What is a Facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck. The loss of youthful contours in the face can be due to a variety of factors, including thinning of the skin, loss of facial fat, gravity, sun damage, smoking, heredity and stress.
What can a Facelift fix?
● Relaxation of the skin of the face causing sagging ● Deepening of the fold lines between the nose and corner of the mouth ● Fat that has fallen or has disappeared ● Jowls developing in the cheeks and jaw ● Loose skin and excess fat of the neck that can appear as a double chin or “turkey neck”
How is a Facelift performed?
Depending on the degree of change you’d like to see, your facelift choices include a traditional facelift or a limited incision facelift. A traditional facelift incision often begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear and ends in the lower scalp. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls and neck and underlying tissue is repositioned, commonly the deeper layers of the face and the muscles are also lifted. Skin is redraped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. A second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an aging neck. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions. An alternative to a traditional facelift uses shorter incisions at the temples, continuing around the ear. “Mini-lifts” are usually reserved for patients with less skin relaxation, as the results are less rejuvenating than a full facelift.
What can I expect after surgery?
Following completion of a facelift, a bandage will be placed around your face and neck to minimize swelling and bruising. Small tubes may be present to draw off any excess blood or fluid. You can expect to return to work and resume normal activities after 10 days, although direct sunlight and facial treatments should be avoided for 4-6 weeks following facelift surgery. All forms of exercise should also be avoided for at least one month after surgery.
