The ideal candidate for facelift is at a body weight that is normal or slightly under that which is normal for their height. They also have strong facial bony features (chin, cheekbones, etc.). The best patients are non- smokers and they do not have a long history of sun exposure or skin cancers. Patients who smoke, are obese, and who do not have prominent facial bones may receive some benefit from facelift procedures but they will not have the quality of outcome seen in the ideal patient. The Plastic Surgeon should discuss the expectations with regard to possible outcome in some detail. Patients with unrealistic expectations are not good candidates for cosmetic surgery, including facelift. Although a successful facelift can temporarily set the clock back, no cosmetic procedure can permanently forestall all the effects of aging. .

Below is an overview of what you might expect during the pre-operative consultation, the procedure itself, and the post-operative recovery. As with any discussion of specific plastic surgical procedures, this overview serves as a general guide and specific details and approaches will vary according to your situation and should be discussed carefully and thoroughly with your surgeon. The initial consultation is the most important step in your consideration of surgery. It is your chance to ask questions and evaluate the qualifications and personality of your surgeon. On the other hand, it is the surgeons chance to evaluate your goals and expectations. You should leave with your questions answered and feeling confident of your surgeonís abilities and manner before proceeding with any plans for surgery.

Your surgeon will want to know why you are considering the operation. Is it because you want to look rejuvinated? Are you having changes in your vision? Are you having major life changes such as divorce, job change, or spouses death? Your surgeon will also want to know about your general health, medications, and any specific problems such as dryness of the eyes, changes in vision, eye pain, or other eye related symptoms. Remember...ask questions now!

For the upper lids, the surgeon makes the incision right in the upper lid skin crease above your eyelashes, so it is very well hidden. Excess skin is removed. Then the excess fat is removed as needed. The incision is sewn together with very small suture and usually heals quickly with a very good scar.

The same occurs for the lower lids. Here the surgeon can make an incision either right under the eyelashes. Again, fat is removed as needed.

Potential complications of blepharoplasty are a poor scar (rare), asymmetries in the lid appearance, bleeding, and infection. More serious problems are unusual but do occur such as dry eyes, a drooping of the lower eyelid, and even blindness. Remember, blepharoplasty is an effective rejuvenating procedure with high satisfaction rates among patients. But it is surgery, and the only minor surgery is surgery being done on someone else. Consider the benefits AND the risks before undergoing any surgical procedure.

Sutures will be removed in a few days .