A face lift (technically known as rhytidectomy) can’t stop this aging process. What it can do is “set back the clock,” improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and redraping the skin of your face and neck. A face lift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping.

A face lift can make you look younger and fresher, and it may enhance your self-confidence in the process. But it can’t give you a totally different look, nor can it restore the health and vitality of your youth.

Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples, extend in a natural line in front of the ear (or just inside the cartilage at the front of the ear), and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. If the neck needs work, a small incision may also be made under the chin.

In general, the surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle below. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve the contour. The surgeon then tightens the underlying muscle and membrane, pulls the skin back, and removes the excess. Stitches secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions; metal clips may be used on the scalp.

Some surgeons prefer a general anesthesia, in which case, you’ll sleep through the operation.

• Professional fees of face lift only: US$3,800
• Professional fees for complete face lift including eyelid surgery: US$4,200
• One night’s stay in Hospital CIMA: US$2,500 – 2,700
• One night’s stay in Clinica Metropolitana US$1,800 – 2,000
• Total cost of face lift including eyelid surgery: Between US$6,000 – US$6,900

These are the basic costs of a face lift, every patient is different and occasionally there may be some minor additional costs.

Your doctor may tell you to keep your head elevated and as still as possible for a couple of days after surgery, to keep the swelling down.

If you’ve had a drainage tube inserted, it will be removed one or two days after surgery. Bandages, when used, are usually removed after one to five days. Don’t be surprised at the pale, bruised, and puffy face you see. Just keep in mind that in a few weeks you’ll be looking normal.

Most of your stitches will be removed after about five days. Your scalp may take longer to heal, and the stitches or metal clips in your hairline could be left in a few days longer.

Your doctor may tell you to keep your head elevated and as still as possible for a couple of days after surgery, to keep the swelling down.

If you’ve had a drainage tube inserted, it will be removed one or two days after surgery. Bandages, when used, are usually removed after one to five days. Don’t be surprised at the pale, bruised, and puffy face you see. Just keep in mind that in a few weeks you’ll be looking normal.

Most of your stitches will be removed after about five days. Your scalp may take longer to heal, and the stitches or metal clips in your hairline could be left in a few days longer.

Men may find they have to shave in new places-behind the neck and ears-where areas of beard-growing skin have been repositioned.

You’ll have some scars from your face lift, but they’re usually hidden by your hair or in the natural creases of your face and ears. In any case, they’ll fade with time and should be scarcely visible.

Having a face lift doesn’t stop the clock. Your face will continue to age with time, and you may want to repeat the procedure one or more times-perhaps five or ten years down the line. But in another sense, the effects of even one face lift are lasting; years later, you’ll continue to look better than if you’d never had a face lift at all.

• Number of days in hospital after a face lift? 1 day.
• Number of appointments for revision included? 3 appointments.
• Days recommended for recovery in Costa Rica after the surgery? 14 days.

One of the big positives of having your face lift done privately in Costa Rica is that only the people you want to know – know that you’re having surgery.

Your fellow workers, your boss, your friends and your neighbours won’t know a thing unless you tell them.

It’s important to note that all surgeries have some risks however, when performed by a competent, experienced surgeon, complications are infrequent and minor. But how do you know who’s competent and who’s not?

In her article Cosmetic Surgery in Costa Rica – Nancy Riley gives “highest rating possible!” Nancy says that: “I would give Dr. Oscar Suarez and his team the highest rating possible for my procedure.”

Roberta Felix of Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica wrote that: “I have had other procedures with other plastic surgeries in Costa Rica and I would never use anyone else, anywhere in the world, but Dr. Oscar Suarez for any cosmetic procedure!”

If you have ever dreamed of having a face lift to take off a few years, a tummy tuck or having some liposuction done to perhaps trim down those “love handles” but have always had some niggling doubts – even though you might save some serious cash – now is your chance to …

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.