A Facelift (Rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to smooth and firm the skin, providing a fresh, youthful appearance.  Throughout one’s life, the sun’s radiation, stress, gravity, and other factors cause the skin to sag and fit more loosely.  Areas of the face and neck, in particular around the jaw line, are especially prone to the aging process.  Though these changes are gradual, wrinkles and other signs of aging can make individuals “feel older” than they really are.

Surgery for a facelift involves the contraction and realignment of facial and neck skin, and in some instances the removal of excess fat deposits.  A facelift is often performed in combination with other facial cosmetic procedures and can be performed any time signs of aging begin to appear.  However, patients are generally in their forties or older when they elect to undergo this procedure.

As we age, our faces and necks become victims to wrinkles and excess skin secondary to loss of fat.  This loss is fat is common, but is certainly not desirable to those of us who want to look as young as we feel.  There are many facial rejuvenation procedures that are offered today.  The procedures are generally divided into three areas and include the forehead and brows, the mid-face, and the jowls and neck. 

           

The forehead develops wrinkles as a result of aging and the eyebrows become lower.  For these signs of upper face aging, forehead and brow-lifts can be performed.  Some surgeons use typical incisions hidden with the hair to lift the brows and forehead, while others use small incisions and an endoscope (a tiny camera with instruments).  Dr. Smith offered both types of surgeries depending on your needs and preferences.

 

The importation of the face becomes hollower with aging and often “sags.”  This look causes many to appear irritable or tired, even though this is not the case.  For this area, rhytidectomy (facelift) with or without SMAS (a special strong layer of muscle under the skin of the face) lift is generally recommended.  While these lifts may not totally correct the nasolabial folds (“laugh lines/parentheses”), they lift the skin and facial muscles to more youthful positions and smooth large wrinkles. 

 

The lower face is a very common concern of those who are aging because jowls become more evident and many patients notice a “floppy” or “turkey” neck.  For these problems, a lower face and neck lift can be performed.  These lifts are combined with liposuction underneath the neck to achieve a sharp jaw line, thin neck, and essentially no jowls.  This procedure can also be done in conjunction with a facelift, blepharoplasty, and other facial procedures. 

 

Facial rejuvenation procedures generally last between two and four hours.  The procedures involve placing tumescent solution into the areas being treated followed by careful liposuction in some cases. After this is performed, the skin is lifted off of the facial musculature and the underlying muscle (SMAS) is pulled to remove large wrinkles.  The excess skin is then removed and closed.  Most facial surgery incisions are placed within the hairline to minimize visible scarring, though incisions in front of the ear are usually necessary.  After the skin is closed, a special dressing is placed on the head and neck area for one day.  When the dressing is removed, the skin will be cleaned and a removable dressing is then placed.  Patients should plan on wearing this special dressing at all times for one to two weeks and then primarily at nighttime or when at home. 

 

Because the face is the most visible area of the body, recovery time is generally two weeks.  Most patients feel well within one week, though still have residual bruising and swelling which is generally gone within two weeks.  Light exercise can be resumed at two weeks and heavy exercise can begin within four to six weeks.

 

At the Smith Plastic Surgery Institute, Dr. Smith will perform a thorough consultation and suggest a surgical plan that addresses your facial concerns.  Please call our office to schedule a consultation that will get you on your way to a younger, refreshed face.

 

Reasons for Considering a Facelift:

 

• Sagging skin, muscles, and fat in the face and neck.
• Excess skin and fat on the neck.
• Sagging jaw line.
• Crease lines along the nose, mouth, and chin.

General Procedure

The standard procedure for a facelift commonly involves making small incisions just inside the hairline, following the contour in front of the ear, and continuing under the earlobe to the backside of the ear and to the lower scalp.  Tissue and fat deposits are separated, the skin is stretched and tightened, and any excess skin is removed.  If the neck line requires attention, an additional incision is made under the chin and the same procedure is again followed.  Minuscule stitches are used to close the incisions and to reduce any chance of scarring. Metal clips or staples may also be utilized at the hairline.

A face lift may take several hours or longer depending on whether other cosmetic procedures are completed at the same time.  Sometimes other procedures may be performed in separate appointments.  There are several different facelift techniques that can be employed.  Patients can discuss with their physician which method is best for them when they come in for their consultation.

Recovery Process

Immediately after surgery, the face is fitted with bandages in order to decrease the recovery time and to reduce swelling.  Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing and recovery process.  The stitches, clips or staples are normally removed within a week. Patients sometimes report some minor pain associated with surgery.  Any discomfort can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions given after the procedure.