Combination operations
In order to achieve an ideal result for the patient, it may be necessary to perform a so-called combination surgery. In the course of the actual facelift, an additional tightening of the upper and/or lower eyelids (lat. Blepharoplasty) is therefore often performed. Furthermore, the facelift can be performed in combination with liposuction of the neck and/or chemical peelings.
What are the consequences of a surgical facelift?
After an operative facelift, a feeling of tension and swelling in the area of the skin is typical. After the operation, bruises appear in the area of the cheeks and under the chin. Because of the tensed skin, many patients describe a numbness in the face.
The swelling is reduced after two days and after about three weeks the bruises and swelling disappear completely. Rarely does the face lift result in nerve damage, which supplies the facial skin and muscles. If this is the case, the damage is usually repaired by the body itself after weeks or months.
Permanent nerve damage during a facelift is very rare. After the facelift it is important to rest for a week and not to take a shower. Furthermore, no make-up should be used.
The healing time after the operation varies and depends on the individual predisposition and the extent of the operation. The final result of the facelift can only be seen after a few months. Outpatient follow-up care is necessary after the operation.
If infections or a more ready scarring occur, this can be treated by a doctor. After the facelift, a professional, cosmetic aftercare of the skin is recommended to promote the healing process. A targeted massage (lymph drainage) helps to remove lymph congestion in the face. In the first four weeks after the facelift, cigarettes and blood-thinning medication (e.g. acetylsalicylic acid ASS) should be avoided in order to avoid wound healing disorders and secondary bleeding. Sunlight should also be avoided and, if this is not possible, sufficient sun protection should be applied.
