The loss of elasticity and firmness in the skin of the face results in sagging, wrinkles and folds. These are the typical signs of ageing that affect us all and are visible all over the body, including the face and neck. As this is our most visible area, it is only natural that many people are keen to improve their appearance. A facelift is a good, permanent solution. We explain what it involves and how long it takes to recover from a facelift.
Which facelift is right for you
Before discussing how long it takes to recover from a facelift, we’ll start at the beginning and explain exactly what this procedure involves. Understanding what it is, how it’s performed and how it can benefit you will enable you to make an informed decision. Whether or not you decide to undergo this operation, you should have sufficient information to make an informed choice.
The facelift is one of the most common procedures we perform at Clínica Birbe, and an increasing number of patients are opting for it. This procedure involves removing excess skin and tightening the facial muscles. Its aim is to reduce the visible signs of ageing, combat them and give you a fresher, more youthful appearance.
It is important to note that not all facelifts are the same. They vary depending on the areas of the face and neck you choose to have treated:
- Forehead facelift. This focuses on the upper part of the face. It is recommended for people with deep forehead wrinkles and drooping eyebrows. An incision is made along the hairline, the skin is separated from the bone, the muscles and subcutaneous tissues are tightened whilst removing excess skin, and the incision is then sutured closed. The result is a smoother forehead and higher eyebrows. The brow lift is a variation of this procedure.
- Mid-face lift. This focuses on the cheeks and cheekbones. It is an ideal option for those who wish to remove fat from this area, have drooping lips and deep expression lines around the eyes and mouth. Incisions are made in ‘hidden’ areas; the skin is separated, the muscles and tissues are tightened, excess skin is removed, and the area is sutured. The patient will have more defined cheeks and a more radiant face.
- Lower third facelift. This focuses on the jawline and neck area. It is suitable for people with sagging skin on the neck, a double chin or deep wrinkles in the lower part of the face. Incisions are made to separate the skin at concealed points behind the ears and under the chin; excess skin is removed, the skin is tightened and the incisions are sutured. The result is a wrinkle-free and much firmer neck, as well as a better-defined jawline.
- Full facelift. The three procedures described above are carried out in a single operation.
With this information, you can get an idea of which type of facelift is best suited to you. However, before undergoing one, you should have an initial consultation with an expert surgeon who can advise you properly, explain the procedure in more detail and give you some recommendations to follow both before and after the operation.
The recovery process
Although the recovery time following a facelift can vary depending on the technique used and the individual patient, it is normal to experience some discomfort initially, as well as bruising and swelling. Don’t panic. As the days go by, these symptoms will gradually subside and, at the same time, the results will become increasingly evident. To speed up the process, don’t forget to follow all your surgeon’s advice.
One final thing to bear in mind is that you’ll need to be realistic, as the recovery process following a facelift takes time. Bear in mind that the skin needs to adapt properly to its new position and, as a result, it may take a few months for the final results to be fully visible. Be patient and you’ll see that it will have been worth it.
If you’d like more information about a facelift, book an appointment. You can call us on 34 932 124 737, send us a WhatsApp message to 34 626852363 or email us at clinica@birbe.org
Article written by the Birbe Editorial Committee
