Facelift

The First Step: Choosing a Surgeon You Can Trust

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial for achieving safe and successful results. Look for a surgeon certified by the Mexican Council of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and a full member of the Mexican Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. These qualifications ensure the surgeon is highly trained and knowledgeable about the latest advancements in facial rejuvenation.

Who Are Candidates for a Facelift?

The best candidates for a facelift are men and women whose facial and neck skin has started to sag but still retains some elasticity, and who have strong, well-defined bone structure.

Most patients are between 40 and 70 years old, though facelifts can also be successfully performed on patients in their 70s or 80s. A facelift can make you look younger and more refreshed, boosting your self-esteem. It won’t change your appearance completely but will rejuvenate your natural features without any signs of surgery.

What Should You Know About a Facelift?

Over time, age, sun exposure, and stress leave deep lines between the nose and mouth, loosen the corners of the mouth, and create fat deposits and sagging around the neck. While a facelift cannot stop the aging process, it can reverse many visible signs of aging by restoring a more youthful contour to your face and neck.

This procedure is highly personalized to suit the unique needs of each patient. During your initial consultation:

• I will assess your face, including your skin condition and facial bone structure.
• I will ask about any medical conditions, such as smoking or high blood pressure, which could affect surgical outcomes.
• I will explain the techniques and type of anesthesia I plan to use, the surgical setting, associated risks, and costs.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

Most facelifts are outpatient procedures, meaning you can return home the same day. However, some conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes, may require monitoring and an extended hospital stay.

The majority of facelifts are performed under local anesthesia with sedation to keep you relaxed. In some cases, I may recommend general anesthesia, during which you will be asleep for the entire surgery. The procedure typically takes 3 to 4 hours and includes the following steps:

• Incisions: Incisions begin at the temples, following the natural contour of the ear, and curve behind the earlobe into the lower scalp.
• Tissue Repositioning: I will separate the skin from the fat and muscles, removing or redistributing fat to improve the contours of the neck, cheekbones, and jawline.
• Tightening and Suturing: I will tighten the underlying muscles, remove excess skin, and secure key structures to ensure long-lasting results before closing the incisions.
• Scar Placement: Scars are discreetly hidden within the hairline or natural folds of the skin, making them barely noticeable.

Recovery

Post-operative discomfort is usually minimal and can be managed with prescribed medication. For the first few days:

• Keep your head elevated to minimize swelling.
• Expect temporary bruising, swelling, or pale skin on your face. These will subside over a few weeks, revealing a more refreshed appearance.

Most stitches are removed within five days, though scalp sutures may take longer. Patients typically return to regular activities within 15 days. It’s normal to experience unusual sensations or swelling in the face initially, and your features may appear slightly distorted. These are normal parts of the recovery process.

Your New Look

You are likely to be very satisfied with your new appearance, especially when you understand that the full results may take time to become apparent due to the natural healing process.

Even after bruising and swelling fade, you may notice temporary side effects:

• Hair near the temples may thin initially.
• Skin may feel dry or rough for several months.
• Men may need to adjust their shaving routine due to repositioned beard areas.

While you will have surgical scars, they will be discreetly placed within the hairline or natural contours of the face and ears. Over time, these scars will fade and become nearly invisible.