those related to medical situations such as high blood pressure, a tendency to scar, smoking, and any deficiency in blood clotting. The surgeon will take a thorough medical history, as well as assessing your mental and emotional attitudes toward the surgery. A realistic attitude should be discussed. After the decision to proceed is made by you and your surgeon, the surgeon will describe the technique indicated, type of anesthesia, surgical facility, any additional surgery, pros and cons including possible complications, and costs of the procedure. It is vitally important that you fully understand and are comfortable with every aspect before agreeing to the procedure. Understanding the Surgery The incision begins in the area of the temple, just above and in front of the ear, and then around the lobe, circling the ear before returning to the point of origin. The skin is raised outward before the surgeon repositions and tightens the underlying muscle and connective tissue. Fat may be removed, as well as excess skin. For men, the incision is aligned to accommodate the natural beard lines. After trimming the excess skin, the surgeon closes the incisions with fine sutures, which permit surgery without shaving hair from the incision site. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the process can take from two to four hours. The surgeon will then apply a dressing to protect the entire area. What to expect after the surgery Some degree of swelling and bruising is unavoidable; your surgeon may recommend you use cold compresses to reduce swelling. If a dressing has been applied, it will be removed within one to two days. Keep your head elevated when lying down, avoid as much activity as possible, and report any undue discomfort. A drainage tube may have been inserted during surgery but this will be removed on the first or second day after surgery. Sutures are removed within five to 10 days and surgeons generally recommend that patients avoid vigorous activity. Patients should prearrange for post-surgery support from family and friends. Bear in mind that the ageing process continues after surgery and that some relaxation of tissues will occur over the first few weeks. Facial plastic surgery makes it possible to correct facial flaws and signs of premature ageing and can help change how you feel about yourself. Will I be in pain? Anesthesia ensures you are comfortable and without pain and for most procedures, you will be asleep for the entire time. After surgery, you will be prescribed medication for any discomfort. Symptoms usually subside within a matter of days. Will there be scars? We make every effort to keep scars to a minimum and hide them in natural lines and creases in your skin, by the hair, or, in persistent cases, by makeup until completely healed. Over the course of time, your scars will fade and become barely noticeable. How soon can I return to work? Recovery usually takes two to three weeks and many patients go back to work in two weeks. These services are carried out by an experienced qualified plastic surgeon, so if you are considering a facelift and want to discuss options available to you, call MedCare today.