Cosmetic Surgery - The Facelift Explained

By James P Wilkinson

The "A" word is dreaded by all but the most grounded and mentally balanced of us and is of course something we simply cannot get away from, but is aging really all that bad when you can do something about it?

As we age, our skin loses it's elasticity through a combination of sun damage, genetic programming and many other environmental factors such as smoking (which rapidly ages skin) and weight loss.

There are some non surgical solutions that can help if damage is minimal such as chemical peels and laser treatment which help to resurface the skin. If you really want to turn back the clock though, you'll need to consider cosmetic surgery and, in particular, a facelift. Just what does this procedure involve and how can you be sure you receive only the best treatment? These are some of the questions asked by the majority of people considering going under the knife and the answer to both is simple; look for an accredited surgeon. There are 2 main associations in the UK whose members are fully qualified and experienced surgeons; BAAPS (The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) and BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons).

These Associations advise you to consult with an accredited cosmetic surgeon when thinking of undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedure who will give you all the relevant advice you need and ask you to undergo some simple health checks. You will have all risks explained to you and be asked to sign a consent form should you go ahead with the procedure.

BAPRAS describes a facelift procedure as taking place under a general anaesthetic, during which time you will have an incision made that runs through your hairline and down in front of the ears before following round and behind. This will allow the surgeon to peel away the skin from the muscles of your face and trim and tighten it, removing excess in the process.

The recovery is expected to take several weeks in full with much of the initial pain and bruising subsiding in the first few weeks. Eating may be painful at first but everything should return to normal after a few weeks and it is advisable to take a couple of weeks off work to allow for this to happen.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery make sure you search for an accredited surgeon. This will guarantee that any plastic surgery procedure you undergo such as facelift surgery runs smoothly and without incident.