Our Services
Face Lift Surgery
An Introduction
A facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to smooth and firm the skin, providing a fresh, youthful facial appearance.
Throughout people's lives, exposure to the sun, stress, gravity and other factors cause the skin to sag and hang more loosely. Areas of the face and neck, particularly around the jaw line, are especially prone to the aging process.
Though these changes are gradual, wrinkles and other signs of aging can make people feel older than they really are.
Reasons for considering a facelift surgery
Facelift patients are usually age 40 or older, but the procedure can be performed any time signs of aging begin to appear. Though the reasons are personal and varied, many people consider facelift to correct any combination of the following conditions:
- Sagging skin, muscles, and fat in the face and neck
- Excess skin and fat on the neck
- Sagging jaw line
- Crease lines along the nose, mouth, and chin
For many patients, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, or other facial plastic surgery procedures can complement their facelift results.
General Procedure
A surgical facelift involves the contraction and realignment of facial and neck skin, and in some instances the removal of excess fat deposits. The standard facelift procedure commonly involves making small incisions just inside the hairline, following the contour in front of the ear, and continuing under the earlobe to the backside of the ear and to the lower scalp.
Tissue and fat deposits are separated, the skin is stretched and tightened, and any excess skin is removed. If the neck line requires attention, an additional incision is made under the chin and the same procedure is again followed. Minuscule stitches are used to close the incisions and to reduce any chance of scarring.
A facelift may take several hours or longer depending on whether other cosmetic procedures are completed at the same time. Sometimes other procedures may be performed in separate appointments. There are several different facelift techniques that can be employed.
Tissue and fat deposits are separated, the skin is stretched and tightened, and any excess skin is removed. If the neck line requires attention, an additional incision is made under the chin and the same procedure is again followed. Minuscule stitches are used to close the incisions and to reduce any chance of scarring.
A facelift may take several hours or longer depending on whether other cosmetic procedures are completed at the same time. Sometimes other procedures may be performed in separate appointments. There are several different facelift techniques that can be employed.
Recovery
Immediately after a surgical facelift, the face is fitted with chin strap in order to decrease the recovery time and to reduce swelling. Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing and recovery process. The stitches are normally removed within a week.Patients sometimes report some minor pain associated with facelift surgery. Any discomfort can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions we give to you after the procedure.
