Face Lift Surgery Procedure Description:
Over time, gravity affects all of us. The Facelift procedure is a surgical method of “setting back the clock” by removing excess fat, tightening the underlying muscles, re-draping and subtly tightening the skin of the face and neck.
Face lift surgery is different from the S-lift or Lifestyle lift in that the kind of face lifts that Dr. Klainer usually performs are slightly more invasive. However, more layers are tightened and thus the results are often longer lasting. A traditional face lift surgery begins with an incision in the hairline at the temples, continuing around the ear and ending in the lower scalp. Fat is sculpted and/or redistributed as needed to achieve the desired result. Skin is then re-draped over the new uplifted contours and any excess skin is removed. A second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an aging neck. Sutures, staples or skin adhesives are used to close face lift surgery incisions.
The Neck Lift incision often begins in front of the ear lobe and wraps around behind the ear ending in the lower scalp. Once healed, the incision lines from face lift surgery are well concealed within the hairline and in the natural contours of the face and ear.
Face Lift Surgery Downtime & Discomfort:
Before face lift surgery and for your safety, you may be required to undergo some lab tests or a medical evaluation. Certain new medications may need to be administered or your current medications might need to be adjusted. Dr. Klainer advises all patients to stop smoking well in advance of face lift surgery and avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding. Dr. Klainer will discuss these matters, the type of anesthesia to be used and your choice of the three types of face lift surgery procedures with you at your pre-op consultation.
Upon completion of the face lift surgery and after a few hours in recovery, most patients go home while others may spend a night in the hospital. This is dependent upon their condition and the extent of the face lift surgery carried out. The sutures are usually removed 7-10 days following face lift surgery. Most patients return to work after two weeks while gradually ramping-up their level of activity.
When the Facelift procedure is completed, a bandage is gently placed around your face to minimize swelling and bruising. Ice packs may be used as needed during the first few days to help reduce swelling and discomfort. A thin tube may be present to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect under the skin. The drains are normally removed 2-4 days after face lift surgery.
During your recovery any pain that you may encounter can be easily managed with the medications that Dr. Klainer will prescribe for you. You can aid the process yourself by taking it easy and allowing your face and body enough rest to heal itself!
It may take several months for face lift surgery swelling to fully dissipate and up to 6 months for incision lines to mature. Life-long 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.
Face Lift Surgery FAQ:
Q: Will I have visible face lift surgery incisions on my face?
A: The majority of the incisions are hidden in the hair above and behind the ear and under the chin. The only incisions on the face are immediately in front of the ear. This often falls in a natural skin fold thereby becoming inconspicuous after healing is complete.
Q: Will this procedure correct the bags and/or wrinkles under my eyes?
A: Face lift surgery re-suspends the lower facial structures. Separate procedures are used to correct concerns about the eyes or brow, i.e. blepharoplasty or brow lift. If bags and/or wrinkles are a concern, please let Dr. Klainer know in order to discuss your options to correct.
Q: Where is the face lift surgery procedure performed?
A: The procedure is preformed at Fair Oaks Hospital. It is usually done on an outpatient basis but may require an overnight stay if combined with other procedures.
Q: What type of anesthesia is used?
A: General anesthesia is most commonly used.
Q: How long will the results from face lift surgery last?
A: Results will usually last for 3-5 years although everyone is individual.
Q: What is the recovery time?
A: Swelling and bruising generally last 5 to 10 days. Most patients can return to work 7 to 10 days after surgery.
Q: How do I find out more about face lift surgery?
A: Feel free to contact Dr. Klainer today for more information about face lift surgery. You can schedule a free consultation at 703-421-6000.
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