What happens at a facelift consultation?
Every facelift surgery is specific to the person’s unique face and goals, so it’s important to have a thorough discussion with your plastic surgeon before your surgery. At your facelift consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the following topics:
- Your wants and goals for the facelift surgery.
- Any medical conditions, allergies and/or medical treatments you have.
- Your current medications, vitamins, supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use.
- Previous surgeries you may have had.
During the consultation, your surgeon will also:
- Evaluate your overall physical health.
- Evaluate your psychological and emotional health.
- Discuss facelift options.
- Examine, measure and take clinical photographs (with your permission) of your face and neck to aid in surgical planning.
- Recommend certain facelift procedures.
- Discuss the probable outcomes of your facelift and any risks or potential complications of the surgery.
- Discuss the type of anesthesia that you’ll take before surgery.
It may be helpful to ask your surgeon the following questions during your facelift consultation:
- Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- How long have you been a plastic surgeon?
- How often do you perform facelift surgeries?
- Can I see some before-and-after pictures of facelift surgeries you’ve performed?
- What surgical technique do you recommend for me?
- How long will my facelift results last?
- What are the risks and possible complications of facelift surgery?
- What can I expect from recovery after surgery?
- What will happen if I’m not satisfied with the results of my facelift?
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How do I prepare for facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery?
In preparation for facelift surgery, your surgeon may have you:
- Get a blood test and/or a medical evaluation.
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
- Apply certain products to the skin on your face.
- Stop smoking.
- Avoid certain foods or beverages.
- Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs, since they can increase bleeding.
- Stop using recreational drugs.
It’s crucial to follow the instructions that your surgeon gives you before your surgery. Following their guidelines will help the surgery go more smoothly and help you heal properly.
You should arrange for someone to drive you to your surgery and home after your surgery. You should also have someone stay with you for the first 48 hours after your surgery at least. If you have a more invasive facelift, such as a traditional facelift, you may need to take up to three weeks off work. Less invasive surgeries, such as a mini-facelift, usually require five to seven days off work. Be sure to discuss this with your surgeon before your surgery so you can plan accordingly.
Setting up a home recovery area
Before you undergo facelift surgery, make sure you take the time to establish a recovery area in your home that includes the following:
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- Gauze, clean towels and washcloths.
- A cell phone or telephone that’s within reach of the area where you will be sitting or lying most of the time.
- Ointments or creams as recommended by your surgeon.
- Materials for entertainment that you can use while resting, such as magazines, books or handheld games.
- A supply of loose, comfortable button-down shirts.
- A thermometer to check for fever.
- Ice (only if recommended by your surgeon).
What happens during facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery?
There are many steps involved in facelift surgery. Here’s an explanation of the steps.
Anesthesia
Your surgeon will perform the surgery while you’re under general anesthesia (you'll go to sleep) or through IV sedation. Your surgeon will recommend the best option for you and your type of surgery.
The incision
Depending on the type of facelift you get, your surgeon could make incisions on these place during surgery:
- In your hairline at your temples.
- Around your ears.
- At your lower scalp.
- Under your chin.
- In your mouth.
The size of the incisions will also vary based on the type of facelift you’re getting. Your surgeon will discuss all of this with you before the surgery.
The procedure
Facelifts generally involve repositioning and/or removing facial skin and/or fat and tightening facial muscles. Depending on the type of facelift you’re getting, your surgeon may just do one of these actions or all of them. You and your surgeon will discuss the process in detail before your surgery.
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Closing the incisions
After the procedure, your surgeon will close the incision(s) with one of the following options:
- Dissolvable stitches.
- Stitches that will need to be removed after a few days.
- Skin glue.
What happens after facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery?
Right after your facelift surgery, a healthcare provider will take you to a room for observation while you wake up from the surgery. You’ll be able to leave the hospital once you’re stable. This usually takes a couple of hours.
You may have a bandage around your face to help minimize swelling and bruising. You may also have small drainage tubes.
Before you leave, your surgeon will give you specific instructions for your facelift surgery recovery, including how to care for your incision site(s) and drains, and schedule a follow-up appointment. Your surgeon will give you a prescription for medication to control pain, if necessary.
