Aging is a natural part of life, but its effects on your skin can diminish your confidence. As time marches on, the effects of sun exposure, gravity, and less collagen production compound, and your facial skin can lose volume, sag, and wrinkle. Today, our cosmetic experts at New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Weymouth, MA are taking a closer look at how a facelift, or rhytidectomy, can improve the appearance of aging skin.
How Does a Facelift Improve the Appearance of Aging Skin?
During a facelift, the skin in your problem areas is elevated so Dr. John B. Lazor can tighten and reposition the underlying muscles and skin tissues. If you have excess fat in your face or jowls, that can be removed during rhytidectomy, too. Additionally, any excess skin you have will be removed during surgery. The remaining skin will be redraped, resulting in a smooth, rejuvenated, natural appearance.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Procedure?
Generally, good rhytidectomy candidates are non-smokers who are in good mental health and have realistic expectations about the results of surgery. Additionally, you should be physically health and free from contraindications, like poorly managed diabetes, heart disease, or a bleeding disorder.
What Is the Best Age To Get Rhytidectomy?
The best time to get a facelift is when your facial skin is negatively affecting your self-image and you and your partner have time to take off from work for your recovery. There is no ideal age to undergo rhytidectomy because everyone’s aging experience is unique. Typically, people undergo this procedure when they are in their 40s, 50s, or 60s.
Regardless of your age, we recommend scheduling a consultation if you are concerned about wrinkles, sagging skin, or excess tissues affecting your neck, jawline, or face. The aging process usually starts affecting the skin at the age of 25, and by 30, people often see the signs of aging in the mirror. You may qualify for this procedure if you are in your 30s, and you may be a good surgery candidate if you are in your 70s and healthy.
What Will My Consultation Be Like?
During your consultation, Dr. Lazor will get a clear picture of what you hope to achieve from surgery. He will also discuss your medical history, including allergies, chronic illnesses, and current medical treatments. Moreover, he will ask you about any procedures you have had in the past and discuss what medications and dietary supplements you currently take.
Furthermore, your physical, mental, and emotional health will be evaluated during your initial consultation. If you are healthy enough for surgery, Dr. Lazor will discuss your options with you and advise you on what changes you can reasonably anticipate. Moreover, you will be advised on what to expect regarding anesthesia.
What Preparation Steps Are Required Before a Facelift?
Before your rhytidectomy, you must have your health evaluated to confirm that you are healthy enough for surgery. Additionally, depending on the drugs and supplements you currently take, you may need to adjust the pharmaceuticals you take. You also need to prepare for surgery by not smoking and taking steps to ensure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
How Should I Prepare for My Recovery?
One vital step to take to prepare for your recovery is to ensure you have a caregiver. You will not be able to drive for at least 24 hours after surgery due to the effects of anesthesia. Therefore, you need someone to drive you home after your rhytidectomy and run any errands that can’t be postponed. You should have someone stay home with you to help you care for yourself for at least 24 hours, but it’s a good idea to have care available for 72 hours.
Another step you should take to prepare for your recovery is to have your prescriptions filled before you come in for surgery. You must take all your medications as prescribed, including a full course of antibiotics. You also need to ensure you can take two to three weeks off from work to dedicate to your recovery. During your consultation, Dr. Lazor will advise you on how much time off you should need based on the nature of your job.
What Aftercare Guidelines Will I Need To Follow?
After your rhytidectomy, you must sleep with your head elevated for two weeks. You may sleep on your back with two pillows under your head; if you don’t find that comfortable, it is also okay to sleep in a recliner that is titled at a 45-degree angle. For the same time period, you should walk at least 900 feet daily but take care to avoid strenuous activity. Also, you should not shower during the first 24 hours post-op.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Rhytidectomy improves the appearance of your face by removing excess tissue and lifting any tissues that are sagging. It can lift your jowls, enhance the appearance of your neck, and make your facial skin tighter and smoother. To determine if this procedure is appropriate for you, book an evaluation with us today at New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Weymouth, MA.
