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Face Lift Forehead/Brow Lift Eyelid Surgery Lipostructure
Laser Skin Resurfacing Nasal Aesthetic Surgery Facial Liposuction Otoplasty (ear)
Facial Augmentation Hair Replacement Dermabrasion Lip Augmentation Scar Revision Surgical Procedures
Face LiftAs you age, certain changes occur in the tissues of the face contributing to a tired look. Sun exposure and heredity influence the aging process. The skin loses elasticity, fat collects in certain areas (jowls and under the chin), and muscle tone decreases. These changes prevent you from reflecting your inner persona of youth and well-being. The goal of face lifting is to provide a more youthful and rested appearance for the patient. The face lift operation improves sags, bulges, and deep folds of the face whereas more superficial wrinkles are treated best with laser skin resurfacing. The face lift operation is meant to turn back the clock of aging but it will not stop it. Many patients comment that they look ten years younger after surgery.
My goal is to reposition the sagging tissues to give a more natural youthful appearance instead of a stretched over-operated look. A recent breakthrough in face lift surgery has been the introduction of endoscopic facial surgery and may be beneficial in selected patients. It involves the use of small, lighted scopes to guide the surgery. If this is appropriate, I will discuss this technique with you. Most face-lifting procedures involve liposuction of the face for better facial contouring as well as supporting the sagging muscles of the face to improve the appearance of jowling. The actual time necessary to perform face lifting is between three and four hours, depending on the extent of surgery.
Several questions regarding face lift procedures which are frequently asked include:
What can I expect from the results of my face lift?
As mentioned, the face lift usually turns back the clock in terms of appearance. The changes that occur are permanent in that the tissues removed during the surgery are gone forever. You will always look better than if you had never undergone the procedure. The remaining tissues left behind, however continue to go through the aging process. The changes that occur in these tissues can be treated with a facial tuck-up in the future if this is appropriate.How long will it take for me to be presentable in public?
Most patients return to work or social activities in one to two weeks after their surgery. This may require makeup to cover the bruising if it still exists. Our aesthetician will provide you with a make-up program customized to your individual needs. A change in hairstyle can be beneficial during this period for two reasons. First, it can help camouflage the incisions as well as direct attention away from scrutinizing friends and neighbors. Remember all bruising and swelling eventually goes away and that 80% of the swelling is gone after two weeks, with another 10% disappearing over the next two to three months.Where will my scars be after the surgery?
The goal of facial plastic surgery is to create desired changes in appearance without obvious scars. The incisions are well concealed in the natural skin folds around the ear as well as in the hair-bearing scalp and when healed are usually not observable by the lay person. I will discuss the placement of incisions with you during the consultation because there are several options available.When can I return to exercise and strenuous activity?
Most patients can return to exercise in two weeks after their surgery. We recommend that you return gradually to your workout schedule.Is there much pain associated with a face lift?
Discomfort associated with this procedure is usually minimal. Most procedures are performed under conscious sedation (twilight anesthesia) in our licensed, state of the art facility. Local anesthesia provides additional comfort during the procedure. Oral medication is usually provided to relieve post-operative discomfort. You can expect some tightness in the neck and jaw region, which will diminish as swelling diminishes. Some numbness can be expected which resolves with time.Will I lose any hair from the surgery?
I do not shave any of the hair during the surgery. Instead the hair is placed in small ponytails and great care is taken to preserve all of the hair. The placement of incisions with respect to your hairline will be discussed during the consultation.How long will my sutures remain in?
Delicate sutures and clips used for the surgery are removed in one week. Most of the sutures will dissolve with the treatments during the first week. Two small sutures just below the ear lobes will be removed two weeks after your surgery.Is there anything I can do as a patient to help?
Several simple rules will help you get through the early postoperative period. First, follow the postoperative instructions to the letter. Do not try to improvise on them. Second, it is common for several days after your surgery to become depressed. This is due in large part to the medications you received to provide you comfort during your procedure as well as the disappointment of seeing the swelling and bruising. No matter how much you prepare for the surgery mentally there is always some sort of letdown. It is best to busy yourself whichever way you can to keep a good outlook. Finally, get plenty of rest and provide yourself with a good nutritious diet. Pamper yourself. This is a time for you to catch up on rest and relaxation. You owe it to yourself.What are the risks?
There is risk associated with any surgical procedure but these are usually minimal in facial plastic surgery. Rare complications such as bleeding, infection, scarring, nerve injury and asymmetry will be discussed during your consultation as well as ways to avoid them.
