One of the most widespread treatments in the world, a facelift can reinvigorate your face, taking years off your appearance while also showing little sign that you have had any work done.

A surgical solution to elevating drooping skin and decreasing wrinkles, a facelift is also the most powerful procedure to examine when non-surgical treatments aren’t getting the job done.

Just like with any surgical procedures, most people have inquiries surrounding facelifts and what they can expect before, during, and after the procedure. To assist in answering some of the most common questions, here are five things to know before getting a facelift.

1. You must take your time choosing the right surgeon.

If you want to remain looking natural after your facelift, you have to go to a highly skilled and highly qualified plastic surgeon. Only they know which technique to use for your particular facial features, and they will be able to personalize the procedure based on your facial structure, your skin and your beauty goals.

Doing thorough research and taking your time to choose the right surgeon is the key to a great result. Make sure you select one with whom you immediately feel comfortable and have a good rapport, and who answers your questions and queries directly.

2. Educate yourself on the different types of facelifts.

No face is the same, which means that there has to be a wide variety of facelifts on the market.

That being said, there are two foremost kinds of facelifts:

a. A Mini Facelift

This can be done under local anesthesia and usually focuses on wobbly jowls. It is generally conducted on younger people who want to bypass more comprehensive methods later in life.

b. A Full Facelift

This improves the slack skin on the neck and mid-face, providing a fresher appearance.

Depending on the look you are going for, your plastic surgeon might use a mixture of methods to tighten and tone your face. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of procedure; it demands both skill and experience, which is why you want to go to a highly qualified plastic surgeon.

3. You can be a candidate at any age.

Usually, people presume that only older individuals are candidates for facelifts, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

In fact, you can be a candidate for the procedure at almost any age. There is no single age when patients can receive their first facelift, as long as you are a non-smoker who is healthy and in good shape. 

If you feel insecure about your facial skin, speak with the top aesthetic surgeon in your area to discuss available options.

And it isn’t just for women! Facelifts can bring incredible results to men’s appearances as well.

4. Be prepared for swelling.

Promptly after the surgery, you will experience a lot of swelling and bruising. Your face may look quite different for about a week while it recovers.

There are a couple of things you can do to help diminish the swelling. Make sure to keep your face raised as much as possible and sleep with your head propped up on pillows. Also, continually ice the swollen areas.

5. It can last for up to 10 years.

Presuming you go to a renowned and qualified plastic surgeon, you can expect your facelift to reinvigorate your face for seven to 10 years. However, this depends upon the original condition of your skin, the age at which you had the surgery, and whether you smoke or drink.

A couple of years after your surgery, consider starting soft tissue fillers. In addition to taking care of your skin, not smoking, and using sunscreens regularly, this will maximize the durability of your facelift.

Keep in mind that the point of a facelift is to make you look like a younger you, not to resemble someone entirely different. You shouldn’t feel distorted after your procedure, but instead, look like a very refreshed you.

Post-surgery

If you do elect to get a facelift, it is essential that you schedule it so that you can take two weeks off work afterwards. Some facelifts necessitate that after surgery, a bandage or drainage tubes must be worn around the face. Most people find it takes 10-14 days before they look and feel their best.

For a couple of weeks after your surgery, you will need to take it easy and relax. Consider having someone around to help you around the house, like a relative or friend, or even a home nurse to look after you. Listen to what your surgeon recommends and always obey your recovery instructions rigorously.