Whether you have been contemplating a facelift for a lot of years or only recently started investigating possibilities, you likely already know that there is a lot of available information when it comes to the procedure. From the Internet to television, media is abound with an overwhelming amount of information, but it is not always easy to see the facts about what to expect.  Here are a few of the most common questions patients have about having a facelift and the real facts you can count on.

Are muscles actually tightened or is excess skin removed?

The easy answer to this question is both tasks are undertaken during a facelift. If only excess skin is removed, the underlying muscle tissue would only continue to cause sagging and wrinkles by stretching the remaining skin in place. On the other hand, if only muscles are tightened, it would be likely results of facelift would be concealed under droopy layers of skin.

Will all of the wrinkles be eliminated?

The plastic surgeon you work with will help you to get a good idea of the results you can expect to see after your facelift as far as wrinkles are concerned. In many cases, you will see a dramatic reduction in wrinkle appearance. You should not expect every crease and line to be eliminated, as some lineage and wrinkles are naturally present even with youthful skin.

Why are there incisions placed around the ears during surgery?

There are natural folds around the ears where the skin is slightly pressed together to create a crease. These folds make the perfect place for incisions because there is little danger of facial movement putting stress on the area. Furthermore, this area is easily concealed and away from the face and will heal much quicker than the typical dermal incision.

Is it likely that a facelift will eliminate a double chin?

It is a common misconception that a double chin is caused by aging, droopy skin. However, there are usually fat stores that build up in the area causing the chin to appear doubled. Therefore, it is a good idea to talk to your surgeon about liposuction under the chin during your facelift to achieve optimal results.

When you know all of the facts behind the facelift procedure, you will feel much more confident about having it done. Make sure you talk openly with your doctor about any questions you have during your initial consultation before the procedure is scheduled to take place.