Facelift

Incisions placed around the ear in natural creases are made to allow the skin and underlying tissue to be repositioned to a more youthful contour. While a Facelift cannot stop the aging process, it can often make a person appear to be a decade younger. The Facelift Surgery is the fifth-most common of cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the United States.

A variety of techniques are used selectively depending on the patients needs. The most common methods involve freeing a portion of the facial skin, repositioning the underlying fat and then removing excess skin. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned around the neck and chin to provide definition, and the muscles of the neck are often tightened to a smoother, more youthful appearance. Some patients may be treated with less invasive techniques, such as minimal incision endocsopic techniques or with short scar variations.

A Facelift Surgery takes an average of two to three hours depending upon the complexity of the procedure and may take longer if additional surgeries, such as eyelid surgery or brow lifts are done simultaneously.

Swelling and bruising occur but are usually gone in a few weeks. Patients generally feel a numbing sensation and skin tightness that should return to normal within weeks. To avoid tension and scarring, patients should slowly return to their normal activities.

Recovery takes two to three weeks, and most patients can resume normal activities in two weeks.

Complications are relatively infrequent. The most common problem is bleeding, which most often can be treated in the office, but sometimes requires additional surgery. Small wound problems, such as delayed healing or open wounds, may generally be managed by local wound care. Rarely, significant skin loss can develop, particularly in patients with a history of tobacco use. Injury to the facial nerve, resulting in facial muscle weakness, is occasionally encountered. This is almost always temporary and resolves within weeks to months. Infection, anesthetic complications and drug allergies may occur as in any surgery.

Patients will enjoy a more youthful appearance as the Facelift counters the sagging effects of aging.

Patients can expect swelling and bruising post-surgery. Depending on your particular surgery, you may be advised to rest for a few days at home. Some less invasive techniques may allow patients to return to normal activity within a few days, but many patients will wish to remain mainly at home for the first week. Elevation of the head is recommended to promote less swelling. Patients generally return to work in two weeks and gradually resume athletic activity three weeks after surgery.

A Facelift improves the appearance of wrinkles but does not eliminate them. Chemical or laser resurfacing after the surgery helps to smooth wrinkles and lines. Facial fillers such as Restylane® or facial implants may also be used to address some areas.

Minimal to moderate pain and discomfort are associated with a Facelift. A feeling of tightness after the facelift surgery is normal.

The duration of benefit varies depending on the patient’s tissue characteristics and surgical methods, but patients generally will obtain 6-10 years of improvement.

Non-surgical facial procedures are alternatives to the traditional Facelift . Alternatives might include minimally invasive lifts performed with barbed thread, various lasers or radio frequency treatments. Chemical and laser peels can also be used to treat signs of aging.

A Facelift usually takes two to three hours to perform.

It is important to avoid any medication which might affect bleeding. Medications such as Advil®, aspirin, Motrin® and similar pain relievers interfere with platelet function and should be discontinued at least 10 days prior to surgery. Many over-the-counter drugs, supplements and vitamins can affect bleeding. You should tell your doctor about any such medications or dietary supplements. Smoking and nicotine patches must be discontinued. You should discuss how many weeks your surgeon requires you to be tobacco free (generally at least 2-4 weeks). Dr. Gray may instruct you to not eat or drink after midnight the day before surgery. Follow all of your doctor’s instructions.