How to Understand Facelifts, From Scars to Recovery Period

hello! Dr. Han Kyu-nam, Director of Samsao Plastic Surgery Clinic It is. 😊

 

When your facial skin starts to sag piece by piece, the worry "Where should I start taking care of it?" naturally comes first. 😭

 

There are countless reviews of facelifts on the internet, but finding the real information you really need is not as easy as you might think.

 

So, I prepared this! From scar minimization methods to post-operative care I will explain it to you in an easy-to-understand way through the eyes of a plastic surgeon ✨

 

Let's go over the key points you absolutely need to know for a safe and proper plastic surgery culture.

 

1️⃣ How is a facelift performed?

The process from the anesthesia method to the incision location and SMAS layer dissection

 

A facelift is a surgical procedure that smooths out sagging and drooping areas of the face caused by aging.

 

commonly sleep anesthesia It proceeds and takes approximately 3 hours or more.

 

The incision line starts at the temple and runs along the front and back of the ear. The length of the incision and the amount of skin removed vary individually depending on the degree of skin sagging.

 

🔸 Temporal incision
If the incision is made inside the hairline, the scar will be concealed, but the position of the sideburns may change slightly; if placed along the hairline, the scar may be easily visible.

 

🔸 incision in front of the ear
With an incision inside the tragus (cartilage in front of the ear), the scar is concealed but the tragus is covered by facial skin, whereas with an incision in front of the tragus, the scar may be noticeable, so a choice is required based on the individual's condition.

 

The extent of skin dissection and the method of incision and dissection of the SMAS fascia layer during surgery are very complex, and to address the underlying sagging retaining ligament The process of cutting it off is basically included.

 

especially 'Deep Plane' method It has the characteristic of minimizing subcutaneous dissection while taking a relatively wide SMAS dissection, moving and fixing the SMAS and skin in the same direction.

 

💡 Director Han Kyu-nam's Tip

The SMAS is typically moved nearly vertically and the skin slightly outward, but for a natural result, the procedure must be customized according to the specific area each patient wishes to improve.

 

2️⃣ How should I manage the drainage bag, bandages, and prescription medication after surgery?

Controlling resection volume and post-operative recovery process to prevent scarring and pointed ears

 

The key to a facelift is to delicately pull and trim the excess skin to maximize the effect while minimizing side effects such as scarring or pointed ears.

 

📌 drainage bag and compression bandage
Wearing a drainage bag after surgery is optional, and patients find it much more comfortable without one. Gentle facial compression is required, and the timing for removing the bandages varies depending on the medical team's guidelines.

 

📌 Washing face and taking medicine
For a well-sutured wound, it is usually safe to come into contact with water after 48 hours, once epithelialization has occurred. While prescription medications (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory painkillers) are typically taken for periods ranging from one to two weeks, there is no need to take excessive medication for a long time if the cosmetic surgery is performed while the patient is in good health.

 

⚠️ Hot compresses to be careful of
Because a facelift involves a large area of ​​dissection, sensation is reduced over a wide area after surgery. At this time, inadvertently You can get burned if you apply a hot compress incorrectly. Special caution is required!

 

The actual removal of sutures (stitches) is Between 10 and 14 days after surgery It proceeds. Post-care programs should also be tailored to the patient's current recovery status rather than habitually following past methods.

 

3️⃣ What are the symptoms of swelling and bruising that occur during the recovery period?

Presence of pain, duration of sensory recovery, and constriction during the recovery process

 

If you experience particularly severe pain on only one side after surgery or a noticeable difference in swelling between the left and right sides, blood may have accumulated. It is safer to take a picture and have it checked at a hospital immediately.

 

✨ Swelling and sensation recovery
The large visible swelling 1~2 months Although it falls out a lot, the awkwardness or decreased sensation you feel will slowly return over about 6 months.

 

✨ A feeling of tightness
One to two months after surgery, you may feel a tightening sensation across your entire face as the wound is pulled, which is a natural phenomenon that occurs in everyone during the recovery process.

 

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is general anesthesia mandatory for a facelift?

 

A. No! Unless there is a special reason, usually sleep anesthesia Surgery can be performed safely with just that.

 

Q2. Isn't the pain after surgery very severe?

 

A. Although it feels like a major surgery due to the large scope, it is not a surprisingly painful operation; there is only discomfort caused by bruising, swelling, and decreased sensation.

 

Q3. My face feels tight after the surgery. Is this normal?

 

A. Yes, about 1 to 2 months after surgery, the wound contracts and is pulled, causing a tightening sensation in the face; this is a normal recovery process experienced by everyone who undergoes surgery.

 

🎯 Conclusion

You may hesitate about a facelift due to vague fears, but you can feel much more at ease once you understand the surgical structure and recovery process in advance ✨

 

✔️ It takes time for swelling and sensation to recover, but the pain itself is not as severe as you might worry.

 

📌 During the initial period of reduced sensation after surgery, avoid hot compresses that pose a risk of burns, and promptly check for any abnormal swelling.

 

💡 Instead of worrying alone, consult with medical professionals possessing extensive clinical experience to create a customized lifting plan perfectly suited for you! 🏥