A facelift tightens the muscles of the face or neck and removes loose or sagging skin. The procedures have been greatly refined since the early days of this type of surgery, and nowadays results can look very natural.
Incisions are made along the hairline, starting at the temple and going round, behind each ear. The surgeon pulls the facial skin up and back. Sometimes underlying tissue is repositioned, and fat removed from under the chin with liposuction. Facelifts are sometimes performed using an endoscope, which does not leave scars.
Most patients experience pain and discomfort for several days after the surgery. Swelling is at its worst after three days, and may take several weeks to completely disappear. There will also be bruising and numbness, which fade gradually. Most people return to normal daily life 10-14 days after the operation.
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