The term “facelift” suggests a lifting of the entire face. Actually, a facelift is really a lower facelift in that it makes dramatic improvements in the neck and jaw line. There are very few procedures that produce as dramatic and reliable results as facelifts.
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.
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.
Newer techniques have emerged that have improved the longevity of the procedure while minimizing the downtime. The key to a long lasting facelift result is a tightening of the dense covering of the underlying muscles, known as the SMAS (Superficial Musculo Apineurotic System). The majority of the face lifting procedures that are performed by non-plastic surgeons only tighten the skin or use barbed sutures. These types of facelifts go by the name of “J” lifts or “S” lifts and do not last.
Face lifting is an art form that should only be performed by board-certified plastic surgeons. The artistry of the facelifts begins with the design of the incisions relative to the individual’s face, a complete knowledge of the anatomy, and finally the insetting of the skin. Dr. Virden prefers to place his incision behind the tragus, the bump in front of the ear, so that they are inconspicuous. It is very important to inset the earlobes so that they hang naturally. The sideburn should not be elevated; a key tipoff to a poorly performed facelift. Lastly the posterior hairline should not be jagged or have a step off so patients can wear their hair up without any visible scar.
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:
A facelift is performed on an outpatient basis and generally takes about three hours to perform. Most patients are back to their normal routine in approximately ten days.
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 medicate
Before & After
