RHYTIDECTOMY

The facelift is a surgery that can be performed under local anesthesia when it is done partially (in cheeks or neck), or under general anesthesia if a complete facelift is performed on the entire face and with a complementary surgery.

The incisions in the procedure depend on the technique to be used. For example, in a full facelift, an incision is made in the hairline down the forehead, behind the ears and under the chin. In a partial facelift, a smaller incision is made in the area to be treated, for example, under the chin for a neck lift.

In general, with a facelift, the skin is lifted, muscles and tissues are tightened, fat is removed or redistributed from the face and neck, excess skin is removed, repositioned over the contours of the face and the wound is stitched with invisible sutures.

Facelift is a surgery that is recommended for almost anyone over the age of 40, or who is uncomfortable with the signs of aging on their face. In men it is usually recommended from the age of 50, and in women from the age of 45.

As we age, the appearance and shape of the face is altered due to age-related changes: flaccidity, loss of elasticity, changes in the distribution of fat, sagging cheekbones, creases in the eyes, nose and corners of the lips, among others.

However, a facelift is not recommended for superficial wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, folds on the upper lip or fat accumulation in the eyelids that forms eye bags.

Recovery time varies depending on the type of facelift and if complementary surgeries were performed. In general, you will need to rest for 10 to 14 days and follow your surgeon’s instructions for postoperative pain management.

Consult your surgeon if you do extreme sports or high intensity physical activity to take preventive measures such as avoiding direct sun exposure.

A facelift in the United States costs between $4,000 USD and $12,000 USD. Being a cosmetic surgery, it is not included in the insurance plans. In Mexico, the price range is between $2,000 USD and $6,000 USD, depending on the type of facelift.

The duration of the effect of the facelift is not fixed since the surgery does not stop the aging of the skin, but it does delay it between 8 and 10 years. This means that you will look younger, and if you take care of your skin, maintain good eating habits, skin care routine, exercise, do not smoke, control your alcohol intake, maintain a stable weight and use sunscreen, you can keep the results for about 10 years or more.

Depending on the type of facelift, it may include skin tightening of the neck, cheeks and forehead, fat removal, muscle toning and skin tightening.

The facelift incisions are hidden under the hairline, the natural contours of the ears and chin, so they will not be visible. For the first few days, these areas will be swollen and reddened, but will eventually turn pink and lose their color to become fine, white lines.

The first three weeks after surgery care is important to reduce the risk of complications. During this time you should take care of the scars, avoid pressure or sudden movements on and around the incisions, avoid makeup, aerobic activity, intense sports and direct sun exposure, and you will probably be forbidden to dye or perm your hair. If you do not take proper care of yourself, you may suffer bruising, delayed healing or infection.

Risks with a facelift include paralysis of the nerves that control the facial muscles, bleeding, excessive scarring, asymmetry, changes in the hairline, hair loss, red and raised scars.

These risks are minimized when you put yourself in the hands of a professional in cosmetic surgery as Dr. Juan Gordillo, specialist in facelift in Guadalajara. Schedule your evaluation appointment and rejuvenate your face.