A face-lift, known in the medical sciences as rhytidectomy, is the most popular surgical way of erasing or at least reducing wrinkles and facial sagging, usually because of age. There is a reason it is called a face lift. The facial skin is literally lifted off the face, and the surgeon tightens the skin tissues underneath, and then repositions the tightened skin over the face.

What to expect during and after a face lift procedure

If you are planning to get a face lift, expect massive anesthesia. The face-lift surgery will usually take several hours especially if the surgeon is removing fat from your skin. Do not worry too much about scarring, because the incision will be made on the hairline, where it is less noticeable. It is advisable to spend at least one day in the hospital after a face-lift.

You will not readily see your face after surgery. Typically, you need to wait about one to two days for the bandage and the drainage tube to be removed. You will still see a lot of stitching. Only after five days to a week will the surgeon take out your stitches.

Expect to feel some discomfort and pain after surgery, but its usually mild and can be treated by simple pain relievers that your doctor will prescribe. Use cold compresses for swelling, and avoid moving your head too much. You must not smoke for about a month after surgery, because this significantly slows down your skins healing progression.

Some risks

As in any surgical procedure, a face lift has risks. Your body may react against the anesthesia. You could also get an infection, or possibly damage your facial muscles. Some patients experience bleeding under the skin, while others suffer from hair loss. Be sure to talk to your cosmetic surgeon about all these concerns before deciding to go under the knife.