Facelift Questions: Find Answers to Common Facial Plastic Surgery Concerns Posted By : Daniel Beasley

When you start to age, the skin around your face and neck can become saggy. In fact, saggy skin is one of the primary reasons that you appear to age as you do. Many people turn to a form of cosmetic surgery known as a facelift to help alleviate lines and wrinkles on their face and give themselves a look that resembles their youth. If you have considered getting a facelift, here are answers to several frequently asked questions about the facelift procedure.



Q: What is a facelift for?

A: Facelift surgery is designed to tighten your skin, which starts to sag as you age due to degeneration of cells and proteins.



Q: How does a facelift work?

A: A surgeon will make an incision near your temples and behind your ears. They will then remove some of the excess fat, move tissues, tighten muscles, and then pull the skin back, resulting in smoother skin and a younger appearance.



Q: How effective is a facelift?

A: Facelifts are very effective. They tighten the skin for a long period of time and, while they have risks, they are one of the safest and more successful cosmetic surgery procedures.



Q: How long does a facelift last?

A: The duration of a facelift’s effects varies depending on lifestyle. Generally healthy people will find that their facelifts last an average of about 10 years. Smokers and those with skin that has been damaged by the elements will have the effects of their facelift wear away after approximately 4 to 6 years, depending on the degree of damage.



Q: How safe is a facelift?

A: All surgeries have risks, and the same holds true for facelift safety. Scarring, infection and tissue or nerve damage is always a risk, though it will be minimized with proper care. In rare instances, tissue death, hematoma, and hair loss can occur. Also, all surgeries run the risk of allergies to both anesthesia and pain medication.



Q: What do you need to know before getting a facelift?

A: It is important that you understand all of the risks associated with surgery, and have discussed them with your doctor. You also should not smoke a week before or three weeks after the surgery due to risks with clotting, infection, and the healing process.



Q: How much does a facelift cost?

A: Facelift prices vary depending on the type of procedure. Minor procedures are around $3,000 to $5,000, while full facelifts are roughly $8,000, but can be as high as $15,000 or more.

Depending on your goals, plastic surgery can produce subtle results or completely transform your appearance. If you are considering facelift, tummy tuck, or breast implants, speak with a plastic surgeon to find out what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.