Facelift surgeries were first performed in the early 1900s. At that time, most procedures were hush-hush, as it was imprudent to have surgery for cosmetic reasons. Throughout the past hundred-plus years, the performance of facelift surgeries has increased exponentially. Each year, numerous cosmetic procedures are sought by men and women who want to look younger for a longer period than is possible with non-surgical modalities.
As many facelifts that are performed (over 125,000 last year), there are thousands more that are not. Why? Because of false perceptions about what a facelift might do. Here, we discuss the details of facelift surgery to help clear up any misunderstanding you may have about this procedure.
- A lifted face doesn’t have to look fake. It is unfortunate that certain high-profile individuals have been named poster-children for bad plastic surgery. Joan Rivers didn’t hide the fact that she had had multiple facelifts. She loved her results even if we didn’t. Singer Kenny Rogers, on the other hand, admittedly felt dissatisfied with the results of his elective eyelid surgery. It is important to look beyond these extreme cases and find a plastic surgeon who has numerous Before and After images you can observe. Talk with your plastic surgeon about the techniques used today versus those that were the norm several years ago, and how your natural facial aesthetic will be protected.
- A facelift isn’t permanent. The aging process won’t be stopped by having a facelift. However, studies have demonstrated that results from this procedure can last more than five years. While cosmetic aging will progress over time, a person who has had a facelift should continue to look younger than their biological age because the procedure “resets” the tissue to a higher position.
- Facelift recovery isn’t awful. For the first several days after a facelift, bruising and swelling are to be expected. This doesn’t mean that patients are in extraordinary pain. Prescription pain medication, cold compresses, and compression can significantly improve comfort during the first week after surgery. By week two, noticeable decline in swelling and bruising occurs, and by week three, most patients are back to work.
At Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery, we provide the full extent of information each patient needs to feel confident in their decision to treat their cosmetic concerns. To learn more about facelift surgery and other facial rejuvenation techniques, call our Chicago office at (312) 266-6240.