A nip and tuck, more commonly referred to as a facelift, is actually a proven, effective cosmetic surgery procedure known formally as a rhytidectomy. Although cosmetic surgeons offer a number of procedures to make you look and feel your best, facelifts are still the procedure of choice for many people who wish to enjoy the benefits of a firmer, more youthful, wrinkle-free face and neck.
It’s not really certain where the nickname, nip & tuck came from.
During a nip & tuck, your cosmetic surgeon removes the sagging and drooping skin and adipose tissue that can make you look older than you feel. This allows the surgeon to tighten your muscles and skin to reveal the natural, youthful contours of your underlying bone structure. Necessary incisions are strategically located at natural creases in your skin or along your hairline, where they are not noticeable after you have healed from your surgery.
Although the idea of a procedure that could turn back the clock and make a person look years younger seemed impossible only a few generations ago, today facelifts have become popular choices for people of both sexes. In fact, in America alone, 120,000 people had a facelift in 2012. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the main reason these patients cited for choosing a facelift was a desire to achieve a more attractive and youthful appearance.
Another study published by the AMA showed that people who have facelifts achieve these goals, concluding that facelifts are an effective way to take years off a person’s appearance. This is not only true for younger patients; the JAMA reports that older patients were even more satisfied with the results of their surgery than their younger peers.
If you are considering a nip n’ tuck, here are some things you should know.
- Many patients go home after surgery. However, some people stay the night at the hospital, so pack an overnight bag just in case.
- Expect to go home with bandages on your face. These bandages typically come off a day or two after surgery, and your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to remove your stitches in a week or so.
- You may be given medication for pain relief following surgery. Applying cold compresses and keeping your head elevated may also help.
- Swelling and even bruising are normal after a nip and tuck. Also, don’t be surprised if your face feels stiff for a few days.
- As with any cosmetic surgery, your results are heavily dependent upon the skill and experience of your cosmetic surgeon.
