In 2023, plastic surgeons performed a total of 78,482 facelifts throughout the United States. Each year, there’s a boost in the number of people who choose to undergo these surgical procedures, and it’s not difficult to see why. They offer the chance to address sagging skin as well as weakened muscles in the face, giving people a more youthful appearance.

If you’re considering a facelift but aren’t sure whether it’s the right choice, our team offers you the following insights into what these surgeries provide, how to prepare for one, and what to expect during the recovery process.

WHAT IS A FACELIFT?

A facelift, also called a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that focuses on lifting an individual’s face and neck. The deep structural tissues is where the majority of the change is affected, while also lifting the skin and removing any redundant skin. It will reduce the appearance of a sagging face, creases, and wrinkles on your neck, jawline, and cheeks. Facelifts involve the repositioning of fat, as well, and can be combined with several other procedures to enhance your results.

Because a facelift is a surgical procedure, candidates are those who are in good overall health and who don’t have bleeding issues. It’s best if you’re not a smoker and that you have some degree of skin elasticity as well.

TYPES OF FACELIFT

There are as many ways to do a facelift as there are surgeons who do them and no two patients ever receive the exact same facelift, even under the care of the same surgeon. In general, however, Dr. Apo looks to restore the vertical positioning of the deep tissues. This is where most of the shape restoring effects of his facelifts are accomplished. However, the skin should not be moved vertically. Vertical movement of the skin causes bald areas in the temple area, a “swept” look, and the movement of neck skin onto the side of the face where it does not have the natural color and texture of cheek skin. To avoid this, Dr. Apo will remove excess skin in a back direction after moving the deep tissues in a vertical dimension resulting in the best of both worlds.

PREPARING FOR A FACELIFT

The first thing you need to do to prepare for a facelift is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Apo. He will assess whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure. Additionally, he will get a better sense of the type of facelift you can benefit from and whether additional procedures can better provide the results you want.

During your consultation, you will need to let Dr. Apo know about all the medications you’re taking to determine whether you can continue using them in the lead-up to the surgery. If you smoke, you’ll have to stop for a few weeks before the procedure.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A FACELIFT

To perform a facelift, Dr. Apo will place you under general anesthesia and make the necessary incisions, depending on the type of facelift you’re getting. Typically, the procedure will involve tightening sagging skin and readjusting fat deposits and structural tissues.

It’s a procedure that can last between four and six hours, depending on the exact type of facelift and the results you’re seeking. Once the procedure is over, you’ll be taken to a recovery room where we’ll monitor you as you wake up. We’ll keep you there for about an hour, and then you can go home. You will need a trusted chaperone to look after you for the first 24 hours after surgery.

RECOVERING FROM A FACELIFT

Dr. Apo will offer instructions on what you need to do (and avoid doing) as you recover. The following are typical guidelines, but you will be told specifically in your individual case how to behave during recovery. The first 24 hours are strictly a time for rest. For the remainder of the first week, you will need to refrain from any activity that causes you to sweat, breath hard, or strain. Casual walks on the other hand are not only allowed, but encouraged. The doctor wants to ensure you maintain a normal day/night cycle and he wants you to keep yourself busy. After the first week, a gradual return to greater activity should be undertaken, though any pulling or straining about the neck and shoulder area is to be avoided for a full month. Smoking is to be avoided. If you are accustomed to daily alcohol intake, you may resume drinking 24 hours after surgery, but no more than 2 drinks per 24-hour period.

You’ll have instructions on how to care for the incisions and may resume showering 24 hours after surgery. It’s essential that you go to all of your follow-up appointments to ensure that your healing is going according to plan.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PROVIDER FOR YOUR FACELIFT

If you’re considering getting a facelift, it can help to have a clear idea of what to expect. Dr. Apo is here to provide guidance that can help you find the right procedure for the results you want. With decades of experience performing plastic surgery procedures, he offers the reliable care and aesthetic results that you deserve. Contact our team today to schedule a facelift consultation!