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Treatments > Facelift Surgery
FACELIFT SURGERY
It is amazing how much our appearance can affect our outlook on life and sometimes even how life sees us. As time marches on we can find ourselves looking tired, haggard, and worn out. A Facelift can "set back the clock" by tightening up sagging skin and eliminating unwanted creases and jowls. In short, a Facelift can change the way you look thereby changing not only how you see the world but how the world sees you. And while a Facelift can't stop you from aging, it can bring some youth back to your face. Results typically last 5 to 10 years.
| Treatment For |
Sagging facial and neck skin |
| Expected Result |
Smoother, tighter skin; more youthful appearance |
| Treatment Time |
4 or more hours |
| Recovery |
Can return to work in about 10 days |
| For Best Result |
Follow physician instructions and minimize sun exposure |
How Do Facelifts Work?
Facelifts utilize incisions made in the hairline at the temple, either in or near the ear, and underneath the chin. Muscles are tightened and repositioned; skin is pulled up and back; and excess skin is removed, rejuvenating one's face and neck. The incisions will be sutured and noticeable initially, but will be difficult to see after the healing process is finished. A Facelift can make you look younger and more alert, healthier and full of more energy. While Facelift Surgery can't stop the aging process — this depends on life style and genetics — it can remove lines, creases and sags caused by years gone by.
What Do Facelifts Treat?
Wondering if you are a good candidate for a Facelift? A Facelift can be an excellent solution if you are looking to eliminate or minimize
- Nasolabial folds — the deep lines that run from the side of the nostrils to the corner of the mouth
- Jowls or loose skin along the jaw line
- Sagging or deeply wrinkled cheeks
- Loose skin and wrinkles at the neck
Facelifts can also be used very successfully with other rejuvenating procedures such as eyelid surgery and peels to create even more dramatic and youthful results.
What Are Facelift Surgeries Like?
Your Facelift treatment will actually begin with a consultation where we can better understand your expectations and make sure that the changes you want can be accomplished with a Facelift. You may also be given a skin regimen to follow in the days before your surgery (and afterwards as well).
Actual durations of the Facelift Surgery vary on an individual basis. Generally speaking, if the surgery takes less than four hours you will be able to return to your home the same day. If the surgery takes longer than four hours, you will stay an extra day in the hospital.
After the surgery, dressings are applied to the incisions and the head is wrapped loosely in bandages to protect the incisions, minimize swelling and bruising, and facilitate the healing process. Bandages will come off in about a week.
Does It Hurt and What Can Go Wrong?
Discomfort or pain is minimized during surgery with anesthetics, and controlled after surgery with prescribed pain medication. While all elective surgeries come with some type of risk, Facelifts performed by accredited and experienced plastic surgeons have few complications. Risks include infection, nerve damage, and wounds healing improperly, but these are uncommon. Follow your physician's instructions to lessen your risk of infection and to encourage a safe healing process.
After your surgery you may have a drainage tube near your incisions to remove any post-operative oozing. It is common to have some numbness in your face, but this is temporary and sensation will come back in the weeks following your procedure.
What should I expect from Facelift Surgery?
Facelifts focus on loose skin and sagging in the face and neck area. Facelifts can greatly rejuvenate your appearance by getting rid of sagging jowls and excess skin or wrinkles in the cheeks and neck. The effect is a younger, more energized and youthful appearance. Facelifts do not correct conditions such as sagging eyebrows or lids, skin color or spots, or wrinkles around the mouth. However, Facelifts can be used in conjunction with other therapies such as eyelid surgery and peels to further improve your appearance.
After surgery patients have drain tubes and bandages to facilitate the healing process. These are typically removed within a week, if not within a few days after surgery. You may notice uneven swelling or discoloration once the bandages have been removed — this is normal and will subside after a few days. Swelling and puffiness peak 72 hours after surgery and begin to subside after that. Depending on the extensiveness of the surgery some bruising and swelling may last a couple of weeks. Visible incision scars will remain pink for several months after surgery but will become less visible with time. It may take three months before you begin to see the final results of your Facelift.
Avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks after surgery. Straining, bending and lifting should be avoided during the early post-operative stage (normally the first few days after surgery). To further facilitate the healing process avoid sun exposure, cigarettes, alcohol, saunas and steam baths for several weeks. You will slow down the aging process by always wearing a strong sun screen and not smoking.
For more information about Facelift Surgery, we encourage you to call to schedule an in-office consultation.
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Facelift Surgery at a Glance