All facelifts will begin with a preliminary consultation with your chosen plastic surgeon. At this introductory meeting, you'll go over your motivation for the procedure, the estimated cost, preparation, plan for the operation and any questions you may have.
Before your surgery, you'll be expected to quit smoking at least 30 days beforehand, cut out drinking at least 7 days prior and to not eat at least 12 to 16 hours leading up to the surgery. Once you're admitted to the hospital, you will most likely be put under general anesthesia.
The Facelift Procedure, Step-by-Step
In New York City, facelift operations typically follow the standard format - starting with a minute, hidden incision that starts just behind the temples and runs along an existing crease around the back of the ear.
After the initial incision is made, the plastic surgeon begins separating the epidermis from the deep facial tissue. Once the skin is separated, it's pulled back, reshaped and cut down to size. Upon completion, the skin is stitched back in place and bandages are applied.
Most facelifts last about 90 to 120 minutes in New York City. Facelift patients then recover for half a day to two days in the hospital, followed by a lengthy recovery at home. Patients typically stay in the hospital until their first bandage change or once their drainage tubes have been removed.
After-Surgery Care for Rhytidectomy Patients
For patients in New York City, facelift operations are typically followed by at least 28 to 30 days of reclusive rest and relaxation. While typical activities can be resumed in as quickly as a week, most patients are held back by the significant amount of bruising and swelling that occurs.
Patients can use makeup and facial creams after 5 to 7 days as long as their skin isn't overly sensitive or still visibly healing. Inhibitors to the healing process include cigarettes, drinking, stimulants, excessive exercising and overheating.
Similar Surgeries
Because a facelift only affects the jaw, cheek and nasal areas of the face, many patients look for facelift alternatives that can actively improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on their brows, eyes and necks. There are targeted lift procedures for each of these areas, but for residents of New York City, facelift surgeries are often complimented by filler injectables like Collagen.
