If you’re considering a face lift surgery (rhytidectomy), then there’s information that you need to consider beforehand. While face lifts are elective, cosmetic procedures, they still involve invasive, surgical techniques that can cause very serious complications in a small number of cases. You should know that, in the vast majority of instances, face lift surgeries go off without a hitch. Most patients recover according to schedule and are very pleased with post-operative results. Of course, as with any type of surgical procedure, there are risks involved. A small number of face lift surgery patients may experience post-operative:

• Bleeding;
• Swelling and bruising;
• Ongoing pain;
• Ugly scarring;
• Loss of confidence;
• Need for further corrective surgeries;

Facts about the rhytidectomy procedure:

• Normally takes about 3 1/2 to 4 hours to complete;
• Will require about four weeks to heal, and at least a few months to recognize the full effects;
• Face lift surgeries are being requested more and more by men these days; they’re not just for women anymore!

How to prepare for a face lift surgery:

Whether you are going in for a MACS face lift, or a mini face lift, preparation for your rhytidectomy needs to begin weeks before the procedure is actually scheduled. It’s very important that smokers stop smoking as far before the face lift surgery as is possible. At the very minimum, smokers need to quit a full 2 weeks before the surgery. Your surgeon will also tell you about certain medications that need to be avoided during that crucial 2-week period. You also need to be mindful about going into surgery with a pumped-up immune system. In the weeks the precede your surgery, you should eat water-rich foods, get regular physical activity, remain well hydrated, and perhaps most importantly, manage your stress levels effectively. Surgery is serious business. You need to be relaxed and calm before, during and after your face lift procedure.