The facelift, one of the most popular forms of cosmetic procedures in the world, has earned its reputation as one of the defining methods to remove wrinkles and provide an overall youthful appearance to the one undergoing the procedure. However, despite its popularity, many are still reluctant to undergo the procedure due to its surgical nature. However, is a facelift classified as a major surgery? In short, yes, but the full answer is more nuanced. Let’s explore what a major surgery is and how exactly a facelift fits into that definition.
What Defines Major Surgery?
Major surgery is defined as any procedure that penetrates or exposes a body cavity and has the potential to cause permanent anatomical changes. It is typified by the use of anesthesia, longer recovery times, and a significant impact on the human body. A facelift, which involves the use of surgical incisions to pull back the skin and induce a long-lasting change in appearance, is technically classified as a major surgery.
However, a facelift should be considered in contrast to other major surgeries. Consider an appendectomy, which involves deep incisions into the body to remove the appendix. This procedure presents a serious risk of harm, takes hours, and is followed by months of recovery time. In contrast, facelifts require a few hours, significantly less risk of life-threatening harm, and significantly shorter recovery time to get back to daily life.
What Happens During a Facelift?
In a traditional SMAS facelift, your surgeon will make carefully planned incisions, usually around the hairline and behind the ears, to access the underlying facial muscles and tissues. They will lift, reposition, and tighten these layers to create a smoother, more youthful contour. This is where a skilled surgeon truly shines, as experience in knowing the proper way to plan and contour the skin can significantly reduce surgical complications, meaning quicker recovery and more natural-looking results for the one undergoing the procedure. Excess skin is then trimmed away, and the incisions are closed with sutures.
Deep plane facelifts are slightly more complex than SMAS facelifts but are done to provide longer-lasting, more natural results. Deep plane facelifts go deeper into the layers of skin, allowing the surgeon to reposition both the SMAS layer and outer skin together, allowing for a more comprehensive contour. Additionally, as less skin is mobilized, there is less damage to the blood supply, allowing for better healing. However, due to the need for deeper incisions, deep plane facelifts carry more risk than the traditional SMAS procedure.
Preparation: A Key Indicator of Major Surgery
While facelifts are generally safer than most other major surgeries, patients still need to prepare for facelift surgery. Your surgeon will likely advise you to stop smoking, avoid certain medications, and maintain a healthy lifestyle in the weeks leading up to surgery. You’ll need to undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure you’re a suitable candidate.
Additionally, as a cosmetic procedure, it is often necessary to align expectations with what is possible. Pre-surgery consultations help patients and their surgeons align their ideals so that the result is appealing to both parties.
Recovery: What to Expect After a Facelift
Recovery is one of the telltale signs of a surgery’s “major” status. Here’s what you can expect during facelift recovery:
- Initial Recovery: After surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising, and tightness that can last several weeks. Most patients require at least 1-2 weeks of downtime before resuming normal activities. While this is faster than most other major surgeries, it should nevertheless be considered when planning.
- Follow-Up Care: Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove sutures will need to be scheduled. Proper wound care, avoiding strenuous activities, and adhering to recovery guidelines are essential during the first few weeks.
- Long-Term Recovery: Complete healing can take several months, with subtle improvements continuing for up to a year. Swelling subsides gradually, and the final results become more apparent over time. This extended recovery timeline is another factor that classifies a facelift as major surgery.
Why Patients Choose a Facelift Despite Its Major Status
The major reason why patients continue to go for facelifts is simply that the results speak for themselves! A well-done facelift offers significant improvements in sagging, wrinkles, and facial definition and often contributes to better emotional and psychological outcomes as a result. Patients often experience increased confidence as a result of their new, youthful appearance. What’s more is that facelifts are long-lasting, with results visible for 10 or more years after the procedure.
Is a Mini Facelift a Major Surgery?
The mini facelift is quickly becoming a popular procedure for its lower risk and shorter recovery time compared to traditional facelifts. A mini facelift is actually very similar to a traditional facelift but with a much smaller scope, focusing primarily on the jawline and lower face. As a result, mini facelifts are less invasive. However, as incisions and anesthesia are required, a mini facelift is still classified as a major surgery, albeit one with fewer risks.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Major Surgery
While facelifts may seem like an innocuous procedure, their need for incisions and anesthesia classifies them as a major surgery, along with the long recovery time that entails. Despite its classification, the procedure is safe and effective when performed by an experienced surgeon. When undergoing a major surgery, you want to know that you will be in good hands. This is why board-certified, experienced surgeons are so important. Dr. Manish Shah, with over 4,000 facelifts and neck lifts performed, is among one of the best plastic surgeons in America.
If you are considering a facelift, Dr. Shah is the best choice. For more information, please contact us today.
