Facelift

A face lift, or Rhytidectomy, is the most comprehensive procedure to restore a more youthful look to the face. The surgery addresses the lower two thirds of the face, removing lax facial skin, repositioning and reducing underlying excess fat deposits, and tightening underlying muscles and deeper tissues, resulting in a more rested, youthful look. Facelifts of today vs. yesteryear are more effective, natural-looking, and longer lasting than ever before and patients can look as much as 10 to 15 years younger afterwards. Facelifts can be performed in conjunction with other procedures such as a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, dermal fillers and/or skin treatments.

The Procedure

Typically, a facelift is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation and may take up to four hours or longer depending on the additional procedures performed. In a traditional face lift, incisions start above the hairline, extend down in front of the ear and circle back within the hairline. After the skin is raised from the face, a layer of tissue called the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) is exposed, repositioned and/or tightened, the excess skin is removed and the incisions closed with very fine sutures. Small tubes may be placed under the skin behind the ear to drain any blood that may have collected during surgery and the head may be bandaged to minimize bruising and swelling. Some surgeons recommend an overnight hospital stay.

A mid-face lift can reshape the face significantly with quicker recovery. Small incisions are made in the hairline above the ear and sometimes in side the mouth. Fat along the cheeks is pulled back, the tissue is tightened, and the incisions closed with very fine sutures. This procedure is designed to elevate the descending tissue of the cheek and below the lower eyelid.

A neck lift specifically addresses the neck and eliminates hanging neck skin, muscular bands, and excess fat that mask smooth defined neck and jaw contours. In most cases, incisions are confined to behind the ears or under the surface of the chin. Liposuction may be used as well to remove excess fat and tighten the skin.

Post Surgery

Expect some bruising, swelling and the feeling of tightness that will probably look and feel strange to you. Stitches will be removed or be absorbed on their own within seven to 10 days and the bruising and swelling will subside significantly within the same time. If you’ve lost sensation in treated areas, don’t be alarmed as the feeling should return to normal as your nerves begin to regenerate. Pain medication will be prescribed to alleviate discomfort.

The recovery process differs for everyone, but within a day of your face lift, you should be up and moving around. Bathing following surgery is allowed as long as dressings remain dry and the head elevated at all times for two weeks. Small ice packs help reduce swelling and discomfort and camouflage makeup can be used even though you should plan on being out of work and off usual activities for at least 10 days. After 10 days, patients can gradually return to normal activities such as lifting, exercise and sex avoiding high impact activities for one month. Steer clear of saunas for a few months as the steam can affect healing. Avoiding stress to your scars allows time for your facial tissue to heal and recover.

In most cases, permanent scars will be well hidden by your hair and will become less evident over time. Your face will continue to improve over the next several months.