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

What to expect during and after a face lift procedure

Ifyou are planning to get a face lift, expect massive anesthesia. Theface-lift surgery will usually take several hours – especially if thesurgeon is removing fat from your skin. Do not worry too much aboutscarring, because the incision will be made on the hairline, where itis less noticeable. It is advisable to spend at least one day in thehospital after a face-lift.

You will not readily see your faceafter surgery. Typically, you need to wait about one to two days forthe bandage and the drainage tube to be removed. You will still see alot of stitching. Only after five days to a week will the surgeon takeout your stitches.

Expect to feel some discomfort and pain aftersurgery, but it’s usually mild and can be treated by simple painrelievers that your doctor will prescribe. Use cold compresses forswelling, and avoid moving your head too much. You must not smoke forabout a month after surgery, because this significantly slows down yourskin’s healing progression.

Some risks

As in any surgicalprocedure, a face lift has risks. Your body may react against theanesthesia. You could also get an infection, or possibly damage yourfacial muscles. Some patients experience bleeding under the skin, whileothers suffer from hair loss. Be sure to talk to your cosmetic surgeonabout all these concerns before deciding to go under the knife.