The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Facelift: What to Expect
Are you considering a facelift? You’re not alone. Each year, more people elect to have cosmetic surgery to feel and look rejuvenated and take control of the ageing process.
But as with any operation on the face, cosmetic surgery can seem daunting. It is perfectly normal to feel anxious or to feel completely lost. In fact, the whole process may well be completely new to you.
If you have any questions about the facelift process and you would like to find out what it’s really like from start to finish, then you are in the right place. We’ll explain the whole process without any of the complicated terminology that can be overwhelming and of course, we’ll throw in lots of reassurance too!
What Is a Facelift and What Does It Actually Do?
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is surgery to tighten and lift the skin and deeper layers of the face to create a smoother and younger appearance. The procedure won’t completely change your face, it will restore what is already there. The result is a more natural look and your fresh, rested appearance back.
Most often, the surgery focuses on the lower two-thirds of the face and neck. This includes sagging cheeks, lines that run from the nose to the corner of the mouth, jowls that have formed over the past few years, and loose skin under the chin. These are the areas of the face most often sought for treatment with a facelift.
It’s essential to know that a facelift won’t turn back the clock. It also won’t stop the natural ageing process from moving forward.
A facelift also won’t change the shape of your face, remove fine wrinkles, uneven skin tone, or skin damage from sun exposure. But the procedure can make you look years younger because it lifts and firms the facial structure.
The First Step: Booking a Consultation
The consultation is by far the most important step on your facelift journey. It’s when you meet the surgeon, discuss your goals, and get realistic expectations about what can and can’t be done. They’ll examine your skin and facial structure, go over your medical history, explain surgical options, and most importantly, they’ll listen to you.
As it is your face, do not hesitate to ask questions. Enquire about the number of facelifts they perform per year, their experience, and which technique they would recommend for you and why. Find out about the details regarding recovery time, scarring, aftercare, and post-operative support.
Additionally, don’t be embarrassed to ask to see before-and-after photos. You will want to see them to get a feel for the surgeon’s aesthetic and the type of results that can be expected. It is not just a question of their skill, it is whether their idea of a ‘good result’ is what you want.
Preparing for Surgery
There are a few arrangements to make once you’ve decided to proceed. Your surgeon may ask you to discontinue medications before the procedure, particularly if they are blood thinners. You should also stop smoking, as
it has a profound effect on healing and your risk of complications.
You may be required to undergo preoperative testing if you have certain medical conditions. This is all to ensure you’re healthy and ready for surgery. A lot of recovery is down to being well prepared in advance.
Additionally, you will need someone to drive you home and look after you for at least 24 hours. Get some ready meals in your fridge, have some lounging around clothes and pillows, and make sure anything you need is easily accessible. This is because you won’t feel like moving around much for a few days.
The Day of the Facelift
On the day of your facelift, you’ll be brought to the operating room for final preparation and meet your anaesthetist. You will either be given local anaesthesia and sedation or a general anaesthetic, depending on the type of facelift and the surgeon’s practice.
The exact procedure depends on your needs and the type of facelift you choose. Generally, the surgeon makes incisions in inconspicuous areas around the ears, along the hairline, and sometimes under the chin.
He or she will then lift and reposition the deeper tissues of your face, trim away excess skin, and in some cases contour or redistribute fat. The procedure itself should take two to four hours, although larger operations may take longer.
Recovery: The Healing Process Explained
During the recovery process, you will be bandaged in the morning, and may have small drains in place. Drains are placed to prevent fluid from accumulating beneath the skin surface. You may also experience some mild soreness, tightness, and swelling following surgery.
If you are uncomfortable, you will be prescribed painkillers for a few days. You will also be given detailed post-op instructions to follow. One of the most important things you can do is to get plenty of rest.
Most people will return to work and regular activities in one week. However, bruising and swelling may continue for up to three weeks. As the swelling subsides and the healing progresses, the results will become evident.
You will likely have at least one post-op appointment with your surgeon. This is to monitor your healing and to remove stitches, if needed.
It will take some time for the swelling to completely subside and for you to see the final result. This can take several months, depending on the extent of your procedure. Your surgeon will place incisions along natural creases and hairlines so that they are as inconspicuous as possible.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
A facelift is not something trivial or routine, it is a meticulously planned procedure that requires a careful balance of surgical expertise and a genuine touch of artistry. You want someone who has performed hundreds of facelifts and knows the facial anatomy inside out. You also want someone whose previous patients look refreshed and rejuvenated, not ‘tight’, overdone, or “surgical.”
They also must be suitably qualified, GMC registered, and ideally a member of a professional body such as BAAPS or BAPRAS. Beyond the qualifications, you should also be comfortable with the person you are meeting.
You want a surgeon who will actually listen to you, answer your questions honestly, and take the time to explain everything clearly. There should be no hard sell or pressure to book anything on the spot. A good surgeon will guide you through your options, give you a realistic expectation of what can and can’t be achieved, and allow you to take the time you need to decide if the procedure.
What to Expect When Getting a Facelift: FAQs
1. How long will a facelift last?
Facelift surgery is not a one-time procedure. How long your facelift will last depends on several factors including your genetics and lifestyle.
2. Will I have scars after my facelift?
The incisions are made in the hairline, in the natural creases behind your ears, and in the lower scalp creases at the back of your neck. They are all carefully hidden in inconspicuous areas where they will heal. With proper aftercare, regular cleansing, no direct sun exposure, and by using recommended scar treatment silicone gels, these scars will gradually fade and become barely visible fine white lines.
3. When can I return to work?
If you have an office-based job, you should be able to return to work in about two weeks after surgery. If you have a job that involves more physical activity, three to four weeks may be needed. Planning surgery to coincide with quieter periods at work or arranging to work from home when you return can make things much easier.
4. Is a facelift painful?
Patients usually talk about tightness and discomfort rather than pain. Stronger painkillers are prescribed for the first two or three days, and then over-the-counter medication is all that’s needed to manage any residual discomfort. Some patients describe a tingling and mild numbness in the area, but this is not normally of major concern in everyday life.
5. Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
A facelift can often be combined with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), a brow lift, or fat grafting. Of course, the longer the time spent under anaesthetic the longer it can take to recover from. This may have to be balanced against the benefits of having more than one procedure at a time.
6. What if I lose or gain weight?
Avoid rapid weight gain or loss following your facelift. Some minor fluctuations in weight will not have an effect, but an excessive loss of weight can make the skin on the face start to look loose again. A large increase in weight can affect the shape of your face and neck.
7. Is there an age limit to get a facelift?
There is no upper or lower age limit for a facelift as long as you are in good general health. In your forties, you may be a candidate for a mini facelift to produce a softer, less wrinkled look. You may need a deeper lift if you are in your sixties or older.
