 The traditional facelift (rhytidectomy) addresses the signs of aging that emerge in the neck and middle third to lower region of the face. These more pronounced signs of aging occur as the underlying muscles and tissue in the face and neck weaken. Skin sags and excess fat accumulates in the lower face and neck forming laugh-lines and jowls. The facelift smoothes and tightens the skin of the lower face and neck and reduces jowls.
Facelifts performed on patients as early as the mid 40s can significantly slow the aging process in the lower region of the face. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with an endoscopic brow lift or mid-face lift depending on your facial rejuvenation needs.
Before Surgery
- Avoid taking any medicines containing aspirin or ibuprofen during the two weeks before and after surgery.
- Be certain you do not have a cold or sunburn the day of surgery.
- Eat a balanced nutrient-rich diet before and after surgery. A healthy diet will help speed recovery.
- Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery, unless instructed differently by our anesthesia provider.
- Do not wear make-up or contact lenses to surgery.
- Arrange to have someone take you home after surgery and stay with you that evening and, if possible, help you around the house for a few days while you recover.
The Procedure
A facelift typically takes four or more hours depending on the extent of the procedure. The procedure is performed in our state accredited surgery center on an outpatient basis. Patients are given general anesthesia during this procedure.
- The incision line is hidden in the scalp. It starts at the temples and continues around and behind each ear (incisions are made without clipping or shaving hair at the incision site).
- After making the incision, the surgeon raises the skin from the temples, cheeks, and neck.
- Then, he/she lifts and repositions the underlying connective tissue and removes excess fat and skin.
- Finally, the surgeon redrapes the skin over the new underlying structure and closes the incisions with stitches and small metal clips.
- Drainage tubes are inserted and bandages are applied.
- If this procedure is performed in conjunction with a neck lift, a small incision is made underneath the chin. The neck muscles are drawn together and stitched together at the middling forming a strong sling of muscles that supports the entire neck and jaw.
After Surgery
After the procedure, patients may experience some numbness, bruising, swelling or discomfort at the incision sight. This is normal and will pass with time. Incision site pain is usually minimal, and can be controlled with medication, if necessary. Keep your head elevated while sleeping for a couple of days after surgery.
The next day bandages and drainage tubes are usually removed. The skin on your face and underneath the hairline will be tender during the first few days, so be careful not to pull your hair. You should be up and about the next day, but should continue to take it easy and avoid vigorous activity for at least two weeks.
Stitches are removed after about five days-except for the stitches and metal clips in the hairline, which may be left in a few days longer. Because you have undergone invasive surgery, you'll probably have less energy for the first two weeks, but by the third week, you'll look and feel much better.
Recovery
Most patients are back at work within 2-3 weeks after surgery. It is important to get plenty of rest and allow your body to heal. Although patients are ready to return to work, they should plan to limit rigorous activity for several weeks. Prolonged heat and sun exposure should be limited for several months. Minor swelling and bruising can be concealed with special camouflage make-up.
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Before and After Photos of Facelift
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