The effects of sun, wind, and gravity coupled with the natural aging process can alter our faces over time and result in the loss of muscle tone, creating drooping jowls, saggy upper eyelids, puffiness and/or deep creases under the eyes, a furrowed brow, deep laugh lines, and the appearance of a double chin. These unfavorable changes can rob us of our self-confidence and make us look older than we feel. Fortunately, a facelift (rhytidectomy) can “turn the clock back” and reverse these unwanted changes, making you look dramatically better, but not different. Unlike older facelift techniques, which focused on tightening the skin and resulted in a more “artificial” facial appearance, our doctors’ modern approach involves tightening the skin as well as tightening and realigning the muscles and connective tissue below the surface. The successful outcome of a facelift is a more youthful appearance which prompts friends to notice how much better you look but not to realize why. The best candidates for facelift surgery (rhytidectomy): - are physically and mentally healthy.
- do not smoke. (Smoking interferes with blood circulation to the skin and healing in heavy smokers may take longer.)
- have realistic expectations. (Although years can be erased, a sixty-year-old face cannot be turned into a twenty-year-old face.)
- wish to improve the signs of aging in the face and neck.
Facelifts are usually outpatient procedures, performed in an accredited surgery center. Your comfort is our priority and you will receive general anesthesia. Since facelift surgery is tailored to the unique needs of each individual, it can take from 2-6 hours depending upon the extent of the surgery. Your surgery will be either a traditional facelift, limited- incision facelift or a neck lift. Traditional facelift
This is the full facelift in which fatty deposits may be removed (or redistributed) from the face, jowls, and neck. Underlying muscles and connective tissue are tightened and realigned, the skin is re-draped and excess skin is removed. The incision begins at the temples, continues down to be hidden in the ear and around the earlobe to end in the lower scalp at the hairline. At times, a second incision under the chin is required to further improve an aging neck. These scars are almost undetectable. Surgery on the eyelids and brows can often be performed at the same time if desired. Limited-incision
This surgery is an alternative when less extensive correction is needed. These scars are shorter in length behind the ear. Direct Neck lift
Some patients, mostly men, are a candidate for this surgery. If you have loose skin on your neck and fat under your chin. The incision is made under the chin and extends down the neck as needed to work out excess skin. After surgery, your doctor will wrap the incisions in bandages to minimize swelling and bruising. He may put a thin tube in place to drain any excess blood or fluid that could collect under the skin. You will experience some swelling, bruising, and tightness in your face and neck, but this will diminish within 10 days to 2 weeks. You will receive post-surgical instructions on how to care for the surgical site to reduce the potential for infection and to aid in healing, including any medications to apply or take orally. Many patients are ready to return to work within 7-10 days with make-up to conceal any residual bruising. As with any surgery, there are some risks, but advances in surgical techniques and materials have led to greatly improved and lasting results as well as making plastic surgery today a relatively safe and easy procedure. Your doctor will discuss any potential risks (infection, bruising, numbness and loss of facial sensation, fluid accumulation, anesthesia risks and poor wound healing) associated with your procedure and answer any questions you may have during your consultation. |
