Will I Have Facelift Scars and Other Common Facelift FAQs

It can be difficult to accept the effects of aging on your face. Sagging, loose, and wrinkly skin that now adorns once tight, glowing skin has many individuals inquiring about facelift surgery. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao offers various different facelift procedures for his patients who are seeking a rejuvenated appearance. At Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ, facelift surgery is performed by carefully lifting the skin and achieving a tighter profile. Imagine looking years younger with this dynamic duo of procedures. Read more for helpful facts about facelift scars and the surgery, and how Dr. Rao can help you feel better about your facial appearance.

What are signs that it may be time for a facelift?

Everyone is usually more critical of themselves than they should be – certain changes are hard to ignore. Moderate to severe signs of the following are good indicators it may be time for a facelift. Here are some of the most obvious indicators:

• Tired appearance

• Lines or wrinkles around the eyes

• Sagging or loose skin in the cheek area

• Sagging or loose skin in the lower jowl area, around the mouth, or neck

Are you a candidate for a facelift?

Ideal candidates in Tucson, AZ are men and women with drooping or hanging skin on the face and neck, along with wrinkles on the upper, mid, or lower face. The condition of the skin is also an important element to consider when planning your procedure. Patients should be in good general health and refrain from using tobacco products. Dr. Rao will conduct a thorough evaluation during your initial consultation.

The right age for a facelift

There is no exact timeline for anyone wanting to undergo a facelift. Many more individuals today are considering cosmetic intervention at an earlier age. Most patients in the Tucson area considering a facelift are usually in the age range of 40-70 years old. Dr. Rao will help guide you during your consultation if you are a good candidate for this surgery. Static wrinkles and sagging skin are primary factors that can be eliminated with a facelift while taking years, if not decades, off your appearance.

Things that can’t be changed with a facelift

While cosmetic surgery can do wonders for lines and wrinkles on the face and neck, it’s good to have realistic expectations. For instance, sun-damaged or pigmented skin, brown spots, freckles, or age spots may not be improved with a facelift or neck lift. During your consultation with Dr. Rao, ask questions about the limitations involved. If either of these procedures do not meet your requirements, suggestions can be made for alternative treatments.

How long do the results of a facelift last?

The results of a facelift and neck lift are permanent, but there are outside factors that can alter the final outcome. Keep in mind that gravity and natural aging will still have an effect on your appearance after the healing process. Patients are advised to take care of their skin by avoiding harmful UV rays and sticking to a regular skincare routine to ensure your results last for years to come.

What are the different types of facelifts?

Some patients need a little help to look younger while others need more extensive help with a full or traditional facelift. With today’s surgical technology, Dr. Rao and his medical team at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery offer the latest techniques and options to their patients. If you need a little help to look years younger, you may be able to consider a mini facelift. It is less invasive and requires less downtime. A brow lift can smooth out wrinkles or creases on the forehead, which is a common area for men while having an eye lift at the same time. A mid-face procedure can eliminate sagging skin in the cheek area or reduce deep creases around the mouth or nose. A lower facelift addresses aging in the chin, neck, and jowls area of the face. Even noninvasive injectable dermal fillers and BOTOX or fat-reducing Kybella can be incorporated to give patients an overall rejuvenated look. A traditional full facelift is not your only option in the cosmetic world today.

What about the scars?

Many patients inquire about facelift scars. Whenever an incision is made, there will likely be a scar, but Dr. Rao is highly trained and experienced at placing incisions where they will be virtually undetectable. Your post-operative care instructions will include tips regarding ways to help your facelift scars heal flat and blend in with the skin.

Will my results look natural after a facelift?

Immediately after surgery, patients will feel some discomfort and swelling at the surgery sites, making the face appear a little tight at first. After the swelling dissipates, the skin will settle and patients will look and feel normal. After a few weeks of healing, your skin will be refreshed, not fake, and glow with far fewer lines and sagging.

When can I resume my normal schedule?

As long as you don’t have a job that involves heavy lifting, you may return to work after just a few days. Some people may decide to go back even sooner, but do not overexert yourself or you may compromise the healing process. Once Dr. Rao has given clearance, exercise may be resumed after about 4-6 weeks post-operative.

When considering a facelift, there are some essential FAQs you need to find out. Your plastic surgeon’s experience and skill should be at the top of the list. A facelift is one of the most effective surgical cosmetic procedures to restore a youthful appearance, but also one of the most complex. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao of Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ is ready to assist you. If you are considering a facelift and have more questions, then please call to schedule a consultation today.