Facelift

A facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure to create a younger-looking face. Changes in the contours of your face can be due to a variety of factors, including aging, heredity, gravity, environmental conditions, and stress. A facelift, or rhytidectomy, can reduce sagging skin, smooth folds of skin on the cheeks and jawline, and improve deep creases along the nose.

Depending on the degree of change you would like to see, facelift choices include a traditional facelift, a limited-incision facelift, or a neck lift. When discussing your goals, you will review these options with Dr. Luong.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure, and another surgery may be necessary.

A facelift is not for everyone, and before having surgery, you should consider the following:

•A facelift is a restorative surgery that does not change your fundamental appearance or stop the aging process.

•A facelift can only be performed surgically: non-surgical rejuvenation treatments cannot achieve the same results but may help delay the time at which a facelift treatment becomes appropriate.

•A facelift is not a treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, or uneven skin color.

The Procedure

  • You will be given general anesthesia which is a combination of medications to put you in a deep sleep-like state. Medications are given via a combination of intravenous (IV) drugs and inhale gas.

  • The length of your incision will depend on the type of facelift (traditional facelift, limited incision, or neck lift). A traditional facelift incision begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear, and extends into the hair behind the ear. Shorter incisions are used for a limited incision and neck lift procedures.

  • A facelift generally involves elevating the skin and tightening the tissue and muscles. Fat in the face and neck may be sculpted, removed, or moved. Skin is redraped over the uplifted contours, and excess skin is removed. A second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an aging neck.

    A small tube may be placed. under the chin behind one ear in order to drain any excess blood or fluids. Incisions will be closed with sutures that will be removed in 7-10 days.

RECOVERY AND RESULTS

Initially, following the procedure, your incisions will be covered in bandages, and a chin strap will be placed to help support your skin and incisions as they heal. It is expected to experience some swelling, soreness, numbness, and bruising.

In the first few days after surgery, you should take pain medication as recommended by our doctor. You may use cool packs on the face to help ease the pain and reduce swelling.

The following steps can help protect your incision:

•Wear clothes that fasten in the front or have a loose neck and avoid clothes that are pulled over the head

•Follow instructions on when you can begin using shampoo and soap on the incision.

•Avoid direct sun exposure for three weeks.

As swelling and bruising subside, the visible improvements of a facelift will appear. It may take a few months for swelling to fully dissipate and for incision lines to mature. Life-long sun protection and a healthy lifestyle will help extend the results of your rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.

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