A rhytidectomy, commonly referred to as a facelift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to provide the patient with a more youthful appearance. Many people who choose to undergo this type of procedure report that they’re happy with the outcomes and do feel much better about the way they look. If you’re considering the idea of a facelift, it pays to spend a little time checking into what it’s all about. Here are six facts that will help you get started.

Facelifts Focus Mainly on the Lower Part of Your Face

While the overall result of a facelift is to get rid of as many wrinkles and blemishes as possible, most of the focus is on the lower part of the face. Specifically, extra attention is given to the area starting just below the eyes and continuing to the chin. That’s because much of the wrinkling occurs in that area.

This does not mean that the surgeon will not spend some time taking care of the laugh lines around the eyes and on the forehead. It just means that tightening the skin in those areas is somewhat simpler.

Not Everyone is a Candidate for a Facelift

Most people assume that facelifts are readily available to anyone. In fact, there are some factors that would make you a less than ideal candidate. In some cases, they would prevent the surgeon from consenting to perform the procedure.

Skin laxity is one example. The amount of laxity in the middle and lower part of the face must be enough to handle the stretching involved with the procedure. If there’s already significant damage, the surgeon may advise against having the facelift.

Certain chronic illnesses could make having the facelift a riskier venture. High blood pressure, cardiovascular conditions, and diabetes that’s poorly controlled are all examples of health issues that would make a surgeon decline a request for this type of procedure. If hemophilia is also present, the surgeon may urge you to consider non-invasive approaches to improving your appearance.

The Recovery Time is Shorter Than Most People Realize

If you’re thinking that it will take several weeks to recover from a basic facelift, think again. Many people find that the swelling, bruising, and discoloration fade by the end of the second week. Just about everyone who undergoes this type of procedure will appear to be healed by the third or fourth week.

While you may still need to observe some precautions, such as limiting the amount of exposure to the sun, things should generally be back to normal by then. The only thing that’s changed is that your face has a more youthful appearance.

The Results Will Last for Years

How long will the results of your facelift last? It does vary somewhat from one patient to another. While it’s true that a facelift does not stop the aging process, you can reasonably expect the results to remain for anywhere between ten and fifteen years. This is especially true for patients who choose to wait until their fifties to undergo that initial facelift.

Keep in mind that having one facelift does not rule out the possibility of having a second one after several years have passed. For example, you might have one at the age of fifty, then decide to have another one around the age of sixty. As long as you’re basically healthy and the surgeon determines there are no complicating factors to consider, you should feel free to schedule that second facelift.

People of All Genders Undergo Facelifts

When many people hear of people undergoing facelifts, images of women having this type of procedure come to mind. The reality is that people of all genders choose to undergo this type of cosmetic surgery. Various studies indicate that during most years, up to 10% of the patients seeking facelifts happen to be males.

Cosmetic surgeons are familiar with the processes needed to manage facelifts for people of any gender. While the specifics may vary slightly, the same criteria will apply across the board. Factors such as age, skin laxity, and bone structure will all determine how the procedure is done, the type of results to expect, and how long the patient is likely to retain the more youthful look.

The Scarring is Harder to Detect That Most People Think

Cosmetic surgeons take measures to keep the scarring from facelifts as minor as possible. They also know how to perform the procedures so that the scarring is harder for anyone to detect. For example, the scars may be located behind the ears or along the hair line. The combination of keeping the scars as tiny as possible and ensuring they are found in areas that are normally covered by hair make it all the easier to enjoy a rejuvenated appearance.

There are other things that you should know about facelifts. Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon and find out more about how this type of procedure could be right for you. Once you know more about how it’s done, what results to expect, and what sort of preparation is required, it will be easier to make an informed decision.