When performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, a facelift has the power to transform. At St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery, facelift is a popular choice for men and women from Decatur, Champaign, and other Southern Illinois cities; Terre Haute, Indiana; and nearby communities who want a long-term solution to facial aging. It’s normal to have lots of questions before undergoing any type of elective surgery. To help potential patients make informed choices, we offer these answers to our most commonly asked questions about facelift.
The experienced plastic surgeons at St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery are devoted to providing subtle, natural results that express your inner beauty and confidence. [consultation]Request a consultation[/consultation] online or call [phone] to set up an evaluation with one of our surgeons.
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What should I do to prepare for a facelift?
At St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery, our [link pid=39]facelift[/link] patients are scheduled for at least 1 pre-operative appointment in addition to their consultations. During this appointment, you’ll discuss what you can expect after the surgery, as well as how to care for yourself. You’ll also receive your prescriptions for pain medicine. Our doctors recommend quitting smoking for at least several months prior to surgery to lower the risk of complications. It’s also a good idea to arrange for extra help with chores and errands during the recovery period.
Where will the incisions be located?
Most incisions are made behind the ears and along the hairline. This placement provides the surgeon with optimal access during surgery and also results in very discreet scars, no matter how you wear your hair. Most people will not notice any scars once the initial healing process has passed.
Will a facelift correct bags under my eyes?
Though a facelift can improve the look of under-eye bags, it does not specifically address them. If bags, dark circles, or fat deposits under your eyes are primary concerns, you may choose to add [link pid=47]eyelid surgery[/link], or blepharoplasty, to your facelift. A blepharoplasty lifts and smooths the skin above and below the eye, resulting in a more alert, younger-looking appearance.
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What happens during a facelift?
At St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery, your facelift is a highly customized procedure. No two of these surgeries are exactly alike, and the surgeon will make adjustments based on the patient’s needs, goals, and overall health. However, most facelift surgeries follow the same general outline. Once the patient is fully sedated, the surgeon makes the initial incision around the ears and partially up the hairline. The surgeon tightens the underlying muscles, repositions tissues and fat, and removes excess skin to create a natural-looking result. The incisions are closed, and the patient is moved to a comfortable recovery area where he or she will be monitored as he or she wakes up. Once the doctor has determined the patient is ready, he or she will be permitted to return home for rest and recuperation.
Will there be any dietary restrictions after surgery?
There is no medical reason to restrict your diet following facelift surgery, but you may have a reduced appetite for several days as a result of anesthesia and your prescription medicines. It’s important to nourish yourself during the healing process, so start with a liquid diet until you feel comfortable moving on to soft and solid foods. Applesauce, soup, gelatin, and soft fruits such as bananas are well-tolerated by most patients.
When can I get back to my regular activities?
Most patients feel comfortable enough to get back to everyday activities at the 2- or 3-week mark. Much of the bruising and swelling will have diminished by then, and other residual discoloration can be covered by makeup. You may also start easing back into an exercise routine and return to work at this point. Everybody heals differently, so don’t worry if you don’t feel ready by 2 weeks. It’s more important to give yourself plenty of time to heal than it is to strain yourself by rushing back into your normal activities.
How long will my facelift results last?
The results of a facelift can be beautiful and long-lasting, but the surgery does not stop the aging process completely. You can prolong your results for many years by maintaining a steady weight, not smoking, and practicing good sun protection habits. After several years, some patients may choose to undergo a second facelift, while others feel more comfortable maintaining their results with the use of [link pid=95]BOTOX® Cosmetic[/link] and [link pid=97]dermal fillers[/link]. Your doctor will help you decide which course of action is best for you.
My face is showing signs of aging, but I’m not sure it’s enough for a facelift. What else can I do?
At St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery, we offer a procedure called a [link pid=43]Next Day Lift[/link]. This modified facelift is ideal for people whose primary concerns are skin laxity, especially around the lower face. This shorter procedure is performed under local anesthesia and requires less downtime than a typical facelift. Most Next Day Lift patients feel well enough to return to work and other activities in under a week.
Additionally, non-surgical [link pid=8]medical spa[/link] treatments including BOTOX Cosmetic and [link pid=103]Thermage®[/link] can help stave off minor signs of aging.