FACELIFT

Facelift is a procedure performed in order to reverse the effects of age, gravity, exposure to the sun, and daily stress by removing excess fat, tightening facial muscles, and readjusting the facial skin. A facelift is also an excellent procedure for those with excess skin hanging from the neck or jowls. A facelift may be done in combination with other facial procedures such as a forehead lift (brow lift), eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or a nose job (rhinoplasty).

Facelift is a highly individualized procedure that your surgeon will tailor to your unique bone structure, skin texture, and underlying muscle tone. Facelifts do not improve skin texture, although they can be done in conjunction with procedures that do improve texture, such as laser or chemical skin peels.

The Procedure
Facelift surgery usually takes several hours to complete. For extensive and/or multiple procedures, your doctor may schedule two separate sessions. Some surgeons complete one side of the face at a time, some do all at once, and others will determine the sequence of events based upon your facial structure and the surgeon's own technique.

Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temple, continue behind the ear, and terminate behind the earlobe in the lower scalp area. The skin is then separated from the underlying fat. This fat is trimmed or suctioned away selectively in order to improve the contours of the face. The doctor then tightens the facial muscles and pulls the skin back. Some excess skin may also be removed. Stitches are used to close the incisions, and metal staples may be used to reattach the skin to the scalp.

Post - Op
Following surgery, a small tube is often placed underneath the skin in order to facilitate drainage of blood that often collects behind the ears. The tube is removed after a couple of days. Your head may also be wrapped and dressed to prevent bruising and swelling. Pain medication is available for those who desire it. Numbness of the face is a common complaint. This sensation will disappear within a few weeks.

Sex, running, and other vigorous activity should be avoided for at least two weeks. Alcohol, steam baths and saunas should be avoided for at least two months. Facial features can remain somewhat swollen for several months after surgery and will gradually return to normal.