The facelift procedure is performed to tighten the skin of the face and neck and give the patient a more youthful and rested appearance. Face and neck lifting is pursued both by relatively young patients to preserve a more youthful appearance and by older individuals to attain a younger and more rested look.
The hair and creases of the outer ear are used to hide facelift incisions in women. The incision begins in the hair behind the temple, passes just within the ear or in front of the ear (depending on the patient), and then loops around the earlobe back into the hair line. In men, the facelift incision may pass in front of each ear where it can be hidden by the sideburns. It does not pass through the ear, as in women, because that would cause beard growth in the ear. Usually there is some tightening of the tissue under the skin including both fat and muscle. Excess fat and skin are then removed prior to skin closure.
Facelift FAQS
Who is a candidate for a facelift?
- If you have experienced sagginess in the cheek area.
- If you have the appearance of jowls and deep creases between the base of the nose and the corners of the mouth.
- If you have developed facial and neck wrinkles.
- If you believe you lack youthful chin and neck contours.
- If you have a tired facial appearance.
How long does a facelift last?
A facelift doesn’t stop the aging process but helps to “turn back the hands of time”. The rate at which facial aging occurs is greatly dependent upon a person’s age and lifestyle. Years later, patients look better than if they had never undergone surgery. Most of our patients consider returning for a secondary facelift 7-15 years later.
Where is a facelift performed?
Dr. Waldman performs most facelifts in the privacy of our state of the art accredited operating suite under IV sedation. Skilled nursing care is available to you postoperatively following your procedure.
What is a mini-facelift?
Dr. Waldman believes that facelifts should be individualized accommodating to each patient’s personal needs. Younger patients usually do not need as extensive a correction, and can most often be treated with a more limited procedure with shorter incisions and a quicker recovery time. These incisions are limited to the front of the ear. Bruising, swelling and post operation recovery are more limited.
Is the procedure painful?”
No, it is actually one of the least uncomfortable procedures that we do. Of course, we do allow use of pain medication for a brief period of time.
What type of anesthesia is used?
While facelifts can be performed under either general or local anesthesia Dr. Waldman prefers to use local anesthesia (with monitored anesthesia care intravenous sedation) whenever possible. Some people refer to this as “twilight” anesthesia and it is expertly administered by one of our certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
How long is the recovery period?
Most of the time patients will go home with a dressing, which Dr. Waldman will usually remove the next day. Sutures are removed within 7-10 days and bruising and swelling decrease to “socially acceptable” levels in 10-20 days. Final results are evident in 4-6 weeks or sooner with continued improvement over several months. Most patients are able to return to work in two to three weeks or so. You should allow more time prior to major social engagements. The recovery period for “minilifts” is slightly shorter.
How can I hide things until I return to normal?
Dr. Waldman or his skin care specialist will discuss camouflage techniques that both men and women can use to disguise the temporary bruising and swelling that occurs following a facelift.
What are other surgical procedures that will enhance the facelift
Additional procedures that would help to enhance the result of the facelift are:
- Chin Enlargement (most common)
- Eyelid lift
- Brow lift
- Nose Reshaping
- Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Enhancement of the Lips
I have heard that use of chin implants can lead to better facelift results. Is this true?
Use of chin or pre-jowl silastic (clear rubber) implants are often (30% of the time) a part of our facelift procedure. There is often some bone or soft tissue (fat) resorption from the chin or the area just in front of the jowl associated with aging. Implants in this area can be easily inserted through the same incision we have already made beneath the chin for treatment of the neck. Sculpting of this type will lead to a better more defined jaw line and improvement in the appearance of the neck as well.
Is liposuction necessary as part of the facelift?
Often liposuction is necessary and leads to improved results. However, Dr. Waldman is very careful in avoiding removal of too much fat. We utilize a small incision under the chin and may even tighten the muscles of the upper neck at the same time.
Are there risks involved with facial rejuvenation surgery
As with any surgical procedure there are risks and potential complications. In the hands of a competent plastic surgeon, major complications are infrequent after facelifts and most patients are satisfied with their result. A careful consideration of the risks and benefits of any surgical procedure is an important part of the consultative process.
Related Procedures:
Blepharoplasty (Eyes) | Chin Augmentation | Lip Procedures | Mini-Facelift