Faciallift Surgery (Rhytidectomy) in Delhi, India

As one gets older, the appearance and shape of the face is altered because of regular hormonal changes. Skin texture becomes less elastic and looser, and fat deposits decrease in certain facial areas and increase in others. People with the following features are the best candidates for Surgery:

• Sagging appearance of the cheeks
• Additional skin near the lower region of the jaw (jowls)
• Deep skin folds which extend from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth

• Medical history and exam. The doctor will enquire about past and current medical conditions, previous surgeries, previous plastic surgeries and issues of earlier surgeries, history of smoking, and drug or alcohol use.

• Facial exam. The surgeon will take photos of the face from different angles and close-up images of some features. The surgeon will also examine the patient's bone structure, the shape of the face, fat distribution, and skin quality to decide the best possible options for plastic surgery for scars on face.

• The doctor will help the patient understand how a facelift will likely change their appearance and what it doesn't address, such as fine wrinkles or naturally occurring asymmetry in your face.

Before a facial plastic surgery:

• Follow medication directions. The patient will receive instructions about what medications they should continue during this procedure and what to stop/avoid.
• Wash your face and hair. Washing hair and face with germicidal soap on the morning of the Surgery.
• Avoid eating. Avoid having anything after midnight the night before the procedure.

During the procedure: 

In general, a facelift involves elevating the skin and tightening the underlying tissues and muscles. There is removal and redistribution of fat in the face and the neck. Facial skin is then re-covered over the newly repositioned facial contour, additional skin is detached, and the wound is stitched in the end.

A facelift procedure generally takes around two to four hours but might take longer if other cosmetic procedures are done simultaneously.

The final outcome of this procedure not only helps in the restoration of a youthful and attractive appearance, but it also helps making individuals feel a lot more confident and positive about themselves.

After a facelift surgery, the patient may experience:

• Mild to moderate pain
• Drainage from the incisions
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Numbness

During the few days post-surgery, the patient is advised to:

• Rest with their head elevated
• Take regular medications as recommended by the doctor
• Apply ice packs to the face to alleviate pain and reduce swelling
• Follow wound care instructions as directed by the doctor.
• Do not scratch at crusting scabs that settle on the wound.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Avoid firm pressure or motion on and around the incisions.
• Avoid applying makeup.
• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight on the incision for three weeks and apply lotion after that. 
• Avoid colouring and bleaching for at least six weeks.

Most people are extremely satisfied with the final results after the completion of the procedure. There will be swelling, bruising, skin discoloration, tenderness, and numbness for around two weeks after the surgery. The surgical scars are hidden either in the hairline or the natural lines of the face and will vanish over time. Exposure to sunlight to be avoided initially for few days as recommended by the doctor also.

Reviewed by Dr. Manoj Johar, Senior Director, Aesthetic And Reconstructive Surgery on 31-August-2022.

• Are face lifts worth it?