Facelift Surgery

CONSIDERING FACELIFT SURGERY

See Before and After Photos

Aging is inevitable and along with it comes visible signs! As we age our skin loses its elasticity and begins to sag, muscles and soft tissues weaken - causing jowls, smile lines and deep creases to form - as well as fatty deposits. These changes become evident along the jaw line - between the nose and mouth - under the chin - and in the neck. These changes are caused by "too much sun exposure", "effects of gravity", "daily life stressors", and "hereditary tendencies". It doesn't matter - it happens to all of us! Our faces - after time - lose "definition" and we begin to look and feel older. Today - more and more of our patients are choosing "facelift" procedures to "turn back the clock" a bit. With our years of combined skill, expertise, experience and today's refined "state-of-the-art" techniques - our patients are living proof of the wonderful results we regularly achieve using this safe - commonly performed procedure.

Are you a candidate for facelift surgery?
With today's procedures and exceptional outcomes - facelifts are performed on patients ranging in age from the late 30's - age 70 and older - who are in good health. These patients have visible "signs of aging" such as jowls, deep folds, excess skin and fat. You may relate to these and feel like your "skin is too large for your face - or that your face is "headed south." Facelift addresses these issues by lifting, tightening, smoothing, reducing and refining. The younger you are - the more subtle the changes will be - the procedure is usually shorter and simpler and often longer lasting. No matter what your age or concerns we can customize a procedure that is right for you.

Your initial facelift surgery visit or consultation.
During this visit we will discuss and evaluate your concerns at length, get a complete medical history, determine what would be "realistic goals and expectations" for you and then discuss the procedure that will be used to correct your problem and give you a desirable outcome.

Preparing for facelift surgery.
You will be given complete Pre-surgery instructions and it is important for you to follow these carefully and precisely. This will include what medications, vitamins and herbs are o.k. to take and what you should not take; diet, use of alcohol and smoking. You need to know that use of alcohol and smoking can cause complications and slow healing. Have a responsible adult drive you and stay with you. You will need to arrange for this in advance as you will not be able to drive yourself home and will need someone to stay with you overnight.

FACELIFT SURGERY OVERVIEW

Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty) Surgery .
The procedure generally takes about 4 ½ hours (each situation is different). Anesthesia is administered through IV (intravenous) which produces "twilight sleep - along with local facial numbing.

Facelift procedure.
The incision usually begins in the temple area (above the hairline) and continues around and behind each ear - following the natural lines in front of and behind the ears. For women, this "hides" the scar in the scalp and natural creases of the ear. This incision is somewhat modified for men to avoid unnatural beard growth patterns or visible scarring. Through the incision, your surgeon will separate the underlying connective tissue and muscle, trim/suction fat, tighten muscle - lift and reposition/re-drape the skin. Excess skin will be removed and the incisions closed with tiny sutures and clips as needed. You will be bandaged with a "padded head bandage" that will be removed within 24-48 hours.

Where is facelift surgery performed?.
Our facelift patients have surgery in the Hawthorne Surgical Center.

Faclift surgery recovery.
You will remain in the recovery area for about 2 hours - or until we deem you ready to be released. During this time one of our nurses will stay with and monitor your needs - to be sure you are well cared for and comfortable. Pain is normal - but is usually minimal. Pain medication will be given to you as needed. Sometimes vomiting may occur - you will be given medication to relieve this also. Swelling, bruising, tightness and numbness are all normal following this surgery. These all go away gradually each day.

Getting back to normal after facelift surgery.
We anticipate you will be up and about in a day or two! You will need to take it easy for a week or two and avoid strenuous activity for about 6 weeks. You will be able to return to normal activity, including going back to work, in 3 weeks. Swelling and tightness of the neck will make it difficult to open your mouth fully for about 5-7 days - so plan on liquids the first 3-4 days and then progress to soft foods. Use a soft, child size toothbrush also. Complete healing and return of normal circulation and nerve function takes time, no matter what procedure is done. Allow your self "healing time" and assist your body by getting plenty of rest and a nutritious diet. Facial swelling is usually the worst during the first 2-3 days - but gets better over the next 7-10 days. The "uncomfortable tightness" under the chin and around the upper neck is the result of tissues that have been shifted. This lasts from 10 days to three weeks. Also during the first 1-3 weeks - there may be some numbness of the lower ears and cheeks. Again, time is the great healer - this too goes away. While circulation and nerve function are returning to normal - you will be more susceptible to burns due to loss of temperature sensation. So be sure to watch water temperatures while bathing/showering and avoid sun exposure or use high factor sunscreens. When you begin exercising again, mild facial swelling may occur - don't be alarmed as this is a temporary condition which subsides in a few weeks. During your getting back to normal period, camouflage makeup is a good solution to hide swelling and bruising while it fades away. Be sure to ask us about this.

None of us can escape or stop the age related processes or "ravages" of time - we can however reduce those signs and "turn back the clock" to restore a more vital, vibrant "youthful" appearance. We're here to help you achieve your goals and give you outstanding results too!