Are your chin and cheeks starting to sag? Do you have visible wrinkles around the sides of your mouth even when you are not smiling? Perhaps you feel or appear older than you are. These changes can make you think about cosmetic procedures such as face-lifts, also known as rhytidectomy.

If you are considering getting a face-lift, you need to know what to expect. Face-lifts are one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed today for a good reason. They can be effective at improving one’s appearance. That said, a face-lift is a significant commitment.

That is why you should consider certain important factors before you undergo the procedure. After all, you will be permanently altering your appearance. Below are some of the most important questions to ask before getting a face-lift:

Do I Need a Face-lift?

If you are considering getting a face-lift, the last thing you want is to look like a different person following the procedure. The purpose is to look like a well-rested and younger version of yourself. Perhaps you believe that when you look good, you will feel better. You may think that a face-lift will make you more competitive.

People get face-lifts for many reasons. These reasons are personal to them. The secret to being happy with any cosmetic procedure is to do it because you want to, not because of pressure from others. Therefore, the first question you should ask yourself is whether you need to undergo this cosmetic procedure.

Is There a Better Alternative?

People tend to lose some skin elasticity as they age. Fat deposits in certain parts of your neck and face may either decrease or increase. These changes may cause you to consider getting a face-lift. However, it would help if you understood that other cosmetic procedures could help address issues in specific areas of the face. Therefore, ask your cosmetic surgeon at East Bay Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery whether there is a better alternative that can help you achieve your goals.

Are You a Good Candidate?

You are an excellent candidate for a face-lift if you are healthy and have a good facial bone structure. Do you have too much excess skin from weight loss, sun damage, or skin that lacks elasticity? If so, a face-lift will be less successful.

Is the Procedure Painful?

Cosmetic surgeons perform face-lifts under general anesthesia. Therefore, patients are asleep during the procedure. Following surgery, you will go home with drains in place and your head bandaged.

How Long Will the Results Last?

The results of your face-lift may last anywhere between five and ten years. Many people get two or three face-lifts during their lifetime, depending on the scarring and extent of each procedure. Remember that the procedure does not stop the normal aging process.

What Are the Risks?

It would be best if you understood that all surgical procedures carry the risk of complications. If you have a history of lung disease, cardiovascular disease, obesity, or diabetes, your risks of developing complications are higher.

​​​​​​​For more on face-lifts, visit East Bay Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at our office in Oakland, California. You can call 510-451-6950 to book an appointment today.