About Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgery is a very common cosmetic produre that is most often performed on men and women above the age of 40. A facelift can significantly rejuvenate your facial appearance and improve sagging skin around the face or neck. A facelift may be done alone or together with neck lift or forehead lift. Facelift surgery is a procedure that removes excess fat and tightens the muscles around the face and neck.

Am I a candidate for facelift surgery?
If you are experiencing sagging face and/or neck but still have some skin elasticity and a strong bone structure you are likely to be a good candidate for facelift surgery. Before considering facelift surgery it is also important that you have clear and realistic expectations to what you wish to achieve.

How do I prepare for facelift surgery?
First it is important that you think carefully about why you want to have a facelift and have clear and realistic expectations. You will, of course, have the opportunity to ask the surgeon any questions you may have before deciding to come to Bangkok for facelift surgery. Your pre-surgery consultation with the surgeon is one of the most important preparations for your facelift. Here you will discuss your expectations with the surgeon and how to achieve the best outcome for you. Furthermore, you must not smoke, drink alcohol, or take any medications or vitamins 2 weeks before your facelift surgery.

The procedure
The procedure may be performed using either local or general anesthesia. A 5 centimeter incision is made starting in the hairline at the temple area, brought in front of the ear and looping behind the ear lobe. The operation takes 3 to 4 hours average and the patient needs 2 nights stay in the hospital. As the incision is neatly done along natural skin crease and hairline, practically no scar is visible after few months post-op.

Facelift Surgery Recovery
After the facelift surgery you will be swollen for 7 days, then will gradually diminish. Your face may be numb but this will gradually disappear within 3-6 months; there maybe pain and tense feeling around the ears as the wound heal. You should use cold compress around the area for two days after the surgery, and sleep with your head high at about 30 degrees. Do not lie with the cheeks in contact with bed or pillow for 1 month, as this may cause hematoma formation. You can wash your hair three days after the surgery, but do not blow-dry your hair with a dryer, use a mild shampoo or soap. Brush your hair gently. You should avoid talking too much, laugh, and chew too much during the first month. 7 days after your facelift surgery you must come back for a follow-up check where your stitches will be removed.