A facelift is a popular cosmetic surgery designed to reduce the signs of aging on the face. It involves tightening sagging facial skin and other underlying tissues. It effectively smooths out deep folds, lifts jowls, and redefines the jawline. This leaves you looking rejuvenated and much more youthful. Many people choose to get a facelift to improve their appearance. However, it can also boost your confidence. The surgery can help you look just as good as you feel. Many candidates want to know the ins and outs of facelifts. You may wonder, will a facelift change my hairline? Below you will find helpful information about the procedure and why it is right for you.

Will a Facelift Change My Hairline?

A facelift can alter your hairline. However, the extent is minimal, if at all, with an experienced facelift surgeon. The goal is to provide subtle, natural-looking results that leave you looking years younger. Visible changes to the hairline can impact the subtlety of the procedure. A skilled surgeon can effectively place incisions to reduce the risk of this. Below are a few factors that determine how your hairline will be impacted after surgery.

Incision Placement

Traditional facelift incisions begin in the hairline near the temples. This extends around the ears and sometimes the lower scalp. The incisions can affect the hairline in several ways. This includes the sideburn area, the temporal hairline, and behind the ears. Each patient is unique, so it is important to discuss any concerns with the surgeon. They can advise you on the potential for hairline changes. They can also tailor the surgery to your aesthetic goals, including minimal changes. That is one of the main focuses of the procedure, so your surgeon will curate a surgical plan with this in mind.

Surgical Technique

Incision placement plays a huge role in the potential for hairline changes. However, the technique used during the facelift can also have an impact on post-surgical changes to your hairline. Modern techniques focus on minimizing the impact on the hairline. Skilled surgeons create surgical plans tailored to avoid unnecessary alterations to the hairline. Because each patient is unique, results may vary. To achieve the desired aesthetic outcomes, sometimes alterations are necessary. However, this will be discussed and explained during your consultation so you can make a decision that is right for you.

Temporary Changes to Hairline

Your surgeon will inform you of what permanent changes may occur to your hairline. However, it is helpful to understand that temporary changes to the hairline will happen. This is entirely normal and should gradually subside as you heal. Temporary hair thinning around the incision sites is common. This is due to surgical trauma and the natural healing process. This is a short-term issue that generally resolves within a few months.

What to Expect From Your Facelift Procedure

A facelift involves several steps to ensure your results meet your aesthetic goals. Facelift surgery requires an anesthetic to ensure your optimal comfort. This is often general anesthesia. However, this will be discussed at your consultation, so you are prepared on the day of surgery. The type of anesthesia depends on the complexity of the surgery. The surgeon will also consider your personal preferences. Once you are anesthetized, the surgeon will make the incisions. These are placed in discreet locations to minimize the appearance of scars. These incisions are often in the natural skin lines and within the hairline. The incisions allow the surgeon to access the underlying tissues to make the necessary adjustments. The facial tissue and muscles are lifted and tightened. Excess skin and tissue are also removed. From there, the incisions are carefully closed with sutures. Dressings are applied to support the healing process.

Recovering From A Facelift

Right after surgery, patients are monitored as they wake from anesthesia. Patients can generally go home the same day. You will need to arrange transportation in advance, as you cannot drive yourself. The initial healing period takes roughly two weeks. However, it can take up to one month to get back to your routine, including exercise. Below are some common considerations to keep in mind as you recover from a facelift.

Symptom Management

Swelling and bruising are very common after a facelift. This is normal and should gradually subside as you recover. Use ice packs to help manage swelling. You should also keep your head elevated, even while sleeping. This reduces swelling and supports optimal healing. Take your medication as prescribed to manage pain and discomfort. The first few days after surgery are the most difficult when it comes to symptom management. After that, you will notice gradual improvement over the next couple of weeks.

Movement

Right after surgery, it is best to focus on rest and recovery. Your body has undergone significant changes and stress. Allowing yourself to sleep and take it easy is important. However, as soon as you feel up to it, light walking is advised. This maintains circulation and promotes healing. For the first month, avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and bending. This prevents swelling and strain on your incisions. Your surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions on when and what type of physical activity you can engage in. Be sure to attend all of your follow-up appointments so they can effectively monitor your progress.

Caring for Your Incisions

Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions on how to care for your wounds after surgery. This ensures optimal healing and reduces the visibility of scars. The incisions should be kept clean and dry. This reduces your risk for infection and other complications. Manage any drains that you may have as directed by your surgeon. Your sutures should be removed within the first week. Be sure to attend this follow-up appointment. Your oculofacial plastic surgeon can assess your recovery and make any accommodations based on their assessment.

Top Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

If you want to rejuvenate your look with a facelift, contact the team at Oculofacial Plastic Surgery of Hawaii today to schedule your consultation!