As we age our skin tends to drop and wrinkles start to form. While some people accept this natural process others don’t. If you are looking to reverse the effects of aging on the skin, the facelift will be the right procedure for you. If you want to have a lifting, firstly you should carefully think about it and consider every aspect. 

Those who have seen apparent signs of aging, such as drooping in the lower region of the face that affects the jawline and a loss of volume in the cheeks, may find lifting treatments particularly helpful. Not just the face, but also your emotions, are affected by aging. This procedure will be really beneficial in every way.

When you first hear about this procedure, the idea that it will make you look younger is enough to consider it. However, it is important to know that it is more than that and there are several aspects you should consider if you want to make the right choice. In this blog post, we have answered some of the most common questions that you might have which will help you understand the procedure better and what to expect. 

Should I Consider Undergoing A Facelift Procedure?

Before undergoing a facelift procedure there are several factors to consider and a thorough examination with a professional plastic surgeon is one of the most important. We at Tourisme médical en Albanie are known for our expertise in lifting procedures and we emphasize to our patients how important the initial visits are. During these visits, the surgeon will do a thorough checkup of your general health, and ask for your previous medical history, including also the condition of your skin. Additional factors include your age, the elasticity of your skin and what are your expectations for the procedure. 

Before deciding to have a facelift most likely, the surgeons will recommend you try other methods which are not considered invasive. However, at some point, these other procedures will no longer give the desired results and you will need to redo them several times a year. On the other hand, the facelift procedure will address deeper structural issues that aging creates and it will make you look younger, without the need to have several procedures done every year. This procedure is more invasive and it will produce results that no other treatment can. 

At What Age Should You Consider A Facelift

There is no exact age when you should have a facelift procedure as this will depend on several factors. The decision of whether you want to go through with this treatment should be individual and there are several factors to consider including the degree of wrinkles and sagging that you are experiencing, your skin elasticity and condition, and your lifestyle. Furthermore, we will explain what will happen if you have your facelift in your 30s and 40s and above. 

Under 30s

If you are under 30, our doctors here at Medical Tourism in Albania will recommend you try some non-surgical treatments first. These noninvasive treatments include lasers, injectables, and skin care products. Even though they dont work the same as a facelift procedure they will certainly delay the need for more invasive procedures. They also work great in hiding the early signs of aging like small wrinkles and fine lines. 

The 40s And Above

As we get older and we reach the age of 40 we will start to notice more signs of aging than before. However, this will depend on the individual. If you are one of those people who develop deep wrinkles and sagging facial structures you will be considered a suitable candidate for a facelift treatment. Patients who are in their 40s or older will achieve long-lasting results and they will definitely look much younger. At Medical Tourism in Albania, we do our best to provide natural-looking results after every facelift procedure that we perform. 

Skin Quality And Elasticity

When it comes to great results, age is not the only factor that makes you suitable or not. Skin elasticity is also an important factor that will impact the outcomes of this treatment. Those patients who have better skin elasticity will definitely have an easier recovery process and the results will show much better. During the initial consultation, your surgeon will decide on the elasticity of your skin and address whether a facelift is the best course of action for you or if you should look into other treatments. 

What Different Types Of Facelift Procedures Are Available?

In order to get the intended results, we at Medical Tourism in Albania customize our facelift procedures based on the needs of each patient. Our surgeons are experts who have received training in a variety of facelift procedures. This indicates that the areas the patient wants to treat and improve are our primary emphasis. We’ll also list a few of the areas that this treatment will be able to treat perfectly:

One of the most common areas that facelift targets is the lower part of the face which includes the neck. This is also known as a lower facelift or a neck lift. This treatment will treat sagging in the neck area and jawline making your face look more defined and youthful. 

Another common area that facelift treats is the middle of the face. After the procedure is done you will be left with an enhanced cheek area and get rid of any sagging or excessive skin that causes wrinkles. This technique will be especially recommended for individuals who appear more signs of aging in their mid and lower face rather than the upper area of the face. 

For individuals who experience signs of aging in their forehead, a lift that is focused on this area will be ideal. Some of the most common signs that show that you might need this treatment are dropping eyebrows or deep forehead wrinkles. Usually, this procedure will be ideal for males since this is the most common area where they show their first signs of aging. After the procedure is done you will have a smooth forehead and you will look much younger and refreshed. 

When it comes to deciding on the best facelift technique it is important to consult with a specialized surgeon. He will decide which areas should be treated and if a full facelift will be the right choice. He will do a thorough examination, and decide on the degree of aging and what the patient needs. 

Am I A Suitable Candidate For A Facelift Procedure?

Just like with any surgical procedure,  you have to be a suitable candidate for a facelift. This suitability will depend on different factors including physical and health criteria. It is very important that before you go through with the surgery you find the right clinic and the right surgeon. We at Medical Tourism in Albania prioritize our patient’s health and focus on providing the best possible results. There are several factors that will determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure or not, including:

General Health

One of the crucial aspects that will determine whether you are a suitable candidate for any surgical procedure is your general health. It is very important that before you enter the surgery room you be healthy. If you have any blood disorders like clotting or uncontrolled high blood pressure or have experienced any problems with anesthesia it is important to discuss it with your surgeon. 

Skin Elasticity

If you want the results of the facelift to last for a long time your skin elasticity levels should be optimal. This is an important factor since the procedure involves tightening to smooth out wrinkles and eliminate sagging. The elasticity will make sure you still look good after all that stretching is done. Also, the results will last for a very long time if your skin elasticity is optimal.  

Physical Condition And Weight Stability

If you are considering a facelift it is important to be near your ideal weight. This way you will make sure that the results look natural and you won’t experience drastic changes as time passes. If you gain a lot of weight the results will be impacted making it seem like the procedure didn’t do much. It is important to maintain a healthy diet if you want to keep the results as long as possible. 

