Facelift – Common Misconceptions

There are a variety of people in this world, male and female, that seek to have the rejuvenated skin of years past, but stop short of fulfilling their dream due to rumors or Internet myths, or set their expectations too high and come out disappointed.

Many candidates believe that a facelift involves an incision entirely around the face, as if to remove the entire area and skin in order to tighten the skin underneath. This facelift misconception is definitely wrong. Only major reconstructive surgery requires such a massive incision. Most facelifts use incisions as small as possible in the natural creases of the face, behind the ears, or in front of the ears. Scarring is not nearly as bad as people would envision it to be.

Another facelift myth is that the procedure will be extremely painful and that the risk of infection is too high to go through with it. While there is a risk for infection, antibiotics and following the doctors care instructions to a tee can prevent any infection from occurring. During the procedure anesthetic and sedatives are used so that no harsh pain is felt, just mild pressure if anything. During recovery, pain is handled through medication that one must not avoid taking.

Having a facelift done will also not leave a patient stranded socially for months. Though there will be bruising and swelling for a bit, most patients are back to work within two weeks and are sporting their youthful look to everyone they see with no inhibitions.

Facelifts do not last forever, and may take some getting used to. The effects of facelift cosmetic surgery last on average up to ten years. Getting a “touch-up” surgery is something that many facelift patients consider later on down the road.

Lastly, those considering facelifts should know that the change in their look would be realistic, not as dramatic as one may think. You will not have the face of a celebrity or a 12 year old. Doing what you can beforehand to achieve the look you want will not only allow the results to last longer, but increase the chances of achieving that desired result.

Patients should not be afraid to come to their plastic surgeon to get any other myths that they have heard busted or confirmed and find out what actions need to be taken to get their facelift underway.