Understanding a Facelift Surgery

Aging of the face is inevitable. As the years go by, the skin begins to loosen on the face and neck. Crow’s feet appear at the corner of the eyes. Fine forehead lines become creases and then, gradually, deeper folds. The jawline softens into jowls, and beneath the chin, another chin or vertical folds appear at the front of the neck. Heredity, personal habits, the pull of gravity, and sun exposure contribute to the aging of the face. As the aging population grows, it is obvious why rhytidectomy has become the third most desired facial plastic surgical procedure.

 

Dr. Dale Smith begins the incision in the area of the temple hair, just above and in front of the ear, and then continues around the lobe, circling the ear before returning to the point of origin in the scalp. The skin is raised outward before the surgeon repositions and tightens the underlying muscle and connective tissue. Some fat may be removed, as well as excess skin. For men, the incision is aligned to accommodate the natural beard lines. In all cases the incision is placed where it will fall in a natural crease of the skin for camouflage. After trimming the excess skin, the surgeon closes the incisions with fine sutures and/or metal clips, which permit surgery without shaving hair from the incision site. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the process can take from two to four hours. Following the surgery, your surgeon will apply a dressing to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made.

 

Is a Facelift (Rhytidectomy) for you?

As with all facial cosmetic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. Understanding the limitations of rhytidectomy is crucial and psychological stability is vital. Skin type, ethnic background, degree of skin elasticity, individual healing, basic bone structure, as well as a realistic attitude are factors that should be discussed prior to surgery. This procedure is sometimes performed to patients in their thirties, and successful surgery has been performed on patients in their eighties. A facelift cannot stop aging, nor can it turn back the clock. What it can do is help your face look its best and give you a look of health and a more youthful appearance. A side benefit is that many of our patients experience a boost in self-confidence.

 

Making the decision for a Facelift

During your consultation, Dr. Dale Smith will examine the structure of your face, skin texture, color, and elasticity. Photographs will be taken so the surgeon can study your face. Individual risks will also be examined, especially those related to medical situations such as high blood pressure, a tendency to scar, weight, smoking, and any deficiency in blood clotting. Your surgeon will take a thorough medical history, as well as assess the patient’s mental and emotional attitudes toward the surgery. Because a realistic attitude is crucial to the success of the surgery, the surgical procedure and realistic expectations will be discussed.

 

Before deciding on a facelift, your surgeon may recommend additional changes in the chin and neck areas. Many patients decide to have liposuction on the face or neck to remove excess fatty deposits in conjunction with a facelift. If several flaws need correction, more than one procedure may be necessary for best results.

 

After the decision to proceed with a rhytidectomy is made jointly by you and your surgeon, the surgeon and his staff will describe the technique indicated, pros and cons to include possible complications, and the cost of the procedure.

Insurance does not cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Cosmetic surgery fees are the responsibility of the patient, and the total amount of the surgery must be paid in full two weeks prior to the date of your surgery.

 

What to expect after the surgery?

Even though most patients experience very little pain after surgery, your surgeon will still prescribe medication. Some degree of swelling and bruising is unavoidable, and your surgeon may instruct you to use cold compresses to keep swelling to a minimum. If a dressing has been applied, it will be removed within one or two days. The surgeon will also instruct you to keep your head elevated when lying down, to avoid as much activity as possible, and to report any undue discomfort. Though there are few risks in facelift surgery, some risk exists in any surgery.

 

In some cases, a drainage tube may have been inserted during surgery. This will be removed on the first or second day after surgery. All sutures and staples are usually removed within five to ten days following surgery. Patients should arrange for post-surgery support from family and friends.

 

Recovery usually takes two to three weeks, though many patients go back to work in two weeks. Scars are usually not noticeable after enough time has passed for them to mature. In any case, they are naturally disguised in natural skin creases, by the hair, or, in persistent cases, by makeup until total healing has occurred. Bear in mind that the aging process continues after surgery and that some relaxation of tissues will occur over the first few weeks.

 

Facelift surgery makes it possible to correct many facial flaws and signs of premature aging that can undermine self-confidence. By changing the way you look, facelift surgery can change how you feel about yourself.