We asked a Karidis patient about her facelift journey, through decision making to recovery and beyond. See why a facelift at 50 years old maybe the right decision for some
A facelift procedure, formerly known as rhytidectomy, can improve the most visible signs of ageing by eliminating excess fat, tightening and elevating the muscles beneath the skin of the face and remove or reposition sagging skin. Results depend on quality and condition of skin but a well-performed facelift should revive the face without distorting or changing one’s facial features.
It is common for a facelift to be performed in conjunction with blepharoplasty, a brow lift, or a neck lift to balance and complement the newly rejuvenated face.
With several weeks of downtime and up to six to nine months before full results are seen, a facelift is a big procedure to embark on. That’s why we produced this video and Q&A of one of our Karidis patients sharing the more personal details about decision making, recovery and beyond, to help you decide if a facelift procedure is right for you.
For any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Karidis clinic for professional advice and guidance.
Facelift Q&A with Karidis facelift patient
At 14 weeks post-surgery, what are you thoughts when you look back at your surgical journey and experience?
I actually haven’t looked back only forwards, every day I have seen positive changes which has done wonders for my confidence. People generally have been really positive and the encouragement I have had (even from those who I think may have doubted my motivation to do this) has been unbelievably strong and unfailing. Inside I feel grateful for having had the opportunity to be able to go through with facial surgery and I also feel an incredible strength in myself and what I have achieved. It’s quite liberating doing something like this entirely for yourself- a feeling I didn’t think I would gain from surgery.
How are you feeling in yourself today and now?
I am very well. I have returned to my gym routine, although I no longer run as I understand this can be detrimental to the ageing process. I am eating healthily and have become more focused on yoga and becoming stronger physically as well as mentally.
What have you learnt from your experience that you would like to share with others who are just starting their journey?
Once you have made up your mind and you are sure you have all the information you need, don’t hesitate, just do it! There will always be a reason not to. Being an Operations Director there is never a good time to take a break for me, I was hiring and inducting right up until the last minute. My daughter was due to give birth soon after my operation and I had even booked a holiday booked that I later had to postpone when I realised it would be too early into my recovery, but really there was no harm done.
After the operation I have found the numbness in my face strange, so I’d recommend a Hydrafacial about 6 weeks afterwards as it made me feel great. The massage can feel quite odd because of the unusual sensations but do persevere as the next day I felt amazing, reminding me I must book another!
I made countless notes about how I felt during the procedure which really supported my recovery. Use it similar to how you would a diary as I think its important to off load, look back or even share with others. I would happily impart to anyone interested as I think that it is really vital in making the experience as positive and enjoyable as you can for yourself. Someone else who has been through it is able to understand what a huge decision it is and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
How much has a facelift changed you?
The facelift has not changed me at all, it has just teased out all that was always there but which, along the way, became a bit battered and tended to stay hidden but now ventures out with silent pride.
To find out more about Hydrafacials at our London clinic, call us on 020 3811 5982 for a friendly chat.