Facelift surgery is a procedure designed to address structural changes in the face that occur over time.
If you’ve been considering facelift surgery, you may be wondering whether you’re a suitable candidate. There are a number of factors that will determine if the procedure is appropriate for you, and while a consultation with a plastic surgeon will give you the most accurate answer, it can help to understand what surgeons generally look for when assessing patients for facelift surgery first.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the factors that you can think about to understand if a facelift may be suitable for you.
What is facelift surgery designed to treat?
A facelift is a surgical procedure that focuses on repositioning and tightening underlying facial structures, as well as adjusting the skin to suit these changes.
Essentially, it is designed to address tissue laxity in the lower face, that can become noticeable over time due to age or certain lifestyle factors.
It is commonly performed to address changes in the lower face and jawline, but it is often combined with other procedures, such as neck lift surgery, an eyebrow lift or eyelid surgery, to focus on additional areas at the same time.
Sign 1: You have moderate to significant tissue laxity on the lower face
One of the first aspects that surgeons will assess is the condition of the skin and underlying structures in the lower face.
If the skin and underlying tissues in the lower face have loosened, a facelift may be suitable to reposition and adjust these structures. This can include changes along the jawline and around the mouth.
While some non-surgical treatments can address minor concerns, more noticeable changes in facial structure will typically need to be addressed with surgery.
Sign 2: You have deep folds or creases that can’t be sufficiently treated with non-surgical treatments
Facial volume and skin elasticity naturally change with age, sometimes leading to deeper folds around the nose and mouth.
While some non-surgical treatments may help to temporarily treat certain lines, they do not address changes in the underlying structure of the face.
If these folds have become more pronounced and non-surgical treatments are no longer effective or suitable, facelift surgery may be an option to adjust the positioning of the tissues for a longer-term approach.
Sign 3: You are in good general health and do not smoke or are willing to quit before surgery
Being in good health at the time of undergoing facelift surgery helps to reduce the risks associated with the procedure and recovery.
If you have any medical conditions, it’s important to discuss them with your surgeon to ensure they won’t interfere with surgery or recovery. You’ll be able to discuss your current health and your medical history during your consultation so that your surgeon can carefully assess whether or not you are suitable for surgery.
Since smoking can interfere with healing after the procedure, many surgeons will require patients to stop smoking well in advance of the procedure, as well as during recovery. If you do smoke, it’s important to keep this in mind before meeting with your surgeon so that you will know what to expect.
Sign 4: You are prepared for the recovery period after surgery
Apart from the physical signs that you may be a suitable candidate for a facelift, it’s also important to consider the signs that you are mentally prepared, and that you will be able to accommodate the recovery period that will be required.
Recovery will involve managing some temporary discomfort and symptoms like swelling, as the are heals. You’ll need to take care of the incision sites, see your surgeon for follow-up appointments and make adjustments to your activity levels.
You will need to schedule some time off work or your daily routine to rest at home during the early weeks of your recovery. Before committing to undergoing the procedure, it’s important to make sure that you will be able to provide your body with the rest and care it needs afterwards.
Sign 5: You have realistic expectations about what a facelift can achieve
Like the results of any plastic surgery, a facelift’s results will entirely depend on the patient’s individual characteristics, the extent of the procedure and techniques used, and how the facial tissue naturally settles after surgery.
A consultation with your surgeon will give you a better understanding of what is possible based on your individual features.
It’s also worth noting that, while the procedure achieves long-lasting results, the results aren’t considered permanent as the natural ageing process and other factors can still make changes to the appearance of the facial tissue over time.
Why a consultation is the best way to find out if a facelift is right for you
A consultation with a plastic surgeon will allow them to assess your facial structure, discuss your medical history, and talk to you about what the procedure involves.
While having a good understanding of the above signs can be helpful when thinking about your suitability for the procedure your surgeon will carefully consider all of the important factors to help you make an informed decision.
If it does turn out that you may not be a suitable candidate for a surgical facelift, you will be able to discuss the possibility of exploring other treatment options.
Why to choose Dr Hunt for facelift surgery in Sydney
Facelift surgery should always be performed by a qualified plastic surgeon with experience in performing the procedure.
As a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Jeremy Hunt has treated thousands of patients, performing a variety of both surgical and non-surgical procedures.
Currently based in Sydney, he has more than 20 years of experience within the industry, where he has built his skills and refined surgical techniques.
If you would like to discuss if a facelift is right for you, we recommend having a consultation with Dr Hunt. Please get in touch with our team to book your consultation or to ask us any questions you may have about the procedure.
