Facelift Surgery: All You Need to Know

Aging is a normal phenomenon. For some individuals, however, facial aging indicators such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls can be a major concern. A facelift surgery (also known as rhytidectomy)is a surgical procedure performed to improve the aging appearance of the face by restoring youthful contours through skin and tissue tightening.

In this blog, renowned cosmetic surgeon in Gurgaon, Dr. Preeti Yadav, explains everything you need to know about facelift surgery, including types, benefits, recovery, and cost in India.

What is a facelift?

Facelift is a type of cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to improve signs of aging on the face and neck. Facelift will not permanently stop skin aging, but can ‘turn back the clock’ and make a person look approximately 10 to 15 years younger. A facelift involves excess skin removal, tightening of underlying muscles, and repositioning of facial tissues to improve youthful contour.

Types of Facelift Procedures

Given below are the various types of facelift that you can choose from as per your aesthetic requirements:-

1. Traditional (Full) Facelift

Treats mid to advanced aging changes of cheeks, jowls, and neck. Also, incisions are made behind the ear and in the anterior hairline. This technique provides total rejuvenation but requires an extensive recovery period.

2. Mini Facelift

Best suited to those with moderate to mild lower face and jawline slackening. It is characterized by smaller incisions placed around the ears which lessen recovery periods as well as scarring.

3. SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) Facelift

Repositioning the SMAS layer achieves sagging better than skin-only lifts, enhancing both aesthetics and form. It addresses the deeper facial tissues which provides a more accurate, enduring facial rejuvenation.

4. Deep Plane Facelift

If you have increased aging signs, then you will benefit greatly from this technique since it involves moving deeper facial structures like muscles and fat pads which gives strong rejuvenation.

5. Mid-Facelift

Restoring youthful contour of the cheeks and under eyes is done in this procedure, making it ideal for individuals with volume loss in mid-face.

6. Neck Lift

Excessive neck fats and sagging skin are tackled in this procedure, which is frequently undergone in combination with facelift surgeries for aesthetic advancement.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate?

Given below are the criteria for a suitable candidate for facelifts:-

• Age: Most suitable for people aged between 40 – 70.
• Health: Healthy non-smokers, free from any diseases that can hinder their recovery, are preferred. 
• Skin Elasticity: Candidates who have firm physiological support and some skin elasticity.
• Realistic Expectations: Accepting the fact that facelift surgeries does not alter facial features and one will still age.

The Facelift Procedure

• Anesthesia: For comfort, patients may select between intravenous sedation and general anesthesia options provided.
• Incisions: In our practice, we try to place facelifts incisions in areas that have minimal visibility. Based on the facelift type, incisions will be tailored to maintain hidden scarring.
• Repositioning: Underlying structures are lifted and repositioned while trimming excess deeper skin flaps. 
• Closure: The incision will be closed with either stitches or glue (skin adhesives).

Recovery and Aftercare

• Initial Days: Bruising and swelling are expected and managed by elevating one’s head and cold packs.
• Week One: Dressings are checked and performed, after which stitches can be removed. Patients are encouraged to resume light lifestyle activities.
• 2-4 Weeks: Most swelling subsides. Patients can return to work and normal activities, avoiding strenuous exercise.
• 3-6 Months: Final results become apparent as tissues settle.

Risks and Complications of Facelift Surgery

As it is with any surgical procedure, facelifts also have potential surgical risks, like:

• Hematoma: Collection of blood underneath the skin.
• Scarring: Limited surgical scar which is concealed when the head is positioned appropriately Planning the incisions are made with constituents scar formation.
• Absence of Nerve: Complete lacking or partial change in ability to sense or use muscles happens temporarily or permanently. 
• Infection: Though much uncommon but they can occur.
• Loss of Hair: Near the incision border. 

Choosing an experienced and qualified surgeon can reduce these risks greatly.

Cost of Facelift Surgery in India

The cost varies based on the type of facelift, surgeon's expertise, and facility location.

Note: These are approximate costs and can vary based on individual cases and clinic facilities.

Why Choose Dr. Preeti Yadav for Facelift Surgery in Gurgaon ?

Dr. Preeti Yadav is one of the leading cosmetic and plastic surgeons in Gurgaon, known for her personalized approach and natural-looking results. When you choose her for your facelift, you benefit from:

• Extensive experience in facial aesthetic surgeries
• Detailed consultation and customized treatment plans
• State-of-the-art facilities and safety standards
• Compassionate care from consultation to recovery