A Facelift (technically known as Rhytidectomy) cannot stop the aging process, but it will be able to "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 Facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a Forehead lift, Brow lift, Eyelid surgery, or Rhinoplasty. The objective is to improve the appearance of the aging face. Our Surgeons use the most advanced and most effective methods of treatment available, and have more than 30 years of cumulative surgical experience.
The best candidate for a Facelift is a man or woman whose face and neck have begun to sag, but whose skin still has some elasticity and whose bone structure is strong and well defined. A Facelift can make you look younger and fresher, and it may enhance your self- confidence in the process.
The Consultation
Facelifts are very individualized procedures. During your initial consultation, the Surgeon will evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying bone, and discuss your goals for the surgery. The Surgeon will check for medical conditions that could cause problems during or after surgery, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, or the tendency to form excessive scars. Make sure to tell the Surgeon if you smoke or take any drugs or medications.
Our Surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly. If you smoke, it is especially important to stop at least a week or two before surgery, since smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin, and can interfere with the healing of your incision areas.
The Surgery
A facelift usually takes several hours, or somewhat longer if you are having more than one procedure done. For extensive procedures, the Surgeon may schedule two separate sessions.
An incision is made in an area of the face where the scar will be minimally noticeable. The exact placement of incisions and the sequence of events depend on your facial structure and the performing Surgeon's technique. 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, and metal clips may be used on the scalp.
Following surgery, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin behind your ear to drain any blood that might collect there. The Surgeon may also wrap your head loosely in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling.
After the Surgery
Most likely, you will not suffer any significant discomfort after surgery. If you should, it can be lessened with the pain medication prescribed by the Surgeon. Some numbness of the skin is quite normal, and it will disappear in a few weeks. The 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 have 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. 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.
You should be up and about in a day or two, but plan on taking it easy for the first week after surgery. Be especially gentle with your face and hair, since your skin will be both tender and numb. Most patients are recommended to avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks (mild exercise is fine). You should avoid alcohol, steam baths, and saunas for several months, and get plenty of rest and allow your body to spend its energy on healing.
The New Me
Some bruising may persist for two or three weeks, and you may tire easily. By the third week, you will look and feel much better. Most patients are back at work about ten days after surgery. Should you need it, special camouflage makeup can mask most bruising that remains.
The chances are excellent that you will be happy with your New Image. You will have some scars from your Facelift, but they're usually hidden by your hair or in the natural creases of your face and ears. In any case, they will fade within time and should be scarcely visible. After surgery, you will present a fresher, more youthful face to the world. |
