Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Facelift
If you’re considering a facelift to turn back the clock ten years and achieve a youthful, refreshed appearance, it’s essential to understand precisely what the process involves. This comprehensive guide breaks down the typical treatment plan at the Younger Facial Surgery Centre, giving you a detailed look at what to expect before, during and after your facelift surgery.
The Consultation
Your journey begins with an in-depth consultation with Dr Younger, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon renowned for his facelift expertise.
During this 15-30 minute meeting, he will:
- Discuss how a facelift can specifically benefit you
- Perform a thorough examination of your face and neck
- Take pictures for reference and to show the potential outcomes
- Review your medical history
- Talk through your goals and expectations
- Explain the surgical procedure and potential risks
This is your opportunity to ask any questions and get a clear sense of whether a facelift is right for you. Following the consultation, you’ll meet with the office manager to review the surgical quote, which includes the surgeon’s fee, anaesthesia costs and facility charges. You’ll also discuss scheduling, payment plans and financing options. A 50% deposit is required to reserve your surgery date, with the balance due one month before your procedure.
Preparation
Once you’ve booked your facelift, there are several essential steps to take in preparation, including:
- Completing the Younger Facial Surgery Centre Informed Consent Form
- Undergoing a pre-anesthetic assessment (blood work and ECG if needed)
- Avoiding alcohol for 48 hours before and aspirin for one week before your surgery
- Arranging for someone responsible to drive you home and assist you during your initial recovery
- Setting up a comfortable recovery area at home with easy access to necessities
- Filling prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics ahead of time
- Showering and wearing loose-fitting, button-front clothing on surgery day
About 1-2 weeks before your facelift, one of our office managers will reach out to review detailed pre and post-operative instructions and answer any remaining questions you may have. We want you to feel fully informed and prepared for your procedure.
Surgery Day
On the day of your facelift, you’ll arrive at our surgical centre at your scheduled time. After checking in, Dr Younger will start your sedation 30-45 minutes before surgery. You’ll be given a combination of medications to help you relax.
Facelifts at the Younger Facial Surgery Centre are performed under local anaesthesia, meaning you’ll be awake but comfortable during the procedure. This approach is safer than general anaesthesia and allows for better cosmetic results, as the face swells and bleeds less. Dr Younger will inject freezing into your neck and jawline, which can be momentarily uncomfortable. Our caring staff will be by your side to support you throughout the 2.5-3-hour surgery. Many patients even doze off during the procedure.
When your facelift is complete, a responsible adult must drive you home. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day as the sedation wears off.
Recovery
The first few days after your facelift are crucial for healing. It’s essential to get plenty of rest and avoid physical activity. Keeping your head elevated on two pillows and sleeping on your back for the first ten days will help minimize swelling. Apply cold compresses regularly and take your prescribed pain medication with food to prevent constipation.
Here’s the most important rule for your recovery – do not remove the bandages! We can’t stress this enough. The dressings around your head must stay in place for five days, even if they feel itchy or uncomfortable. Removing them prematurely can put unnecessary pressure on your incisions, cause swelling and jeopardize your results. Trust us; it’s worth toughing it out until your post-op visit.
You’ll have several follow-up appointments at our centre so Dr Younger can monitor your healing and change your dressings. After your visit on days 5-6, you’ll be cleared to remove the bandages at home, wash your hair and shower. Just be sure to use lukewarm water and avoid any harsh scrubbing or hair tugging.
Sutures will be removed in stages between 7-16 days post-op, after which you can gradually resume light activity. Most patients feel ready to return to work and social engagements after about two weeks, though residual swelling and tightness can persist for several more weeks. Continued aftercare, like gently washing your face with mild soap and using prescribed ointment on incisions, will help your healing stay on track.
Dr Younger and his team will advise you on how to facilitate your recovery best, including:
- Avoiding sudden head movements and turning from the shoulders as a unit
- Not bending/lifting anything heavy for at least a week
- Waiting two weeks before exercising and four weeks before swimming
- Holding off on makeup for one week and hair colouring for three weeks
- Protecting your scars with a thin coating of antibiotic ointment
While you’ll notice significant improvement within a few weeks of your facelift, it can take up to two years for surgical scars to fully mature and final results to be realized. Dr Younger will continue to monitor your progress through follow-up appointments at three months, six months, one year and two years post-op. Our team is always happy to address any concerns that arise during your recovery.
Is a Facelift Right for You?
The decision to have a facelift is deeply personal. If you’re bothered by sagging skin, jowls and deep wrinkles that make you look older than you feel, this procedure can be truly transformative. By tightening underlying muscles and removing excess skin, a facelift can dramatically rejuvenate your appearance in a natural and long-lasting way.
When you choose a highly skilled, experienced facial plastic surgeon like Dr Younger, you can trust that you’re in excellent hands. He tailors every facelift to the patient’s unique anatomy and goals to deliver the most beautiful, harmonious results possible.
If you’re ready to learn more about how a facelift can erase ten years from your face, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr Younger. Call our office at (604) 738-3223 or request an appointment online here. We look forward to helping you rediscover a more youthful, refreshed version of yourself!
