When nonsurgical facial treatment options aren’t producing your desired results, a facelift can give you defined features, smooth skin, and a youthful appearance. In fact, it's one of the fastest and most effective ways to eliminate loose, sagging skin. To determine if this is the right procedure for you, use the guide below to get answers to the most common questions about facelifts.

What You Should Know About Facelifts

What is the procedure like?

Facelift surgeries are customized according to your desired looks, current facial structure, and areas you want to focus on. Your plastic surgeon will first administer anesthesia. For a traditional facelift, they make an incision in the hairline of the temples and continue down around the ears until they reach the lower scalp. The surgeon redistributes or removes fat from the face, neck, and jowls; repositions underlying tissues; and lifts facial muscles. When the work is complete, the incisions are closed with skin adhesives or sutures. The entire process takes about two to three hours.

How long will recovery take?

You might feel some temporary soreness or discomfort following your procedure, especially around the incisions. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medications to make the recovery easier. Most of the swelling and bruising should subside within two weeks of surgery, during which you may want to request time off work. However, it can take a few months to heal completely.

The tiny incisions made during a facelift should not cause noticeable scarring. Any marks left behind are typically easy to hide, since they are made at the hairline.

When can I expect to see results?

Some patients notice a change in their appearance immediately following a facelift. If you don't see the difference right away, the effects will be much more apparent once the bruising and swelling go down. In the meantime, you can cover these areas with makeup.

How long do facelifts last?

The results of a facelift can last several years. However, lifestyle factors like smoking and heavy sun exposure may limit the effects of surgery. Some patients may go back to get the procedure again later in life, while others may determine they don’t need it. This is because a facelift essentially takes around 10 years off of your appearance, allowing you to start over. However your face looks post-surgery, it will continue to age, but you will appear more youthful than you did before.

If you want to turn back time and regain your firm, youthful facial features, contact Dakota Plastic Surgery in Aberdeen, SD. Dr. Sanjay Mukerji has over 20 years of experience providing natural and effective cosmetic surgery to patients across South Dakota, Minnesota, and North Dakota. Using cutting-edge technology, precision, and care, this board-certified plastic surgeon and his team are dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable experience. Visit his website for more information about the facelift procedure. To schedule a complimentary consultation, call (605) 725-5030.