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Can A Facelift Make You Look Worse?
It’s hard to know what factors affect a decision about whether or not to undergo facelift surgery. For instance, there are many types of facelift surgeries, and it’s not clear which one is best for you. On the other hand, many people who have had the procedure say it was life-changing. With that in mind, one thing you shouldn’t do is take it lightly.
Can You Look Worse After a Facelift?
No. Facelifts are performed using the face and neck, so they don’t involve disfigurement. That’s because facelifts can be achieved with an exact technique that does not include the removal of skin or muscle. Folds of skin called “flesh wounds” are sometimes left behind after a facelift to protect your underlying nerves. Facelifts do not cause scars, and the incisions are tiny, so they heal nicely. They also require only a brief period of immobility; then, you can go back to normal.
Although there are some exceptions, facelifts are usually not recommended for people with previous facial surgery. It is because they can cause problems in the area of the scars. A facelift can worsen your scar tissue, resulting in unsightly loose skin and muscle loss.
Why it’s Done
While most facelift surgery people do for cosmetic reasons, others choose it because of underlying neck issues, such as a hunchback. Just as you wouldn’t want to undergo a medical procedure that left you with surgical scars on your face, you wouldn’t want to suffer from a condition that caused facial scarring. Facelift surgery usually involves the removal of excess skin and fat, muscle tightening and sometimes neck liposuction. It is also used to correct droopy eyelids.
Risks
Facelift surgery is major surgery, so there are risks. However, usually, the benefits of facelift surgery outweigh the risks.
Hematoma
A large hematoma (blood blister) is a rare side effect of facelift surgery. It occurs in only about one out of every 650 cases. It happens when blood vessels cut by the surgery begin to leak into the surrounding tissue and form a large bruise. If not treated immediately, hematomas can cause serious complications, such as infection or loss of function in the area where they occur.
Scarring
Scars can occur from facelift surgery, but the good news is that they are usually very small. If you are someone who does not believe in cosmetic surgery, then this is one procedure that will not leave scars on your face. The incisions are sometimes hidden right below the hairline or in the temple area of your head. Incisions that remove excess skin and fat may be closed with stitches or sealed with surgical thread and anchors.
Nerve injury
Another risk of a facelift is that it can injure the facial nerve. It is a tiny nerve, about the same diameter as your pinky finger, and runs from the eye down to your chin. This nerve does not usually supply sensation to your face, but if cut during surgery, it can cause numbness and tingle in one or both sides of your face.
Preparing for Facelift Surgery
Once you’ve decided on a facelift, it’s time to start preparing for surgery. You can take steps to ensure that your recovery period goes as smoothly as possible.
Facial Exam
A facial exam will determine your risk for complications and allow the doctor to give you a more detailed estimate of how long the facelift will take. It can be a helpful barometer if you’re unsure how much time you want to take off from work.
Diet and Exercise
It would help to discuss any dietary restrictions with your surgeon beforehand. For example, a surgeon may tell you when and what you are allowed to eat before surgery. It is best to maintain a more restricted diet before and after surgery to decrease swelling, gain back lost weight, and preserve the shape of your skin.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, you should quit smoking several weeks before the facelift surgery. Smoking can cause you to lose nutrients that are essential for healing correctly. Smoking also causes blood vessels to shrink and can decrease your blood supply, making it more difficult to heal.
Medication
You should also make sure your doctor knows about any other medications you may be on, including supplements, herbs and over-the-counter medications. Some drugs can affect the healing process, so they should be discontinued before surgery. The surgeon may also prescribe medications for you if the facelift does not go as well as expected.
What You Should Expect
After a facial plastic surgery, your skin will be smooth, tight, and youthful. It can be surprising because the surgery does not involve any removal of skin or muscle and therefore does not usually alter your bone structure. Most people no longer need to wear heavy makeup or cover their scars with long-wear foundations. If you wear foundation, it should be tinted or have a natural finish that stays in place better than full-coverage cosmetics.
It will take up to three months before the swelling will go down and you will look like your old self again. Over time, there is an increased chance of sagging as your skin ages. It is one of the reasons many people choose to have a facelift done in their 40s or early 50s.
Results for Facelift Surgery
The results of a facelift are usually well worth the risks and discomforts. Your surgeon should be able to show you before and after photos of some past facelift patients. If you’re considering this procedure, ask your physician questions or read a few reviews online to ensure that the surgeon has an excellent reputation and has performed many similar procedures.
If you are someone who wants to look younger and feel better about their appearance, then talking to your plastic surgeon about facelift surgery is a good idea. If you’re considering this procedure, then you must have a consultation with a board-certified surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgeries. They will be able to tell you whether or not facelift surgery is suitable for your specific situation.
