Our Summary

This research paper conducted a systematic review of previous studies on facelift surgeries to understand how often early relapse (when the effects of a facelift don’t last as long as expected) occurs. The researchers found that early relapse was not frequently reported or evaluated in these studies. Only 4.4% of the papers they looked at reported on early relapse, and the rate of relapse in these papers ranged from 0.2% to 50%.

The researchers believe that in order to improve facelift surgeries and reduce the rate of early relapse, there needs to be a consensus on what exactly constitutes early relapse, and how to diagnose it. This would then inform further research on how to prevent early relapse. The researchers conclude that acknowledging the actual prevalence of early relapse is key to making progress in this area.

FAQs

  1. What is early relapse in the context of facelift surgeries?
  2. What percentage of the studies reviewed in the research reported on early relapse?
  3. How do the researchers suggest the rate of early relapse in facelift surgeries can be reduced?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about facelift surgery is to carefully follow post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This can include avoiding strenuous activities, not smoking, and properly caring for the incision sites to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. It is also important for patients to attend follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and address any concerns they may have. By following these guidelines, patients can increase the likelihood of achieving long-lasting results from their facelift surgery.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for facelift surgery are those who are experiencing signs of aging in the face such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, loss of volume, and jowls. These patients may be in their 40s or older and are looking to rejuvenate their appearance and achieve a more youthful look.

Additionally, patients who have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery, are in good overall health, do not smoke, and have a stable weight are also good candidates for facelift surgery. It is important for patients to have a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure and to discuss their goals and expectations.

Timeline

Before a facelift:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals, expectations, and potential risks of the surgery.
  2. Pre-operative assessments and tests to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery.
  3. Patient may be required to stop smoking and avoid certain medications in the weeks leading up to the surgery.
  4. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and typically lasts around 2-4 hours.
  5. Recovery period of 1-2 weeks, with swelling, bruising, and discomfort being common during this time.

After a facelift:

  1. Follow-up appointments with the plastic surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  2. Swelling and bruising gradually subside over the following weeks.
  3. Results of the facelift become more noticeable as swelling goes down, with final results typically visible within 3-6 months.
  4. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and sun exposure during the initial recovery period.
  5. Long-term maintenance with proper skincare, sun protection, and healthy lifestyle habits to prolong the results of the facelift.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about facelift surgery include:

  1. What is the likelihood of early relapse occurring after my facelift surgery?
  2. How do you define and diagnose early relapse in facelift patients?
  3. What measures do you take during surgery to minimize the risk of early relapse?
  4. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should follow to reduce the chances of early relapse?
  5. What are the signs and symptoms of early relapse that I should be aware of?
  6. How often will I need to follow up with you after my facelift surgery to monitor for early relapse?
  7. Are there any lifestyle factors or habits that can increase the risk of early relapse after a facelift?
  8. What treatment options are available if early relapse does occur?
  9. Can you provide me with any before-and-after photos of previous patients who have undergone facelift surgery to demonstrate the results and potential longevity of the procedure?
  10. What is your experience and success rate in preventing and managing early relapse in facelift patients?

Reference

Authors: Kucukguven A, Galandarova A, Bitik O. Journal: Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2023 Feb;47(1):144-155. doi: 10.1007/s00266-022-02894-8. Epub 2022 May 9. PMID: 35534779