As early as the beginning of the 1900s, there was interest in corrective facial surgery, or “rhytidectomy” as it was curiously called. During this period face lifts were performed by pulling the skin on the face back, and snipping off the excess clumps, which was—as one can only imagine—a highly unpleasant operation.
As time went on, plastic surgeons developed a more refined way of facial corrective surgery, relying on subfacial dissection and craniofacial surgery. While these advancements were light years beyond its predecessor, dissection still resulted in long-term scarring, which, not surprisingly, didn’t go over too well with patients seeking to improve their facial beauty.
Thankfully, today in the world of cosmetic facial surgery, the process of dissection and pulling back excess facial skin has been long abandoned, and replaced instead by a streamlined, effective way to correct signs of aging without leaving long-term scars.
Each facial surgery operation varies, depending on what the patient wants corrected, but the important constant is that the process is painless, thanks to the use of local or general anesthesia. After the operation, most patients are able to go home that same day as well—so no sleepless night in a cold, white room.
Because of the anesthesia though, a facelift surgery patient must have someone to drive them home.
Although the operation has been streamlined and become less invasive in modern times, facial surgery still has a recovery period that patients must consider before signing up. Doctor’s recommend that patients keep their head elevated for the first few days, ideally in a recliner or using pillows, to avoid excess swelling.
Surgeons also prescribe a minor pain reliever to help with any other discomfort experienced after the operation. If the pain medication does not properly ease the discomfort, or you experience any other irregularities, such as new swelling, popped stitches, fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or milky discharge from the incision sites, then you should call your surgeon.
Some swelling and bruising are normal after an operation, but by making friends with your Lazy Boy the healing process can be quicker.
After the recovery period, which can last anywhere from 1-3 weeks, the result is a younger, fresher facial appearance that lasts for years. But don’t take our word for it—ask patients to see the benefits of modern facial surgery.
Statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in 2011 showed that face lifts and facial surgeries were the sixth most popular cosmetic surgeries in the U.S. Facial surgery has become much less of a headache in recent times, and people everywhere are discovering how easy it can be to reclaim their youthful appearance.
If you have more questions about modern facial surgery and want to learn more or talk to a plastic surgeon, visit https://accentmd.com/florida-cosmetic-surgery/facelift-surgery.html or contact our office to schedule an appointment today.