What is a full facelift? Detailed risks and benefits

Time is the greatest enemy of beauty, and no one can escape the signs of aging such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, or drooping facial contours. To address these concerns, a full facelift is considered the most effective “time-reversing” solution. This cosmetic surgery is designed to rejuvenate the entire face, from the forehead and temples to the neck, restoring a youthful, defined appearance that lasts. Let’s explore this procedure in detail below!

What is a full facelift?

A full facelift is a cosmetic surgery technique considered the most comprehensive solution to correct pronounced signs of aging on both the face and neck. It is not just about tightening the outer layer of skin; this procedure involves deep intervention to lift and reshape the underlying muscle and connective tissue system (SMAS), combined with the removal of excess skin and fat that has sagged over time.

The surgery covers areas from the temples, mid-face, and jawline to the neck, effectively smoothing deep wrinkles, improving hollow cheeks and sagging jowls, and restoring facial contours to a firmer, more youthful, and naturally sculpted appearance.

>>> See more: Liquid facelift

Risks / Benefits

A full facelift is a major cosmetic surgery that delivers noticeable rejuvenation but also carries certain risks. It is important to carefully weigh the benefits and risks before deciding to undergo the procedure. The details are as follows:

What are the benefits of a full facelift?

A full facelift is considered the optimal solution for severe aging, offering outstanding benefits such as:

• Comprehensive and noticeable rejuvenation: Restores a significantly younger appearance, often making the face look 5 to 10 years younger or more, depending on the initial level of aging.
• Long-lasting results: The effects of the surgery typically last 5 to 10 years due to deep intervention into the muscle and connective tissue layer (SMAS).
• Thorough correction of sagging: A full facelift can improve hollow cheeks, fill deep nasolabial folds, reshape the jawline, remove excess skin and fat around the jaw for a sharper, more defined contour, eliminate sagging skin and neck wrinkles, and remove a double chin.
• Natural appearance: When performed with deep-lift techniques such as the Deep Plane Facelift, the face is rejuvenated vertically while maintaining natural expressions, avoiding an overly “tightened” look.
• Boosted confidence: Restoring a youthful, radiant appearance can significantly enhance psychological well-being and self-confidence in social interactions.

What are the risks of a full facelift?

As a major surgery, a full facelift carries general surgical risks as well as specific complications, including infection, hematoma, poor scarring, and the risk of anaphylactic shock.

In some cases, more serious complications may occur, such as temporary facial nerve injury, temporary facial muscle paralysis, facial asymmetry, skin necrosis, loss of sensation, or temporary hair loss.

To minimize these risks and complications, it is essential to choose a licensed and reputable clinic with experienced, board-certified surgeons specializing in facelift procedures.

How much does a full facelift cost?

The cost of a full facelift surgery in Vietnam varies widely, depending on factors such as the surgical technique, the clinic or hospital, and the surgeon’s expertise.

Based on references from reputable clinics and hospitals, the typical price range for a full facelift procedure is 60–120 million VND. For advanced techniques or procedures performed at top-tier hospitals and aesthetic centers with modern equipment and highly experienced surgeons, the cost can reach 150 million VND or more.

How painful is a full facelift?

Full facelift surgery is a major procedure and is always performed under general anesthesia. During the operation, you will feel no pain or discomfort. However, once the anesthesia wears off, you may experience:

• Tightness and discomfort: This is the most common sensation, caused by the stretching and repositioning of the skin and underlying tissues. It is usually felt around the ears and neck.
• Mild to moderate pain: Some discomfort may occur, but severe pain is rare. Surgeons typically prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort effectively in the first few days.
• Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising are natural reactions, usually peaking on the 2nd or 3rd day after surgery and gradually subsiding within 1–2 weeks.
• Numbness or slight loss of sensation: Temporary numbness may occur due to the dissection and stretching affecting small sensory nerves. This usually improves gradually over time.

How long is recovery for a full facelift?

