Technically known as rhytidectomy, a facelift is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as:
- Sagging in the midface
- Deep creases below the lower eyelids
- Deep creases along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth
- Loss of muscle tone in the lower face may create jowls
- Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw can make even a person of normal weight appear to have a double chin
Rejuvenation procedures typically performed in conjunction with a facelift are brow lift, to correct a sagging or deeply furrowed brow, and eyelid surgery to rejuvenate aging eyes.
As a restorative surgery, a facelift does not change your fundamental appearance and cannot stop the aging process permanently. Non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments cannot achieve the same results, but may help delay the time at which a facelift becomes appropriate and complement the results of surgery. Facelift surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfil someone else’s desires to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
Facelift surgery is a good option for you if:
- You are physically healthy
- You do not smoke
- You have a positive outlook and specific, but realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance
The First Consultation
The success and safety of your facelift depends very much on your complete openness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your needs, and goals and specific expectations from your procedure.All options will be presented and the procedure best suited for you will be recommended. The likely outcome of the surgery, any risks or potential complications as well as type of anaesthesia that will be used will be explained.
You must reveal any medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments you might have undergone during this time. You will need to inform about your current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs as well as any previous surgeries you have undergone. A detailed medical examination will also be performed at this stage.
General Guidelines prior to your Face Lift
- Pre-Operative Photographs for medical record keeping
- Obtain laboratory testing or a medical evaluation
- Pre-operative Anaesthetic assessment for fitness for surgery
- Sign an informed Consent Form
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they increase risk of bleeding.
- Maintain a stable weight for 3 months prior to the date of surgery
Types of Face Lift
Traditional (SMAS) Facelift
A traditional facelift incision often begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear and ends in the lower occipital scalp. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls and neck. Underlying Submusculoaponeurotic (SMAS) layer is repositioned, and commonly the deeper layers of the face and the muscles are also lifted.
Skin is redraped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. A second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an aging neck. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions.
Mini Facelift (Limited Incision)
In general, a mini facelift will use a smaller incision than a traditional facelift, and healing timewill be proportionately shorter. The best candidates for mini facelifts are usually younger patients with good skin elasticity or those who accept limited results with minimal surgical intervention.
Neck Lift
Sagging jowls, loose neck skin and fat accumulation under the chin may be corrected with a neck lift. The neck lift incision often begins in front of the ear lobe and wraps around behind the ear ending in the lower scalp. A Neck lift is usually combined with a Face lift procedure or platysmaplasty.
MACS Lift
Macs or Midface Lift is a technique wherein strong sutures are used to suspend the deep tissues of the face (SMAS) from firm points near the ear and forehead. The operation is done through a shorter scar, so less dissection is required and therefore less risk of bleeding. The suspension technique is a more direct and simple way of lifting the deep tissues and is also less risky with shorter recovery time. Good candidates are middle aged patients requiring volumetric lift of the midface.
Platysmaplasty
A platysmaplasty is a procedure which targets the platysma muscle which is located beneath the skin on the neck thus separating it. As part of the aging process, some people develop bands of muscle running vertically down their necks. A platysmaplasty is commonly performed as an adjunct to a facelift and necklift.
Temporal Facelift
This type of lift is used to address patients with slightly drooping or lowered eyebrows without having the necessity of having to perform a more extensive full browlift procedure. During this procedure, an incision is made to lift the skin on the sides of the brows.
Your Facelift procedure
A Facelift is to be performed in a major hospital setting under general anaesthesia. A variety of other procedures can further enhance the outcome of a facelift during or after the surgery, like Facial implants, Soft tissue augmentation to recontour the facial structure. Resurfacing techniques are used to improve the tone and texture of facial skin but at a later date.
The incision is in a preauricular crease line in front of the ears going up into the temporal scalp and below it turns around the earlobule going back into the occipital scalp. The incision is very well concealed in the hairline and is not visible to the discerning eye a few weeks after the surgery.
Upon completion of the surgery the incision is closed and sterile dressing applied. When your procedure is completed, a bandage will be gently placed around your face to minimize post facelift swelling and bruising. A thin tube may be present to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect under the skin.
Recovery Period
The visible improvements of a facelift appear as swelling and bruising subside. Your final result will not only restore a more youthful and rested appearance, but also help you feel more confident about yourself. Stitches are removed on the 5th post op day.
You will be given specific instructions that will include: how to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in overall health, and when to follow up.
Schedule a Consultation for a Face Lift
Please contact Dr. Naithani to schedule a liposuction consultation today. During your consultation she can answer all of your questions about the procedure and help you determine whether liposuction is the best option for your goals.
Schedule a Consultation
If you would like to schedule a Face Lift consultation, please contact online or by phone today. Dr. Biraj will be happy to answer your questions and talk with you about all aspects of the procedure