Facelift Journey: Expectations vs. Reality – One of the most common plastic surgery procedures is a facelift. The procedure can be done on both young and older people, but it is typically used to treat wrinkles caused by aging. However, not all patients end up with the results they expected after their surgery. Here is what to expect before you decide to undergo a facelift.
Table of Contents
What is a Facelift?
A facelift is a surgical procedure that works by closing and tightening the skin and muscles in your face. It can help you achieve a more youthful look, with sagging skin and fat pads reduced to create smoother facial contours. This usually involves moving the hairline and eyelids closer to the cheeks to lift loose skin and give the face a more alert look.
What are the Expectations that a Patient Has?
Patients who consider a facelift expect to look much younger and fresher. They want their wrinkles to be less noticeable, and they might hope for a more symmetrical face with a smoother jawline and cheekbones. There is no guarantee that this will happen, so you should know what can go wrong in advance.
How to Create Healthy Facelift Expectations
1. Have Realistic Goals
It is important to remember that a facelift is not a miracle cure. You will not look like you are in your twenties again, but you should see an improvement in your appearance. Set realistic goals for what you want the surgery to achieve, and be prepared for some swelling and bruising in the early stages.
2. Plan for a Possible Scar
Some patients do not even consider the possibility of having a scar after surgery, but it is important to consider this piece when you are planning your facelift. You should know that there is a chance that you might end up with a visible scar on your face – and these scars can take a long time to heal.
3. Understand that the Final Results Might not be What You Expect
It is essential to understand that there is no way of knowing how your post-operative results will look until you go through with it. Your surgeon’s before and after photos might give you a good idea of what to expect, but everyone heals differently, and the results will vary from person to person. Be prepared for some disappointment if the outcome is not what you were hoping for.
4. Allow Time for Healing
The healing process after a facelift can take a long time – and you should not expect the final results to be there immediately. Some swelling and bruising will remain for at least a couple of weeks after surgery, which means that you should plan your recovery around this. Take it easy and give yourself enough time to rest up before returning to work or other challenges.
5. Be Prepared to Maintain Your Results
The final facelift results are not permanent, which means that you will need to maintain them if you want to keep the youthful look. This might involve annual visits to your surgeon for a check-up or using specific skin care products that can help to reduce wrinkles and signs of aging.
Realities of a Facelift Journey
Now that we’ve looked at a patient’s expectations let us look at some of the realities they might experience.
1. Recovery Time is Slow
Recovery times vary from person to person, but you can expect it to take a good few weeks before you feel back to normal. This is because the surgery involves a lot of tissue trauma, and your body needs time to heal. Be prepared for some swelling and bruising in the early stages, which might make it difficult to go about your everyday life.
2. You Might Not Get the Results You Wanted
Although most patients are happy with their results, it is important to understand that there is no guarantee that you will get the outcome you were hoping for. Results vary from every individual, and you might not see the improvement in your appearance that you were hoping for.
3. You Might Experience Some Side Effects
There is always a risk of experiencing some side effects as with any surgery. These can range from mild (swelling, bruising) to more serious (infection, blood clots). Make sure you know the risks before going ahead with the surgery and discuss them with your surgeon.
The Cost of a Facelift
The cost of a facelift depends on many factors, including the region you live in and the surgeon you decide to go with. The average price is about $7,000, but it can vary by as much as $8,000, depending on where you live. Other factors include:
1. Where Will It Be Performed?
Facelifts are typically performed at a medical facility (a hospital or clinic) where your surgeon has access to surgical equipment and staff that can assist if anything goes wrong during surgery or recovery. This is often one of the most expensive parts of the procedure – along with anesthesia costs (if needed).
2. What Type Of Facelift Will Be Done?
The cost of a facelift in NYC will vary depending on the type of surgery performed. A traditional facelift – where the entire face is lifted – will be more expensive than a mini-lift, which focuses on the lower part of the face. It would help to discuss the different options with your surgeon to determine which one is best for you.
3. What Other Procedures Might Be Done At The Same Time?
If you are having other procedures done simultaneously as your facelift, this will also increase the overall cost. Some common procedures combined with a facelift include skin resurfacing, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), and forehead lift.
Conclusion
As you can see, the journey through a facelift is not an easy one. There is no guarantee that you will get the results you want, and it takes a long time before you will be feeling back to normal. On the other hand, many people have had a positive experience with a facelift and recommend it to others. The decision is yours to make, but please think carefully about whether this surgery is suitable for your needs.