Benefits and Risks of Face Lift Surgery?

Face Lift Benefits

A Face Lift is a highly effective way to address loss of elasticity in the face muscles and sagging skin. Although it is not effective to address skin discoloration or fine wrinkles, unlike fillers and botox, a Face Lift procedure lasts for years, even more than a decade. For this reason and others, Face Lifts have been among the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures for many years.

Sun exposure, fluctuations in weight, genetics, exposure to toxins (smoking and pollutants), and many other factors will ultimately show themselves on our faces. Facial skin may loosen, wrinkles and furrows may develop, and the muscles in our neck and jowl area may weaken. A Face Lift can often address these effects, firming and tightening the skin of the face and neck. It is one of the five most popular plastic surgery procedures in the United States.

Possible Complications

It is important to remember, however, that a Face Lift is a surgical procedure and therefore subject to the usual problems and complications. Bleeding from incisions may lead to bruising and accumulations of blood under the skin. This causes topical discoloration of the skin and soreness. Additionally, anytime the skin is cut infection is a possibility. Infection is an uncommon occurrence, however, and is easily treatable when and if it occurs. Those with compromised immune systems should be aware of this however. In an effort to minimize any risks associated with Face Lift surgery, it is important that the patient follow all of the surgeon's instructions. This is particularly important with respect to lifting and strenuous activity, as failure to heed these instructions can result in worsening of scarring. Smokers, due to the effects on blood circulation that nicotine causes, will usually have a longer recovery and patients who don’t stop smoking prior to surgery can expect a higher likelihood of complications.

Face Lifts do provide an immediate, tangible result in terms of rejuvenated appearance. And while they are more long lasting than fillers and skin resurfacing treatments, they are not permanent. How long the effects of the procedure will last are dependent on a variety of factors, including the patient’s bone structure and skin quality. Most patients can expect to repeat the procedure if they wish to in seven to ten years.