Am I a Good Candidate for Face Lift Surgery?
As is the case with all cosmetic surgery it is essential that one be in good health and have realistic expectations. It is important to realize that the results obtained from a face lift procedure may be limited. There is no blueprint for the ideal face.
The purpose is to enhance facial appearance. Prior to the operation, skin type, ethnic characteristics,skin elasticity, facial bone structure and whether or not one has realistic expectations must be scrutinized. The procedure can be performed on someone in their eighties but might also be required on someone in their thirties.
Face lift procedures can not stop aging or turn back the clock. Face lift procedures can help you look better, younger and healthier. We have observed that the positive results of surgery enhance a person's self-confidence.
Before making a decision about face lift surgery, you and your plastic surgeon can discuss whether or not additional procedures might be required on your neck and chin area together with the face surgery. Many patients also request that liposuction - removal of fat tissue - be performed on their face and neck. It may be necessary to make corrections to a couple of areas to achieve the best results.

Making an Informed Decision
It is important that you chose an experienced specialist as your plastic surgeon. During your first doctors visit, your plastic surgeon will examine each area of your face and determine your skin type, tone and elasticity. The photographs taken during this visit will assist your plastic surgeon in his preparations. You will be questioned about risk factors, such as high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, tendency to scar and blood clotting characteristics. Your surgeon will ask you about your medical history and try to get an idea of your emotional and psychological make-up. Because it is important that one have realistic expectations in order to obtain successful results, your plastic surgeon will explain the procedure that is to be performed and what you can expect from it.

Surgery
The incision begins near your temples, continues down in front of the ear, under the ear lobe and behind the ear towards the hairline in a manner that can be hidden in the crease of the ear. After your plastic surgeon has completed the procedures for tightening the muscle and connective tissue under the skin, excess fat is removed, as well as excess skin that overhangs the incision line. The incision lines are hidden in the natural lines of the face.
After excess skin has been removed, the incision is neatly closed with miniscule sutures. The procedure does not require that one shave or cut their hair. The surgery normally takes between 3 and 5 hours. At the conclusion of the operation a dressing and bandages are applied with a light amount of pressure.

Post-Surgery
Although mild pain may be experienced after surgery, this can be controlled with oral pain killers. It is also normal for there to be some swelling and bruising, which is reduced to a minimum by application of a cold compress. The bandages and dressing are removed the day after surgery. Your plastic surgeon will recommend that you hold your head up high and cut back on activities, keeping him informed of any complaint you may have. In spite of the fact that countless face lift procedures are performed, like any other surgical procedure, it does entail some risks.
The drainage canals after surgery are removed within 24 hours, while stitches are taken out after 5 to 7 days. The support of family and friends in the post-surgical period is helpful.
While healing takes 2-3 weeks, one can return to work within 10 days. After a certain amount of time the scars from the incision matures and become inconspicuous. Hidden in the natural lines of the face, incision lines can be camouflaged with make-up. The stretched feeling experienced immediately after surgery will subside in the following weeks. You must also bear in mind that you will continue to age after the surgery.

Surgical cosmetic procedures on the face will help you regain your self-confidence and correct signs of premature aging.
Health insurance does not cover surgical procedures done for cosmetic purposes. However, surgery to correct deformities due to injury or genetics may be covered either partially or completely by your health insurance.Patients who have previously had cosmetic surgery on their face, eyes or neck and were unhappy with the results should not despair. Touch-ups or more comprehensive procedures can also be performed again to improve the situation. Repeated face lift procedures continue to be performed up to three times in significant numbers world wide.