Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy): What Is It, Recovery & What to Expect?
Types of Facelift Procedures
A facelift, also called a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that helps to smooth and rejuvenate the face by lifting the skin and underlying muscles.
It primarily targets the lower half of the face, including the jawline, chin, and neck. The surgery removes excess skin and lifts the deeper facial tissues to restore a smoother, younger contour. The facelift procedure can address the following:
- Sagging skin
- Deep lines from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds).
- Jowls and a loose jawline.
- Neck sagging (often treated with a neck lift)
- Wrinkles and fine lines.
Types of Facelift Procedures
Facelift surgeries vary based on the areas of the face and neck that need attention. Here are the main types:
Facelift Type | Procedure |
Traditional Facelift | The procedure includes incisions around the ears, hairline, and chin to lift the skin, tighten underlying muscles, and remove excess fat. It is ideal for moderate to significant aging. |
SMAS Facelift | This procedure targets the lower face by tightening the SMAS layer (muscle tissue) and trimming excess fat and skin in the cheeks and jowls, offering a more natural result than the traditional facelift. |
Deep-plane facelift | This procedure lifts the skin, fat, and SMAS layers together as one unit, addressing multiple areas of the face for a more dramatic and long-lasting result. |
Mid-facelift | This procedure focuses on the cheeks, repositioning fat and tightening skin to restore volume and smoothness in the mid-face. |
Mini-Facelift | Designed for younger patients or those with early aging, this procedure targets the lower face and neck with minimal invasiveness. |
Cutaneous Facelift | It trims excess skin from the neck and lower face, tightening the surface without affecting deeper layers. |
Each facelift type is suited to specific signs of aging and desired results.
What to Expect During a Facelift Procedure?
Facelift surgery typically takes several hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the extent of the facelift required. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
1- Consultation and Planning: Before the surgery, you will meet with your surgeon to discuss your goals, expectations, and medical history. This consultation is crucial in determining which type of facelift procedure best suits your needs.
2- Anaesthesia: Facelift surgery is generally done with general anaesthesia, keeping you asleep during the procedure. For less invasive surgeries, local anaesthesia with sedation might be an option.
3- Incisions: The surgeon will make incisions in areas that are less visible, such as along the hairline, around the ears, and beneath the chin. The incisions will be carefully placed to minimise scarring.
4- Lifting and Tightening: The procedure involves lifting and tightening the deeper facial muscles and tissues, removing excess skin, and carefully draping the remaining skin for a refreshed look.
5- Closing the Incisions: Once the tissues are repositioned, the incisions will be closed with sutures. The area will be bandaged to support healing and reduce swelling.
Facelift Recovery: What to Expect?
Recovery from a facelift is gradual, and following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions is crucial for optimal results and to avoid complications. Here’s what you can expect during recovery:
Immediate Aftercare
After the surgery, you may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which is normal. To ease pain or discomfort, your surgeon will prescribe pain relief medication. It would help if you rested with your head elevated for the first few days to reduce swelling.
Drains and Bandages
Depending on how extensive the surgery is, your surgeon may use drains to drain excess fluid from the site. You will also have bandages around your face to support healing and reduce swelling.
Follow-up Appointments
If necessary, you will have multiple follow-up visits with your surgeon to track your healing and remove sutures. These visits are important for ensuring proper recovery and addressing any concerns.
Swelling and Bruising
Swelling and bruising are typical side effects following a facelift. While they may take a few weeks to subside, most swelling will diminish within the first 2 to 3 weeks. By the end of the first month, most patients can return to work or social activities, although some residual swelling may still be present.
Facelift Recovery
Complete Facelift recovery can take several months. The full results of a facelift may not be apparent for up to six months as the skin and tissues adjust to their new positions.
Managing Facelift Scars
One of the most common concerns about facelift surgery is scarring. When performed by an expert like Dr Zeeshan Ahmad, incisions are strategically made in discreet locations, such as along the hairline or behind the ears, making scars difficult to detect.
Over time, these scars typically fade and become less noticeable. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions, including avoiding direct sun exposure and using recommended scar treatments, can help minimise the appearance of scars.
Facelift surgery is a highly effective way to combat the visible signs of aging, rejuvenate the face, and restore confidence.
Whether you’re considering a mini facelift for early signs of aging or a deep plane facelift for more significant concerns, Dr Zeeshan Ahmad can guide you through the process, ensuring you achieve natural, long-lasting results. Schedule a consultation with Dr Zeeshan Ahmad for Facelift Surgery in Dubai.
FAQs
Rhytidectomy, or facelift surgery, tightens and lifts the skin and deeper facial tissues to smooth out wrinkles and reduce sagging. The procedure can address the lower face, jawline, and neck areas.
Facelift results can last between 5 to 10 years, depending on factors such as the procedure type, skin quality, and lifestyle habits. While the natural aging process continues, a facelift can provide a significant and lasting improvement in appearance.
A mini facelift is a gentle, minimally invasive surgery that focuses on mild to moderate aging signs, using smaller incisions and requiring less recovery time. A complete facelift addresses more significant sagging and provides dramatic, long-lasting results.
Yes, the deep plane facelift targets the deeper layers of the face, providing a more natural and long-lasting result. It lifts the skin and the underlying muscles, creating a smoother, youthful appearance without the “pulled” look associated with more superficial facelifts.
