New York City Facelift: Considering a Facelift Operation in the Big Apple

If you're considering a New York City facelift, keep reading for an overview of the actual surgical procedure alongside tips on how to achieve a speedy recovery time.

Preparing for a Facelift

Your first step in preparing for a facelift is to book a consultation appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. At your consultation, you will discuss the type of facelift that's best for you, the possible effects the procedure will have on your appearance, the risks associated with a facelift, costs and the extent of your treatment.

On the day of your surgery, you'll be expected to arrive at the hospital having been smoke free for 30 days, alcohol free for 7 days and on a completely empty stomach. After you've been cleared, you will be rendered unconscious using general anesthesia.

The Facelift Procedure, Step-by-Step

In New York City, facelift operations typically follow the standard format - starting with a minute, hidden incision that starts just behind the temples and runs along an existing crease around the back of the ear.

Once cut, your surgeon will then separate the muscles and skin from your facial tissues. Then, the skin is either reshaped or excess skin is removed. Depending on the type of facelift, the underlying muscles are also tightened with the skin. Finally, the skin is put back in place once it's been stretched and reshaped.

Most facelifts last about 90 to 120 minutes in New York City. Facelift patients then recover for half a day to two days in the hospital, followed by a lengthy recovery at home. Patients typically stay in the hospital until their first bandage change or once their drainage tubes have been removed.

After-Surgery Care for Rhytidectomy Patients

For patients in New York City, facelift operations are typically followed by at least 28 to 30 days of reclusive rest and relaxation. While typical activities can be resumed in as quickly as a week, most patients are held back by the significant amount of bruising and swelling that occurs.

Patients can use makeup and facial creams after 5 to 7 days as long as their skin isn't overly sensitive or still visibly healing. Inhibitors to the healing process include cigarettes, drinking, stimulants, excessive exercising and overheating.

Facelift Alternatives

Because a facelift only affects the jaw, cheek and nasal areas of the face, many patients look for facelift alternatives that can actively improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on their brows, eyes and necks. There are targeted lift procedures for each of these areas, but for residents of New York City, facelift surgeries are often complimented by filler injectables like Collagen.

Though facelifts are often lightheartedly presented in the news concerning actors and others whose livelihoods largely depend upon the upkeep of their appearance, it is nonetheless a surgical procedure and should be pursued with due caution. New York City may seem to be the hub of plastic surgery, but that doesn't mean a person can simply select a plastic surgeon casually. You should take care to locate a one with whom you are very comfortable.