Technically known as rhytidectomy, facial surgery is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging on the face and neck such as:

• Flaccidity in the middle third of the face;
• Deep creases below the lower eyelids;
• Deep creases along the nose that extend to the corner of the mouth;
• Fat that has dropped or been displaced;
• Loss of muscle tone in the lower face, which can cause double chin;
• Loose skin and excess fat deposits under the chin and jaw.

Rejuvenation procedures typically performed in conjunction with a face lift are a forehead lift, to correct a sagging or frowning forehead, and eyelid surgery, to rejuvenate the eyes.

Being a reconstructive surgery, the facelift does not change your appearance and does not stop the aging process.

The facelift can only be performed surgically; Non-surgical rejuvenation treatments do not provide the same results, but they can help delay the time when a facelift becomes appropriate, as well as complement the results of surgery. Facial surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to satisfy someone else's desires or to conform to any type of ideal image.

• You are physically healthy;
• You don't smoke;
• If you have a positive attitude and realistic expectations of the surgical result.

The success and safety of the procedure largely depends on your sincerity during the consultation. You will be asked about your health, desires and lifestyle.

• The reason why you want to have the surgery, your expectations and the desired result;
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments;
• Current use of medications, vitamins, natural medicines, tobacco, alcohol and drugs;
• Previous surgeries.

• Assess your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors;
• Discuss your options and recommend the most suitable one;
• Examine and measure your face;
• Take photographs for medical records;
• Discuss possible results of the surgery and any potential risks or complications;
• Discuss the type of anesthesia to be performed.

Before surgery, it may be necessary to:
• Take laboratory tests or medical evaluation;
• Taking certain medications or adjusting your current medications;
• Stop smoking well before surgery;
• Avoid taking aspirin and some anti-inflammatories and natural medicines, as they can increase bleeding.

• What to do the night before and the morning of surgery (fasting time, medications, bath);
• Information about the type of anesthesia to be performed;
• Guidance on post-operative care.

The procedure must be carried out in a safe and comfortable place for the doctor and the patient, in a surgical center authorized by the Health Surveillance, with equipment and trained staff for any complications.

Be sure to ask someone to accompany you and stay with you for at least the first night after surgery.

The decision to undergo surgery is a personal one and it is up to you to decide whether the benefits will achieve your goals and whether the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign the consent form to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any potential risks or complications.

• Unfavorable scars;
• Bleeding (bruise);
• Accumulation of fluid (seroma);
• Anesthetic risks;
• Poor healing;
• Skin necrosis;
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensitivity;
• Asymmetry;
• Skin depigmentation and/or prolonged swelling;
• Correctable hair loss at the incision site;
• Adipose tissue necrosis;
• Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles and lungs;
• Pain, which may last;
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications;
• Suture threads may spontaneously emerge from the skin, becoming visible or causing irritation that requires their removal;
• Possibility of a new surgical procedure.

It is very important that you ask all your questions directly to the plastic surgeon about the surgical procedure. It is natural to feel a little anxiety, whether it is anticipation of the result or pre-operative stress. Don't be ashamed to discuss these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

Fibrin glue (made from heat-activated human blood components to inactivate virus transmission) is used to hold tissue layers together at the time of surgery and to decrease postoperative bruising after surgery. This product is carefully produced from the plasma of selected blood donors who are free of hepatitis, syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These products have been used safely for many years in cardiovascular surgery and general surgery, helping to reduce the possibility of surgical hemorrhage and serving as an adherent to tissue layers.

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or an abnormal heartbeat, seek medical attention immediately. If any of these complications occur, you may need hospitalization and additional treatment.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure, requiring further surgery.

Following your doctor's recommendations is essential for the success of the surgery. It is important that surgical incisions are not subject to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or movement during the healing period.

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Options include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.

Several other procedures can further improve the facelift result , including:
• Facial implants;
• Soft tissue augmentation to remodel the facial structure;
• Peeling, dermabrasion or laser techniques to improve the tone and texture of the facial skin;
• Reduction of wrinkles by filling.

Step 2 – Incision

Depending on the degree of change you want, your rhytidectomy surgery options include a traditional facelift , limited incision facelift or neck lift . A traditional facelift incision often begins on the scalp in the temporal region, continues around the ear, and ends at the bottom of the scalp. Fat can be sculpted or redistributed across the face, jowls and neck. The underlying tissue is commonly repositioned in the deeper layers of the face and the muscles are elevated. A second incision below the chin may be necessary to improve the aging appearance of the neck. Sutures or skin adhesives are used to close the incisions.

Traditional facelift

An alternative to the traditional facelift uses smaller incisions in the temporal region, continuing around the ear and possibly within the lower eyelids or under the upper lip. Double chin, sagging skin on the neck and accumulation of fat under the chin can be corrected with a neck lift . The neck lift incision often begins in front of the earlobe, passes behind the ear, and ends at the bottom of the scalp.

Step 3 – Closing the incisions

Once healed, the facelift incision lines are well hidden in the scalp and natural contours of the face and ears.

Step 4 – Results

The results of the facelift appear with a reduction in swelling and bruising. The end result not only restores her appearance, leaving her younger and rested, but can also help to restore her self-esteem.

When the procedure is complete, a bandage may be gently placed around your face to minimize swelling and bruising. A drain may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood and fluid that may accumulate.

How to care for the surgery site, medications to apply or take orally to help with healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific care for the surgery site and your general health, and post-operative follow-up with the plastic surgeon.

• Where will I remain in recovery after surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will a dressing be necessary after surgery? When will it be removed?
• Will the stitches be removed? When?
• When will I be able to resume my normal activities and exercise?
• When will the return appointment be?

It may take several months for the swelling to go away and up to six months for the incision lines to appear normal. Permanent sun protection helps maintain a rejuvenated appearance, minimizing aging or sun damage. Furthermore, a healthy lifestyle also helps to prolong the results obtained from surgery, giving you a rejuvenated and youthful appearance.

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. A surgeon's fees may vary depending on their experience and the type of procedure performed.

• Surgeon's fees;
• Hospital or surgical center expenses;
• Anesthetist's fees;
• Spending on medicines;
• Post-operative meshes;
• Medical exams.

When choosing a plastic surgeon to perform this procedure, remember that the surgeon's experience and your good relationship with him or her are as important as the final cost of the surgery.

• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during surgery to relieve pain and reduce consciousness.
• Hematoma: Accumulation of blood beneath the skin.
• Intravenous sedation: Sedatives given by injection into a vein to help you relax.
• Nasolabial fold: Deep wrinkles between the nose and cheek
• Local anesthesia: Drug injected directly into the incision site during surgery to relieve pain.
• Rhytidoplasty: Surgical procedure also known as lifting, to reduce sagging of the face, jowls and neck.

Use this list as a guide during your consultation
• Are you a specialist by the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery?
• Have you been trained specifically in the field of plastic surgery?
• How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?
• Is the installation of the procedure room in your office authorized by the Health Surveillance of your city?
• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• What is expected of me so that the best results are obtained?
• Where and how will the procedure be performed?
• Which surgical technique is recommended for my case?
• How long can I expect to recover, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
• What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
• How are complications treated?