Facelift Makes You Look 12 Years Younger

New Study Helps Set Expectations for Recovery and Results after Facelift Surgery, Reports Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal

Newswise — Patients who have undergone a facelift rate themselves as looking an average of 12 years younger after surgery, according to a study in the February issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

After a "significant" recovery period, the vast majority of patients undergoing facelift surgery are satisfied with their results, according to the study by Dr. Eric Swanson, a plastic surgeon in private practice in Leawood, Kansas. "These findings support the recommendation of surgical facial rejuvenation to patients who wish to look younger," Dr. Swanson writes.

For Most Patients, FaceLift Improves Appearance and Quality of LifeDr. Swanson performed a detailed analysis of the outcomes in 122 patients who had a facelift between 2002 and 2007. The patients were 82 women and 11 men, average age 57 years. The patients were interviewed an average of seven months after their operation. Most underwent other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, such as forehead lift and/or eyelid surgery, at the same time as their facelift.

The patients were highly satisfied with their results. The "average subjective reduction in apparent age" was 11.9 years, with a range of 0 to 27½ years. Ninety-seven percent of patients said the results met their expectations. Forty percent rated the results even better than expected.

Nearly 90 percent of patients said they had received positive reactions from other people regarding their new appearance, while only seven percent reported negative reactions. More than 80 percent of patients reported improved self-esteem, and 70 percent reported improved quality of life.

Just over one-third of patients reported some type of complication, although these were mainly temporary problems (for example, dry eyes). Just two percent were unhappy with their scars.

New Insights into Expected Recovery TimesDr. Swanson also asked in detail about recovery after facelift surgery. On a scale of 1 to 10, the average pain rating was 5. Pain lasted an average of ten days, with six days on prescription pain medications. Most patients felt that pain was about what they expected or less.

Recovery was fairly prolonged, with an average of 24 days off work. Patients resumed driving after about two weeks and were able to sleep comfortably again after about two-and-a-half weeks. Patients said it took about one month before they looked "presentable" in public, and two-and-a-half months before they were "back to normal."

Patient satisfaction and quality of life are key considerations in assessing the results of any type of surgical procedure. Yet few studies have evaluated these outcomes in patients undergoing facelift surgery for facial rejuvenation. "Patients often inquire as to how painful the surgery will be, the length of recovery, and when they can get back to their normal activities, including return to work," Dr. Swanson writes. "These questions merit investigation so that patients can be given reliable advice on what to expect."

The new study provides important data on the expected results and recovery time after facelift surgery. Although results vary, most patients are highly satisfied with their results, reporting a more youthful appearance, improved self-esteem, and better quality of life. The results will be useful in counseling patients on what to expect before facelift surgery. "They may plan appropriately for surgery and avoid unwelcome surprises," Dr. Swanson writes. "Well-informed patients are more likely to be satisfied."

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

About Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryFor more than 60 years, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® has been the one consistently excellent reference for every specialist who uses plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. The official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® brings subscribers up-to-the-minute reports on the latest techniques and follow-up for all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction, experimental studies, maxillofacial reconstruction, hand and microsurgery, burn repair, and cosmetic surgery, as well as news on medico-legal issues.

About ASPSThe American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 7,000 physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. About Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW) is a leading international publisher for healthcare professionals and students with nearly 300 periodicals and 1,500 books in more than 100 disciplines publishing under the LWW brand, as well as content-based sites and online corporate and customer services.

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