The Decision of Facelift Surgery

damon thomas

A facelift is a surgical procedure that can turn back years on your appearance. How do you know when it’s time to move past the non-surgical treatments and embrace a facelift as the treatment of choice? Dr Thomas and his staff have a few tips to help you determine whether the time is right for this procedure.

THE AGE QUESTION

Some of our patients want to know if they are the right age for a facelift. We typically tell them that there is no specific age where a facelift is appropriate. It depends on when your ageing symptoms appear and the severity of those symptoms. Because the ageing process occurs at different rates for everyone, determining the right time for a facelift is subjective. However, we have a few tell-tale signs that help to decide your eligibility for a facelift.

THE REAL QUESTIONS

If age is not the primary factor when considering a facelift, what are the real questions to ask to determine your readiness for this procedure? Some of those considerations might include:

  • Do I have a significant amount of skin sagging that cannot be addressed through non- surgical methods?
  • Are injectable treatments and other non-surgical procedures no longer producing the results I want?
  • Am I ready to forgo regular non-surgical treatments for the enduring results offered by a surgical facelift?
  • Am I a good candidate for surgery (good health, positive mental state, do not smoke, have realistic expectations about the surgery and results)?
  • Will I be able to take sufficient time off of work and other activities to ensure a safe and successful recovery process?

Fortunately, you will not have to grapple with these questions on your own. When you schedule your consultation with Dr Thomas, you will work through your options together to ensure a surgical facelift is the best choice for you.

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

While a facelift can offer dramatic results, there are limits to what this surgical procedure can do. Physicians typically say a facelift can reverse the tell-tale signs of ageing by 10-15 years in most cases. It cannot make a 50-year-old look 20 or stop the ageing process. 

The surgery is designed to produce natural results when it is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr Thomas. It is not meant to make you look like a completely different person. The goal is to come out of your procedure looking like yourself, only younger and more refreshed.

It is imperative that you use daily sun protection and top-quality products on your skin to keep your results intact for as long as possible. Most facelifts will last around 10 years with proper skin care. At that point, signs of ageing may begin to creep in once again, and additional treatments or surgery may be undertaken if desired to maintain your youthful appearance.

IS THE TIME RIGHT?

You will have many variables to consider as you contemplate your decision to move forward with a surgical facelift. When you weigh all of the variables carefully, you can go into your procedure with peace-of-mind that a facelift is the right procedure at the right time for you. Dr Thomas will work with you to help you make a decision that will produce the results you desire. To schedule your private consultation with Dr Thomas, contact his office today on 03 9034 7738.

 


MAKING AN INFORMED DECISION

Our website is intended to provide general information about facelift surgery and should not be used as a substitute for personalised medical advice. It is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if a facelift is the right procedure for you. The following considerations should be part of your decision-making process.

Risks

All surgical procedures carry risk. The potential risks and complications associated with facelift surgery include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, changes in sensation, temporary or permanent hair loss or changes in hair growth near the incision site, poor scarring, nerve damage, facial asymmetry, and the need for additional surgery. It is important to understand the risks involved and weigh up the benefits and drawbacks of surgery before undergoing a facelift.

Recovery

Recovery time after facelift surgery may vary depending on the individual, the extent of the procedure, and the technique used. In general, patients should be prepared to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising after surgery. Patients must also be prepared to take time off work and other activities and follow post-operative instructions to promote proper healing and minimise the risk of complications.

Results

Individual results may vary depending on a number of factors, including the patient’s natural facial structure and the surgical technique employed. It is critical to have realistic expectations about the outcome of facelift surgery and understand that each patient’s outcome will be unique. It is also important to know that facelift surgery is not intended to replace healthy habits and a good skincare routine, and cannot stop the ageing process.

If you have any questions or concerns about facelift surgery, please do not hesitate to contact us