Facelift

When the date for your face lift has arrived, you should plan on the surgery taking several hours or more depending on which procedures you are having performed. There is no set procedure for how a face lift is performed, as each individual’s face is different and may have different requirements. However, many plastic surgeons will determine the best placement for incisions used to remove fat deposits and to tighten skin and muscle tissues is in the scalp. Incisions are often placed in the scalp so that they will be less visible, and if work is done on the neck area, the incision is usually placed under the chin.

The skin and muscle tissues will often be separated so that fat deposits can be removed to improve the overall shape of the face. The muscle and skin tissues will be tightened and any excess skin removed. Finally, the skin is pulled back into position and pinned in place. All procedures are performed with anesthesia to minimize any discomfort or pain.

Facelift Before and After Photos

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As people age, effects of gravity, sun damage, and the stresses of daily life can be seen in their faces. Deep creases form between the nose and mouth, the jaw line becomes jowly and folds and fat deposits appear around the neck. One should know that the face lift can’t stop the aging process. It can only ‘set back the clock,’ improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat. This is done by tightening underlying muscles and re-draping the skin of your face and neck. A face lift is a very individualized procedure in which your goals should be realistically determined and discussed with your plastic surgeon. Together you will determine what specific procedures will be performed. A face lift can also be done along with other procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery or nose reshaping.

A face lift can help such individuals restore youthful vibrance and energy to the face. The effects of time are virtually undone to restore an individual’s face and to remove many of the effects of time and aging. Dr. Perry Jr. accomplishes such effects by working with wrinkles, tightening the skin, removing fat deposits, and by tightening the underlying muscles of the face. This not only helps to restore the physical appearance of the patient, but also restores self-confidence and respect to the patient.

Suitable candidate for a face lift:

• A man or a woman whose face and neck have began to sag but whose skin still has some elasticity.
• Bone structure is strong and well defined.
• Most patients are in their forties to sixties. But a face lift can be done successfully on people in their seventies or eighties as well.
• A face lift can make you look younger and fresher and may enhance your self confidence in the process. But it can’t give you a totally different look, nor can it restore the vitality of your youth.

Risks involved:

• When a facelift is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, the complications and risks involved are minor. By following the doctors advice closely you can reduce your risks.
• Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles which are anesthesia.
• Smokers are usually affected by poor healing.

Planning your surgery:

The surgeon will evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying bone structure. The surgeon will check for medical problems such as high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, or the tendency to form excessive scars. If you do smoke, you will be asked to stop smoking for few weeks before and after the surgery as it inhibits blood flow to skin and healing process. You will be asked to stop taking aspirin as it effects clotting. If your hair is short, you can let it grow long before surgery, so that it is long enough to hide the scars while they heal.

A face lift is usually done on an out patient basis, but some surgeons may hospitalize the patient for a day when using general anesthesia. Most face lifts are performed under local anesthesia combined with conscious sedation.

Surgery:

A face lift usually takes several hours. Every surgeon performs the procedure in his or her own way. Some complete one side of the face at a time and other move back and forth between the sides. The incisions are started above the hair line at the temples, extend in the natural line in front of the ear, and continue behind the ear lobe to the lower scalp. A small incision is made under the chin, if the neck needs work. The surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle below. Fat is either trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve contour. Then the underlying muscle and membrane is tightened and the skin is pulled back and excess skin removed. Stitches secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions. Metal clips may be used on the scalp. After the surgery a drain tube may be placed under the skin behind the ear to drain any blood that might collect in the area. The head may be loosely wrapped in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling.

Post operative procedure:

If there is any discomfort it can be minimized with pain medication. Numbness of the skin is quite normal and will disappear in time. To keep the swelling down the head should be kept elevated and still for a couple of days. The drain tube and bandages will be removed after one to five days. Your face may appear bruised and puffy but in a few weeks you will look normal. Stitches will be removed after five days. The scalp will take longer to heal. Patients are back to work in about ten days after surgery. By the third week you will look and feel much better.

Instructions to be followed:

• Take it easy for the first week after surgery as your skin will be tender and numb. Be gentle with your face and hair.
• Avoid strenuous activity including sex and heavy work for two weeks.
• Avoid alcohol, steam baths and saunas for several months.
• Get plenty of rest, let the body heal.

Your new look:

Even after the swelling and bruises are gone the hair around your temples may be thin, your skin may feel dry and rough for several months. The scars are hidden by your hair or in the natural creases of your face and ears. They will fade with time and are scarcely visible.

Dr. Perry Jr., a Board Certified plastic surgeon can help you to achieve your goals. Dr, Perry Jr. specializes in procedures relating to plastic surgery / cosmetic surgery including procedures such as face lifts, breast augmentation, nose surgery, ear pinning, liposuction, and tummy tucks. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about a face lift, please contact us today.

Dr. Perry Jr. is a board certified plastic surgeon in Glendale Ca. All apects of facial plastic surgery offered including facelift surgery, blepharoplasty and rhinoplasty. Dr. Perry Jr. sees patients from Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank and Southern California.