A facelift is considered to be a major operative procedure. Like any extensive surgical procedure, operative incisions and complicated surgical stitching is required. Contrary to popular belief and despite some newspaper and magazine articles, this is not as simple as having your hair set or a facial. Also, contrary to some non-medical reports, it is not possible to remove all the folds and eliminate all the wrinkles of the face, regardless of the treatment applied. You must accept your cosmetic surgeon's judgment and realize that he will only remove the skin of the face that can be done safely and suitable for you particular facial contour. The facelift procedure can improve wrinkled skin, but skin type and patient age are important factors in the final result.
A facelift can do more than improve the appearance of facial skin. It can also be a tremendous boost to a person's self-esteem. While there is no "right" age to undergo rhytidectomy, your cosmetic surgeon will evaluate the condition of your skin and may discuss alternate or additional treatments with you. In combination with a facelift, other procedures may be performed including: eyelid lift surgery; forehead lift; facial implants; chemical peel; laser resurfacing; Botox Cosmetic®; lip enhancement; chin augmentation; nose reshaping or liposuction/ body contouring surgery.
It is important for all patients considering a facelift to have realistic expectations. People commonly ask, "How long will it last?" This is impossible to state, as there are many factors involved-the amount of skin removed; lifestyle (diet, exercise, smoking, etc); age and condition of the patient; skin type, as well as its condition and texture; amount of previous sun and wind exposure as well as healing ability. Skin aging continues after this operation, even though the excess skin and wrinkles have been removed. On rare occasions, a minor secondary procedure may be advisable. The operation does not stop the aging process but should set the "hands of the clock back" 7-10 years.
A facelift may be performed in our office or outpatient surgical center setting, under general or IV Sedation ("twilight sleep"). The operation is performed on an outpatient basis and the patient returns home following the procedure. Within the first week you may experience minimal discomfort, but most patients can and should resume normal activities. Be sure to follow your cosmetic surgeon's advice to ensure a satisfactory outcome.
How is a Facelift Performed?
The surgeon begins the incision in the area of the temple hair, just above and in front of the ear, and then continues around the lobe, circling the ear before returning to the point of origin in the scalp. The skin is raised outward before the surgeon repositions and tightens the underlying muscle and connective tissue. Some fat may be removed, as well as excess skin. For men, the incision is aligned to accommodate the natural beard lines. In all cases, the incision is placed where it will fall in a natural crease of the skin for camouflage.
After trimming the excess skin, the surgeon closes the incisions with fine sutures and/or metal clips, which permit surgery without shaving hair from the incision site. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the process can take from two to four hours. When the procedure is performed with a combination of mild sedatives, local anesthesia, and a mild intravenous anesthesia, the patient will experience little discomfort. Some surgeons prefer to use general anesthesia for facelifts. Following the surgery, the surgeon will apply a dressing to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made.
After the Procedure
Immediately after surgery, bandages are placed about the head and face for 24 hours. A scarf may be worn to cover stitches until they are removed. Keep bandages and incisions dry until sutures are removed. Ask your physician when you can bathe or shower.
Patients can expect some swelling of the face and eyelids and some discoloration is common with any type of facial surgery. This is most notable on the second and third days and diminishes in approximately 12-14 days. This also depends on your type of skin, age and healing ability.
Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication. Take all medication exactly as ordered. The patient is encouraged to report to the surgeon any significant pain not readily relieved with pain pills or if minor bleeding, redness or other drainage is noted around the incisions. It is not uncommon to feel some post-operative depression after major surgery.
Make-up may be applied over the skin of the face up to the edge of the surgical scars approximately seven to 14 days following surgery. No hair coloring or stripping should be performed until your cosmetic surgeon gives permission. Other hair styling procedures may be carried out approximately two weeks following surgery. Do not allow anyone to pull on your hair or roughly massage the scalp. A hair dryer, if used, should be set at low heat or cool. This is important if any numbness, especially around the ears or temples, is noted. Do not wear earrings until sensation has returned to your earlobes.
Social activities may be temporarily limited. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks.
Post-surgical questions should be directed to your doctor. It is unwise for you to accept advice from individuals unfamiliar with your specific operation. Call your surgeon if any medical problems arise.
Risks of Facelift Surgery
There are risks in every surgical procedure and these will be thoroughly discussed with you prior to surgery. This procedure will result in some scarring. Your doctor will make every reasonable effort to make these scars as inconspicuous as possible. Some blood may accumulate under the skin. Your surgeon can remove this. A minor crust may appear on the incisions; however, this is a temporary problem. Slight numbness may be noted around the ears, cheeks, and incision areas. This, also, should be temporary. Infection and areas of skin or hair loss are possible, but uncommon. Nerve damage is a rare occurrence. Today, there are new innovations and techniques that help to make the final results safer, longer lasting and appear more natural.
Take the next step: request a FREE Facial Enhancement Consultation now and see if Face/Neck Lift is right for you! Call us at 216.227.FACE. You can visit the Western Reserve Center for Orofacial and Cosmetic Surgery at our convenient locations in Canton and Cleveland, Ohio or complete the form and one of our representatives will call you within 24 hours!
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