Face Lift
Considering a Facelift?
As people age, the skin of their face and the volume in the cheeks change significantly. Whether it is the effects of gravity, sun exposure or weight loss the development of folds, skin creases and wrinkles progresses and is inevitable. A Facelift is a procedure designed to turn back the appearance of the aging process in the lower face. This can be performed at the same time as other procedures such as eyelid surgery, fat transfers, or forehead/browlift to rejuvenate the face.
Who is a candidate for a Facelift?
The best candidate for a facelift is a man or woman who has loose, sagging skin in their lower face but there boney structure is still well defined. Patients range from their early 40's to their 80's. Think carefully about your goals and expectations before deciding on any cosmetic procedure.
What happens at the consultation?
This is the time you get to become comfortable with Dr. Stiller. You should express your desires and expectations from the surgical procedures. Dr. Stiller will evaluate your medical health and explain the surgical techniques available to you. Your questions will be answered as thoroughly as possible. An examination of your trouble area will be performed. Dr. Stiller will go over the risks and potential complications of the procedure, as well as, the pre-operative and post-operative process.
Risks?
All surgeries carry some risks. Complications are infrequent and usually minor. Listed below are a few of the risks or potential complications.
- Bleeding- as with any surgery there is a risk of bleeding. This may form a collection called a hematoma and may require drainage. It is important to discuss any history of excessive bleeding or family history of bleeding.
- Infection- infection is relatively uncommon. Antibiotics will be given to you during the surgery and usually will be taken after the surgery.
- Scars- the scars from a facelift extend from your hairline and around the ears. We try to keep the scars as hidden as possible.
- Asymmetry- there may be some asymmetry in areas.
- Pigmentation change of skin
- Irregular contour
- Swelling
- Nerve injury(usually temporary)
- Hair loss(usually temporary)- in the areas of incisions
- Numbness or sensation changes of the skin
- Some patients will require additional surgery
What do I need to do before my surgery?
During your consultation an explanation of the pre-operative and post-operative plan will be reviewed. A list of medications and herbal supplements that should be stopped two weeks before the operation will be provided to you. A few days before surgery, one of our staff will notify you what time you are expected to arrive for your surgery and will go over last minute details. At that time, you will be given an opportunity to ask any further questions. Continuation of a healthy diet and exercise is very important before the surgery. Smoking must be stopped at least 2 weeks before surgery.
What do I do on the day of the operation?
No eating or drinking for 8 hours before your surgery. You should wear loose fitting clothing and sneakers. Do not wear sandals or slippers. You will meet with our nurse to prepare you for surgery. Dr. Stiller will discuss the procedure with you again and do pre-operative planning. You will meet with our anesthesia provider to discuss anesthesia. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
What kind of anesthesia will be performed?
A Facelift can be performed with local, deep sedation or general anesthesia.
The Surgery.
All facelift usually takes several hours. The incisions usually begin in the temples, extend along the ear in the natural crease, and continue behind the ear lobe to the lower scalp. If the neck needs additional work, a incision may be place under the jaw. The facelift procedure usual involves separating the skin from the muscle, tightening the muscle, and then removing the excess skin. After the procedure, dressings will be applied and you will be placed in post-operative garments.
What should I expect post-operatively?
After surgery, you will most likely have some drainage from your incisions. Discomfort should be controlled with oral pain medications prescribed by Dr. Stiller. If there is excessive pain or swelling you should contact your Dr. Stiller immediately. You will need to keep your head elevated for a couple of weeks to minimize the swelling. You will likely feel tired and sore for a few days following the Facelift. Bruising and swelling may take a few weeks to resolve. You face may feel abnormal, even distorted, for the first couple of weeks.
When can I get back to normal?
We will want you to get up and walk immediately after the surgery and continue this for the next few weeks. You will begin to feel better in a couple of weeks. You will need to be in compression garments for a few weeks after the procedure. Healing is a gradual process that needs time. You should refrain from strenuous activity for one month. You will need to avoid alcohol, steam baths, and saunas for several months following a facelift. Depending on your job, you can go back to work as soon as you feel comfortable. Resumption of physical activity will be determined by Dr. Stiller in your post-operative follow up exams usually 4 weeks.
Your Results.
Your results will take a few weeks to be realized. As long as you realize this, the chances are excellent that you will be very happy with the results. After all the bruising and swelling comes down, your skin may be dry. Dr. Stiller can recommend a post-facelift skin regimen to improve the texture of your skin. The scars from the facelift will take time to fade.
A Facelift does not stop the clock, your face will continue to age with time. You may want to repeat the procedure in five to ten years.
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Patient Testimonials
Dear Dr. Stiller,
Thank you so much for your beautiful work and care. You and your personnel did such a good job through the process, making me feel so comfortable with my decision.
-TW-