OBJECTIVES:

As people age, the effects of gravity, exposure to the sun, and the stresses of daily life can be seen
in their faces. Deep creases form between the nose and mouth; the jawline grows slack and jowly;
folds and fat deposits appear around the neck.

A face lift (technically known as rhytidectomy) can't stop this aging process. What it can do is "set
back the clock," improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening
underlying muscles, and redraping the skin of your face and neck. A facelift can be done alone, or
in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping.

CANDIDATES FOR A FACE LIFT:

The best candidate for a face lift is a man or woman whose face and neck have begun to sag, but
whose skin still has some elasticity and whose bone structure is strong and well-defined. Most
patients are in their 40’s – 50’s, but face lifts can be done successfully on people in their seventies
or eighties as well.

A face lift can make you look younger and fresher, and it may enhance your self- confidence in the
process. But it can't give you a totally different look, nor can it restore the health and vitality of
your youth. (read FAQs)

RISKS & COMPLICATIONS:

When a face lift is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and
usually minor. Still, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their
healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely predictable.

Complications that can occur include haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that must be
removed by the surgeon), injury to the nerves that control facial muscles (usually temporary),
infection, and reactions to the anesthesia. Poor healing of the skin is most likely to affect smokers.
You can reduce your risks by closely following our advice both before and after surgery.

CONSULTATION & PREPARATION:

Facelifts are very individualized procedures. In your initial consultation we will evaluate your face,
including the skin and underlying bone, and discuss your goals for the surgery.

Do inform us in advance regarding any medical conditions that could cause problems during or
after surgery, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, tendency to form
excessive scars; or if you smoke, and are taking any drugs or medications, especially aspirin.

We will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating
and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. If you smoke, it's
important to stop at least a week or two before and after surgery; smoking inhibits blood flow to
the skin, and can interfere with the healing of your incision areas.(read FAQs)

HOSPITAL STAY/OUT-PATIENT:

A face lift is usually done on an outpatient basis, but we prefer to hospitalize patients for a day .
Certain conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should be monitored after surgery, and
may also require a short inpatient stay.

ANAESTHESIA:

Most face lifts are performed under local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy.
We prefer a general anesthesia. In that case, you'll sleep through the operation.

OPERATING TIME:

A face lift usually takes several hours-or somewhat longer if you're having more than one
procedure done.

THE SURGERY:

Every surgeon approaches the procedure in his or her own way. Some complete one side of the face
at a time, and others move back and forth between the sides. The exact placement of incisions and
the sequence of events depends on your facial structure and your surgeon's technique.

Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples, extend in a natural line in front of the
ear (or just inside the cartilage at the front of the ear), and continue behind the earlobe to the
lower scalp. If the neck needs work, a small incision may also be made under the chin (neck lift).

In general, the surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle below. Fat may be trimmed or
suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve the contour. The surgeon then tightens the
underlying muscle and membrane, pulls the skin back, and removes the excess. Stitches secure the
layers of tissue and close the incisions; metal clips may be used on the scalp.

Following surgery, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin behind your ear to
drain any blood that might collect there. The surgeon may also wrap your head loosely in bandages
to minimize bruising and swelling.

THE RECOVERY PERIOD:

There isn't usually significant discomfort after surgery; if there is, it can be lessened with the pain
medication prescribed by your surgeon. (Severe or persistent pain or a sudden swelling of your face
should be reported to your surgeon immediately.) Some numbness of the skin is quite normal; it
will disappear in a few weeks or months.

Your doctor may tell you to keep your head elevated and as still as possible for a couple of days
after surgery, to keep the swelling down. If you've had a drainage tube inserted, it will be removed
one or two days after surgery. Bandages, when used, are usually removed after one to five days.

Most of your stitches will be removed after about five days. Your scalp may take longer to heal,
and the stitches or metal clips in your hairline could be left in a few days longer.

You should be up and about in a day or two, but plan on taking it easy for the first week after
surgery. Avoid strenuous activity, including sex and heavy housework, for at least two weeks
(walking and mild stretching are fine); avoid alcohol, steam baths, and saunas for several months.
Above all, get plenty of rest and allow your body to spend its energy on healing.

At the beginning, your face may look and feel rather strange. Your features may be distorted from
the swelling & bruising, your facial movements may be slightly stiff and you'll probably be self-
conscious about your scars. Bruising may persist for two or three weeks. Some patients are
disappointed and depressed at first. You may feel capable of returning to work within 5 days, but
your appearance will be the limiting factor. You should be presentable within 2 weeks with the help
of special camouflage makeup. The final result is seen 1-4 months following the face lift.

YOUR NEW LOOK:

You'll have some scars from your face lift, but they're usually hidden by your hair or in the natural
creases of your face and ears. In any case, they'll fade within time and should be scarcely visible.

Having a face lift doesn't stop the clock. Your face will continue to age with time, and you may
want to repeat the procedure one or more times-perhaps five or ten years down the line. But in
another sense, the effects of even one face lift are lasting; years later, you'll continue to look
better than if you'd never had a face lift at all.

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Cosmetic Surgery India
FACE LIFT
(Rhytidoplasty)
Face Lift India Mumbai