History Of Scarring

If you have a history of keloid scarring, defined as severe scarring extending beyond the initial wound, this may also affect your suitability for a facelift. Individuals who are prone to kidney stones may also have more noticeable scarring following surgery, thus influencing the final appearance.

Facial Ageing Signs

We recommend our patients look into nonsurgical methods for addressing their concerns before deciding on a facelift treatment. Looking into these more intrusive solutions should be considered if the previous choices are not producing the same outcomes as they did before.  

How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Facelift Procedure?

When it comes to a facelift procedure the recovery process is as important as any other part of the treatment. In order for you to have the best results you should plan everything ahead and consider the risk factors. Depending on the complexity of the operation, each person’s unique recovery process, the kind of job or social activities they need to get back at, and the amount of time required away from work might differ from person to person.

It is very important that after the first days you take your time to recover and start to get back on your feet gradually. Some level of bruising, swelling, and a feeling of tightness around the stitches will be normal and it will go down as time passes, returning back to normal. After about two weeks you will feel more comfortable with your new look and less self-conscious. During this time you will also be able to return back to your normal activities like work. 

Recovery Process Step By Step

As we mentioned before the recovery process is different from one person to another and it will depend on several factors including the treated area, the individual’s healing process, and how your body will respond to the treatment. However, for most patients, the recovery process will include these steps:

Immediate Post-Operative Period

Rest is especially important in the initial days following surgery. You can feel soreness, bruising, and swelling near the treated area, which is very normal. You will receive instructions from your surgeon about how to take care of the surgical sites, what medicines to take to promote healing and lower the risk of infection, and when to schedule a follow-up appointment. Swelling can be lessened by applying cold compresses and elevating your head.

First Two To Three Weeks

This time frame is essential to your healing. After surgery, you should be able to move around within a day or two, but in the meantime, you should rest and avoid doing anything physically demanding that might put strain on your incisions or delay the healing process. 

It is common and expected that you will swell and bruise during this period, and you might also feel numb or stiff. It’s critical that you stick to your surgeon’s post-operative care recommendations, which include going to follow-up appointments to track your healing progress.

Returning To Normal Activities

After surgery, most patients feel well enough to go back to their jobs and social activities two to three weeks later, when the most obvious side effects start to fade. It’s important to pay attention to your body and take your time with this procedure, though. You’ll receive advice from your surgeon on when it’s safe to return to certain activities.

Long-Term Healing

The full results of the facelift procedure will show after six to nine months. Although swelling will decrease after 1 one month, your face will adjust to this new change and settle in no time. It is important that you protect your face and wounds from the sun at all times using sunscreen every two hours. Also, it is important to strictly follow your surgeon’s recommendations if you want the results to turn out great. 

Scar Maturation

It will take 12 to 18 months for the facelift incisional scars to fully develop, at which point they will progressively fade and be unrecognizable. Even while they never quite vanish, they are usually positioned in such a way they may be well-hidden by your hairline or the natural features of your face.

Will I Have Noticeable Scars After A Facelift Procedure?

At Medical Tourism in Albania, our doctors use modern suturing techniques to minimize visible scars following surgery. They carefully arrange the incision sites to follow the contours and hidden parts of your face and hairline since they understand how important it is to have discrete scars. Scars become much less noticeable because of this precise location and our precise stitching procedures, which help them to blend in more naturally with your skin.

Our expert surgeons pay a lot of attention to the scarring since they know that their appearance will greatly affect the facelift results and the patient’s satisfaction. They will do their best to make the scarring less visible and hide them so well on the hairline and in the ears. After a period of 1 year, you won’t be able to notice them since they blend so well with your skin. 

Your surgeon will go over the precise sites of the incisions and the steps used to reduce scarring during your initial appointment. This covers not just the surgical methods but also recommendations for aftercare that promote the best possible healing of the wounds. Scars may be greatly affected by proper treatment, which can eventually make them less obvious. 

It’s also important to remember that, despite our doctors’ best efforts to leave as few scars as possible, every person heals differently. Scars take time to diminish due to a variety of factors, including genetics, skin type, and how well you follow post-operative care guidelines. In order to minimize scarring, our staff will offer you thorough instructions on how to take care of your incisions and promote the healing process.

How Long Do The Results Last From A Facelift?

Those who are thinking about getting a facelift are quite interested in knowing how long the effects last, but it’s important to know that everyone’s reaction is different. The length of time your facelift results last depends on a number of factors, including how your skin looked before the procedure, how old you were when the procedure took place, and how quickly your body ages in general.

Patients who have high skin elasticity when the procedure is done will have longer-lasting facelift benefits. This is because elastic skin holds its shape and stiffness longer after surgery and responds more favorably to the tightening and repositioning done during a facelift. On the other hand, those who have significantly lost the elastic qualities in their skin may find that the signs of aging return sooner.

It’s important to remember that although a facelift can dramatically lessen age indications, the aging process still occurs. After a facelift, your appearance will remain more youthful for the rest of your life due to the almost permanent results of the treatment. Still, your face will continue to age as the years go by. In order to make the results last as long as possible keep in mind these recommendations:

• Smoking can greatly impact your skin and the way your face ages. If you smoke regularly you will experience premature aging and affect the skin’s healing ability during the recovery period. If you want to maintain the results as long as possible you should quit smoking and avoid any nicotine products. 
• When it comes to aging, the sun is one of the main factors. UV exposure causes damage to the skin making the wrinkles more prominent. It is very important to use sunscreen with UV protection over 50 and to reapply it every 2 hours if you want to maintain the results as long as possible.