Recovery after a full facelift surgery occurs in multiple stages, but most patients can resume normal activities and work within 2 to 4 weeks.

The recovery speed depends on factors such as individual physiology, age, the extent of the surgery, and post-operative care. Strictly following your surgeon’s instructions, including taking prescribed medications, keeping the incision sites clean, and observing dietary or activity restrictions, is essential for a faster recovery and optimal results.

Notes after full facelift

To achieve the best results and ensure a safe, smooth recovery after a full facelift, it is essential to strictly follow these post-operative instructions:

• Do not let the incision come into direct contact with water for the first 1–2 days; always keep the wound dry and clean.
• Clean and change dressings according to your surgeon’s instructions, usually with saline solution and antiseptics such as Povidone.
• You may wash your hair early, usually from the 2nd day, but do so very gently, wash quickly, and dry immediately. Avoid rubbing strongly near the incision area.
• Apply cold compresses during the first 48–72 hours to reduce swelling and bruising. From the 4th day onward, you may switch to gentle warm compresses to dissolve bruising and improve blood circulation.
• Take antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-swelling medications exactly as prescribed by your surgeon. Do not stop or change medications on your own.
• Always keep your head elevated (30–45 degrees) with 2–3 pillows during the first few weeks to reduce swelling.
• Do not lie face down or on your side.
• Wear compression bandages (if instructed by your surgeon) continuously for the prescribed period, usually the first 1–2 weeks, to reduce swelling, prevent sagging, and stabilize tissues.
• Rest completely and avoid heavy work during the first 1–2 weeks.
• Avoid high-intensity physical activities such as running, swimming, weightlifting, or inverted yoga for at least 4–6 weeks, as these may increase blood pressure, cause bleeding, and swelling.
• Do not bend your head low, strain, or make large chewing or laughing movements during the first 2 weeks.
• Avoid makeup and cosmetics except for products specifically prescribed by your surgeon during the first 2 weeks to prevent irritation and infection of the incision.
• Protect your skin completely from sunlight (UV rays) for at least 3–6 months by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a mask, and applying sunscreen as advised by your surgeon.
• Eat soft, liquid foods such as porridge, soup, smoothies, and yogurt; supplement with vitamins from green vegetables and fruits rich in A, C, and E; consume healthy protein-rich foods.
• Avoid foods that may cause keloid scars, itching, pus, or hyperpigmentation, such as water spinach, seafood, chicken, sticky rice, beef, eggs, soy sauce, alcohol, tobacco, and coffee.
• Avoid massage, sauna, and steam baths for the first 4–6 weeks.

Aesthetic Surgery Center- Full facelift address in Vietnam

A full facelift is a complex cosmetic surgery that requires the surgeon to hold a certified Plastic Surgery license and have deep knowledge of facial anatomy. Therefore, choosing a reputable clinic for this procedure is extremely important. If you are looking for a trusted, long-established brand with skilled surgeons, Aesthetic Surgery Center cannot be overlooked. This center offers the following outstanding advantages:

• Experienced surgeons can accurately assess the degree of aging, determine the optimal incision lines (for surgical facelifts) or thread placement (for thread lifts), ensuring natural results and minimizing the risk of complications.
• Procedures are performed following international standard protocols, guaranteeing precision and safety.
• For invasive procedures like surgical facelifts, operations are conducted in sterile operating rooms to prevent infection.
• The center is equipped with modern, imported medical devices that fully support surgical procedures and non-invasive facelift treatments.
• Aesthetic Surgery Center has multiple branches and is widely recognized by clients, reflecting the brand’s established trust in the market.
• A reputable clinic always provides clear consultation regarding expected results, duration of effectiveness, and post-procedure warranty and support policies.

From the information shared about full facelift, it is clear that this procedure is technically complex but delivers high and long-lasting results, helping many women regain a youthful and beautiful appearance. However, it is essential to choose a reputable aesthetic center for this service. Trust Aesthetic Surgery Center, and we will help you elevate your beauty as you desire.