Important Questions About Facial Plastic Surgery (Facelift)

Dr. Māris Krūmiņš, a plastic surgeon at the Latvian Microsurgery Center, answers the most frequently asked questions about facelifts.

When should a facelift be performed?
Over the years, the skin loses its elasticity, its tone decreases, and, due to the effects of gravity, the tissues begin to sag. The main signs indicating the need for plastic surgery are:

Sagging cheeks and a changed facial contour;
Age-related changes in the neck area;
Drooping eyebrows and upper eyelids.
If aesthetic dermatology treatments no longer produce the desired results, it is time to consider surgical intervention.

Are there any age restrictions for the surgery?
Age in and of itself is not a barrier. Surgery is performed if there are objective reasons to do so. For example, Dr. Māra Krūmiņa’s youngest patient was in her early 30s, while her oldest was over 80. However, for older patients, medical contraindications and overall health must be taken into account.

Risk Factors and Characteristics of Recovery
Dr. Krūmiņš emphasizes the negative impact of smoking on the healing process. Some doctors refuse to operate on smokers until they have completely quit smoking. In addition, any chronic disease, such as uncontrolled diabetes, can increase the risk of complications.

The recovery period depends on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s individual characteristics. The first stitches are removed after a week, and in most cases, patients can resume their daily activities after 3–4 weeks. The final results are visible after about six months.

How do I find a plastic surgeon?
Dr. Krūmiņš emphasizes the importance of a natural-looking result. His goal is not to achieve the maximum possible tightening of the facial skin, but rather a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing appearance. It’s also important to discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and preferences during the initial consultation so that the doctor can recommend the most appropriate solution.

Motivation is very important
Patients must be motivated and ready for surgery. The doctor points out that plastic surgery will not solve all of life’s problems, and self-acceptance is a key factor. In some cases, patients are referred to a psychotherapist for a consultation to ensure that their motivation is well-founded.