Comprehensive Overview of Facial Rejuvenation Surgery
In the realm of cosmetic procedures, facelift surgery stands out as a popular choice for those seeking to combat the visible signs of ageing. This article will delve into the various types of facelift surgeries, their procedures, and what you can expect from the process.
The Process of Facelift Surgery
A facelift improves the noticeable signs of ageing in the face and neck, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, fat loss or disappearance, jowls, and loose skin and excess fat of the neck. The results of a facelift should provide a more youthful and pronounced appearance, with most people being presentable to the public within 10-14 days. It will take 2-3 months for the face to feel "back to normal" in terms of texture, sensibility, and loss of tightness.
During facelift recovery, a bandage might be placed around the face, small tubes may be used to drain excess blood or fluid, and certain instructions for caring for the surgical site and post-operative medications will be provided.
Types of Facelift Surgery
Traditional (Full) Facelift
This type of facelift involves making an incision in the hairline from the temple, around and behind the ear, and back into the hairline, lifting the skin away from the underlying tissues, tightening muscles, discarding fat, and pulling the skin up and back towards the scalp.
SMAS Facelift
The SMAS facelift targets the lower two-thirds of the face. It tightens the SMAS layer (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), which is a connective tissue layer beneath the skin. Removes excess fat, skin, and muscle from lower face and neck. This procedure improves sagging skin, wrinkles, and jowls.
Deep Plane Facelift
This facelift dissects beneath the SMAS into a deeper layer, mobilizing deeper facial tissues and ligaments. It repositions and lifts deeper muscles and tissue layers along with skin. The aim is for long-lasting, natural results with volume restoration. Often combined with fat transfer (stem cell facelift) to enhance skin elasticity and collagen production.
Mini Facelift
The mini facelift targets only the bottom-most part of the face and uses incisions from top to bottom along your ear's natural curves, keeping them completely hidden. This less invasive, shorter procedure focusing on the lower face and jawline is ideal for younger patients with mild to moderate aging signs.
Midface (Middle Face) Lift
This lift focuses on the cheek and midface area to correct sagging and reduce nasolabial folds. It involves incisions along the hairline and ear creases.
S Lift
Named for the S-shaped incision starting at the hairline and in front of the ear, the S Lift removes excess tissue and re-drapes skin. It targets sagging skin primarily in the lower face.
Non-Surgical Facelift
This option does not involve incisions or anesthesia. It uses techniques like fillers, lasers, or threads to reduce wrinkles and signs of aging. This method is temporary and less extensive than surgical options.
Facelift Surgery with Dr Rajat Gupta
Dr Rajat Gupta, a board-certified plastic surgeon with 13+ years of experience in plastic surgery, performs facelift surgeries. A facelift consultation with Dr Rajat Gupta involves discussing post-surgical goals, medical history, allergies, ongoing medical treatment, substance abuse, and previous surgical history. His website provides information about his qualifications, experience, and services, and contact information for booking an appointment.
Considerations Before a Facelift
Prior to a facelift, an individual may be asked to get lab testing or a medical check-up done, take certain medications or adjust current medications, quit smoking temporarily, avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbal supplements, and apply certain products to the facial skin preoperatively. Smokers are at an increased risk of complications and are advised to quit smoking at least three weeks before the surgery.
A friend or family member should be arranged to drive the individual home after surgery and remain with them for the first night.
Facelift surgery in India is highly satisfying for most patients, as they tend to achieve a youthful appearance that lasts approximately 10 years. The cost of facelift surgery in India is considered to be a fraction of what it would cost in countries like the US, UK, Singapore, etc., making it an attractive option.
However, it's important to keep in mind that a facelift will not lift sagging eyebrows, eliminate deep wrinkles in the forehead, modify your upper or lower eyelids, or reduce creases around the lips. Continuing daily sun protection and a healthy lifestyle will help extend the results of a facelift. After a facelift, an individual may experience bruising, pain, and swelling, which can be managed with cold compresses and elevated posture. Hard labour should be avoided for about two to three weeks following the operation.
In conclusion, facelifts differ mainly by the depth of tissue addressed, area of focus (full face, midface, lower face), and invasiveness of the procedure. Deep plane and SMAS facelifts are more comprehensive, lifting deeper structures for longer-lasting results, while mini and S lifts are less invasive corrections for milder aging.
A facelift surgery is a medical-condition focused on skin-care and health-and-wellness, aimed at improving the visible signs of aging in the face and neck. In this process, there are various types, including the traditional (full) facelift, SMAS facelift, deep plane facelift, mini facelift, midface (middle face) lift, S Lift, and non-surgical facelift. These procedures target different aspects of facial aging and vary in invasiveness. For instance, the traditional facelift involves an incision in the hairline and tightens muscles, while the non-surgical facelift uses techniques like fillers, lasers, or threads. In India, the cost of a facelift surgery is often more affordable compared to countries like the US, UK, Singapore, etc., making it an attractive choice for many. Yet, it's vital to consider mental-health aspects, such as quitting smoking before the operation, and to understand that a facelift won't modify certain areas like sagging eyebrows or deep wrinkles in the forehead. Continuing a healthy lifestyle and daily sun protection will help extend the results of a facelift.
