Considering eyelid surgery? This overview covers crucial pre-op tests, including blood work, EKGs, and considerations for patients with diabetes or those taking blood thinners or aspirin.
Facelift Surgery Begins in Reality with a Discussion Before the Procedure.
Facelift surgery realistically starts with a discussion before the actual operation. The type of examination a person undergoes is determined based on their age and health status. A person in good health up to the age of 40 usually needs a blood count and a written message from the treating physician. The message should include a summary of their medical condition and their ability to undergo surgery without general or complete anesthesia. A person over 40 may need further tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) and a chest X-ray.
Individuals taking aspirin for treatment should avoid taking it seven days before the surgery.
If these medications are necessary for their health, they can undergo the surgery but will take slightly longer to recover. Patients should stop taking them a week before the surgery.
The good news is that it is rare for people with diabetes to undergo surgery and not recover completely in a long time. From experience, thousands of people who have had facelift surgery worldwide show that there is no significant difference in the natural healing process between diabetic and healthy individuals.
Individuals taking blood thinners can undergo this surgery, but in some cases, they may need to take a lower dose for a few days.
Today, insurance companies only cover facelift surgery in medical cases (such as correcting sagging cheeks and/or excess skin). In this case, the patient may need to have the surgery done by an ophthalmologist specializing in facelift surgery before the surgery. If the person has health insurance, they can have the surgery done in a private hospital. If they do not have insurance, they will need to go to a public hospital. Therefore, the surgeon’s choice will be limited until after the examination and surgery.
Facelift surgery, whether for cosmetic reasons or for medical conditions, is performed in operating rooms under local anesthesia, local with sedation, or under general anesthesia. Facelift surgery takes about an hour, and the face remains uncovered throughout. Depending on the area where the surgery will take place, the surgeon begins by removing excess skin and fat from the upper face.
Then, fine sutures are used to close the incisions, either nylon sutures or those that dissolve on their own, so that the resulting scar is very thin and barely noticeable. The split in the natural structure of the upper face is restored to the eyes. It usually lasts for a while.
The grease is removed from the patient’s face a week after the facelift surgery.
The recovery period lasts from a few days to two weeks. The patient can return to work the next day, but their eyes will be swollen. The nature of recovery depends on the type of skin, and therefore, there are differences between the nature of recovery from person to person.
Testimonials
I’m so grateful I made the decision to get a facelift! For years, I felt like my outer appearance didn’t match how young and energetic I felt inside. The procedure was life-changing, boosting my confidence and allowing me to embrace life to the fullest. It wasn’t just about looking younger; it was about feeling more like myself again.
FAQ
Who is a good candidate for a facelift? Anyone experiencing sagging skin, deep creases, or loss of definition in the face and neck could be a good candidate. It’s essential to have realistic expectations and be in good overall health.
How long does a facelift last? The effects of a facelift can last for many years, often 10-15 years. However, aging continues, so you may eventually notice some changes.
Is a facelift painful? Most patients report discomfort rather than intense pain. Medications can help manage any discomfort during the recovery period.
