What is a facelift?
Table of Contents
Introduction
A facelift, technically know as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck.
Sagging in the midface can create a deep crease below the lower eyelid (called a tear trough) and between the nose and mouth (nasolabial fold) that may make you appear tired and sad. Fat that has fallen or is displaced and loss of muscle tone in the lower face may create jowls (a jaw line that sags into the neck). Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw can make even a person of normal weight appear to have a "double chin."
A facelift is designed to correct all of these aging features, restoring a more youthful, rested appearance with uplifted contours and improved tone in facial skin and underlying muscle. Where desired improvement can be isolated to the midfacial region and where excess skin is less a factor, a limited incision lift may be an alternative to a traditional facelift.
As a restorative surgery, a facelift does not change your fundamental appearance and cannot stop the aging process. Although you will continue to age naturally, aging will progress from the more youthful version of yourself that has been restored by a facelift. Rejuvenation procedures typically performed in conjunction with a facelift are brow lift, to correct a sagging or deeply furrowed brow, and eyelid surgery to rejuvenate aging eyes.
A facelift is best performed on adult men and women who feel that their outward facial aging no longer reflects the youth and vigor they feel physically and emotionally. Good candidates are:
- Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
- Non-smokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific, but realistic goals in mind for improvement or their appearance.
Where to begin
A consultation with Dr. Haas is the first step to learn how a facelift can improve an aging face and neck. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about facelift in a non-pressured environment, and will include:
- A discussion of your goals and an evaluation of your current signs of aging
- The options available to you for facelift and facial rejuvenation
- The likely outcomes of a facelift and the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure
- The course of treatment recommended
Dr. Haas and our experienced staff will answer your questions.
Evaluation
Overall health and personal outlook can greatly impact the outcome of a facelift. These will be carefully evaluated in consultation with Dr. Haas. The success of your procedure, safety and overall satisfaction require that you:
- Honestly share your expectations
- Fully disclose health history, current medications, the use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
- Commit to precisely following all of Dr. Haas' instructions
Safety
By making the decision to consult with Dr. Haas and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety.
Dr. Haas is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification designates surgeons who are specifically trained in plastic surgery of the face and entire body.
Your facelift
A facelift is a highly individualized procedure. Dr. Haas will evaluate your skin, muscle and bone structure and the specific conditions that contribute to your aging appearance. These factors are the most significant considerations in determining the appropriate technique or combination of procedures to best achieve your realistic goals. 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 becomes appropriate. Most patients are reassured to know that a facelift will not change their basic appearance but will restore it to a younger version or itself that will then continue to age naturally over time.
A traditional facelift restores the midface, jowls and neck, allowing excess skin to be removed. Where improvement is desired in the midface region alone and where excess skin is less a factor, limited incision techniques may be an alternative to a traditional facelift. Your goals, anatomy and Dr. Haas' surgical judgment are all factors in determining the best approach to your individual case.
Procedures that may factor into the outcome of a facelift may include facial implants or soft tissue augmentation to re-contour the facial structure, and resurfacing techniques to improve the tone and texture of facial skin. Wrinkle reduction by injection (Botox®) may be recommended prior to your procedure (to help underlying muscles fully relax before repositioning and tightening) or after (to help maintain results).
Facelift incisions often begin in the hairline at the temples, continue around the ear and end in the lower scalp. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed form the face, jowls and neck, and underlying tissue is repositioned. Skin is redraped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. A second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an aging neck. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions.
An alternative to a traditional facelift uses shorter incisions at the temples, within the lower eyelids or under the upper lip. An endoscope, or surgical telescope, may help to reposition tissues and elevate midfacial muscles. Skin resurfacing techniques may be performed in conjunction with the surgery or as a separate procedure to improve skin tone and texture.
Once healed, the incision lines from a facelift are well concealed within the hairline and in the natural contours of the face and ear. The visible improvements of a facelift appear as swelling and bruising subside. Your final result should not only restore a more youthful and rested appearance, but also helps you feel more confident about yourself.
|
Facelift
|
|
|
Facelift incisions often begin in the hairline at the temples, continue around the ear and end in the lower scalp. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed form the face, jowls and neck, and underlying tissue is repositioned. Skin is redraped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. A second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an aging neck. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions. |
|
An alternative to a traditional facelift uses shorter incisions at the temples, within the lower eyelids or under the upper lip. An endoscope, or surgical telescope, may help to reposition tissues and elevate midfacial muscles. Skin resurfacing techniques may be performed in conjunction with the surgery or as a separate procedure to improve skin tone and texture. |
|
Once healed, the incision lines from a facelift are well concealed within the hairline and in the natural contours of the face and ear. The visible improvements of a facelift appear as swelling and bruising subside. Your final result should not only restore a more youthful and rested appearance, but also helps you feel more confident about yourself. |
Preparing for surgery
Dr. Haas and our experienced staff will carefully explain the facelift procedure you will undergo. Prior to your procedure, you will be given specific instructions that may include:
- Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
- Day of surgery instructions and medications
- Specific information related to the use of anesthesia
In addition, you will be asked to sign consent forms to assure us that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.
Risks associated with a surgical facelift include infection, bleeding beneath the skin (hematoma), correctable hair loss at the incisions, facial nerve injury with weakness, facial asymmetry, skin loss with scarring, numbness and risks associated with anesthesia. These and other potential risks and complications will be fully discussed prior to your consent.
It is important that you address all your questions directly with Dr. Haas or members of our staff. It is natural to feel some anxiety, excitement for the anticipated outcome or preoperative stress. Please feel free to share your questions or concerns with us.
What to expect
A facelift may be performed in our JCAHO-accredited, office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or hospital. The decision for anesthesia will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure and considerations of patient and surgeon preference. Dr. Haas and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety.
Following surgery
Once your procedure is completed, a bandage will gently be placed around your face to minimize swelling and bruising. A thin tube may be present to drain any excess blood that may collect under the skin. Before being released, you and an accompanying family member, friend or caregiver will be given specific instructions that may include:
- How to care for the surgical site
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
- Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in overall health
- When to follow up with our office
Progress and healing
Initial healing will include swelling and may include numbness and discomfort that can be controlled with medication. Your skin may look bruised or discolored. In addition, facial movements may be temporarily restricted. These are common conditions.
You will be instructed to keep your head elevated at all times until initial swelling has subsided. You will be provided specific postoperative instructions including cleansing of your face and hair. Follow all instructions carefully; this is essential to the success of your outcome. A return to light, normal activity is usually possible within a few days of surgery.
For the most part, facelift incisions are well healed within a week. You will be ready to return to work and light, normal activity sometime between two to four weeks. Cosmetics can usually camouflage any bruising that remains.
Healing will continue for at least several more weeks as swelling resolves and incision lines continue to improve. You must practice diligent sun protection until the healing process is fully complete. Continue to follow Dr. Haas's instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.
Results and outlook
It may take several months for swelling to fully dissipate and up to 6 months for incision lines to mature. Lifelong sun protection will help to maintain your rejuvenated appearance by minimizing photo-aging or sun damage. In addition, a healthy lifestyle will also help extend the results of your rejuvenated, more youthful appearance. Most patients find that the benefits of their initial facelift results are long lasting, even as they continue to age.
