As we age, time and sun damage our skin, leading to a series of signs that give us the appearance of being tired or even angry.  Deep creases form between the nose and mouth; the jaw line grows slack and jowly; folds and fat deposits appear around the neck.

All these signs may be dramatically improved by a procedure know as rhytidectomy or face lift. This operation removes excess fat, tightening muscles, and removing excess skin of your face and neck. A facelift can be done alone, or with other procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping.

The procedure may take place in a Hospital or a private surgical clinic where your surgery will be done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia plus a sedative to keep you sleeping.  It is very likely that you will stay overnight before being released to finish your recovery at the Hotel.

During the first few days there will be bruising and swelling. This is normal and will increase during a few days. It will then start reducing noticeably after this period.

No pain is usually associated to this procedure but you will feel tightness especially around the incision area. You may also experience numbness on the areas around your ears. This will last a few months.

Your surgeon will prescribe medication for pain, swelling or antibiotics according to their personal protocol to assure that you will be safe and confortable.

You will need to be in Costa Rica for around 9 or 10 days before all your stitches are removed and it is safe to fly.

At Costagenics you will receive professional medical counseling regarding your surgery, surgeon, and anything you need to make your surgical journey the safest and most pleasant possible.

Improves sagging facial skin, a slack jaw, and loose neck skin by removing excess fat, tightening muscles, and redraping skin. Most patients who desire a facelift are men and women over 40 years old, seeking to remove the most visible signs of aging.

Length
Several hours.

Side Effects
Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness and tenderness of skin. Tight feeling and dry skin. Men will permanently have to shave behind ears, due to the repositioning of beard-growing skin.

Recovery
Back to work: 10 to 14 days.
Avoiding strenuous activity: 2 weeks or more.
Bruising: 2 to 3 weeks.
Facelift patients should avoid alcohol, steam baths and saunas for several months. Must limit exposure to sun for several months as well.

Risks
Infection, bleeding. Poor healing and excessive scarring. Asymmetry or change in hairline. Injury to facial nerves (usually temporary but may be permanent).

Results
Usually lasts 5 to 10 years.

Technology
(Placement of the incisions and the sequence of events depend on a patient’s facial structure and the surgeon’s technique) Generally, incisions begin above the hairline at the temples, extending in a natural line in front of the ear, and continues behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. The surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle below, trimming or suctioning fat from around the neck to improve the contour. He or she then tightens the underlying muscle and membrane, pulling the skin back, and then removes the excess.

Patient Status
Patients require a short inpatient stay, one night in our facility.

Anesthesia
Local with Sedation