Facelift & Necklift

Facelift

Facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that can improve the appearance and visible signs of aging of the face and neck. Heredity, sun exposure, and lifestyle affect the appearance of the face. Many patients note the first signs of aging in the face. The effects of gravity and diminished volume make us look older than we feel. Facelifts help to improve lower facial lines and wrinkles, as well as sagging skin of the jowls and neck. Facelifts will tighten the underlying muscle, and remove the excess skin. The facelift procedure will not stop aging, but it can help you look more youthful. Facelift is often combined with liposuction to remove excess fat in the chin or neck. Some patients will also undergo blepharoplasty or brow lift at the same time as their facelift. Drs. Pinsky and Lickstein will develop a personalized plan for you.

Face Lift Frequently Asked Questions

When performing a facelift surgery, the surgeon will start the incision just above and in front of the ear, in the area of the temple hair, and then move around the ear lobe, continue upwards behind the ear and then down by the hairline at the neck. In a “mini-facelift”, the incision doesn’t move beyond the back of the ear. Another incision is made below the chin to give access to the neck muscles. The skin is raised across the face before the surgeon tightens and repositions the underlying connective tissue and muscle. Some excess skin as well as fat may be removed. For men, the incision is lined to follow a natural beard line. For both genders, the incision is hidden in a natural crease of the skin for camouflage.

After trimming the excess skin, the remaining skin is redraped and the incision is closed with layers of fine sutures. The sutures are gradually removed in the first two weeks. A drain is usually placed beneath the skin. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the process can take from three to four hours. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, so the patient will experience no discomfort.

Once the surgery is over, you will go into a recovery area. Bandages will be applied your face. Beneath the skin, small tubes will be inserted to drain any excess fluid that may accumulate. Believe it or not, there is very little discomfort or pain after having a facelift surgery. However, any discomfort or pain you may experience will be muted with pain medication as necessary. Generally, an overnight stay in a recovery facility or hospital is recommended.

Preparing for Your Surgery

Your initial consultation is extremely important. It is important to discuss your expectations, and what the best approach is for you. You should be able to speak freely with your surgeon about your goals and desired outcome. Be prepared to provide your medical history and inform your surgeon of any vitamins and medications, including over-the-counter, you are taking. Tell your surgeon if you smoke, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, allergies, blood clotting problems, or a tendency to form excessive scars because these problems can affect the outcome of your surgery. If you smoke, you will not be able to undergo a facelift procedure until you have stopped for at least 6 weeks. Smoking adversely affects the blood vessels in the skin of the face, and can result in difficulty healing or damage to the skin of the face. If you have high blood pressure, it will need to be well controlled prior to surgery to minimize the risk of bleeding.

During your consultation, Dr. Pinsky or Dr. Lickstein will examine the structure of your face, skin texture, color, and elasticity. Photographs will be taken to study your face and assess the extent of facial wrinkles and folds. Because a realistic attitude is crucial to the success of the surgery, the surgical procedure and realistic expectations will be discussed.

Do not take aspirin or products containing ibuprofen for two weeks before or after your surgery. These medications thin the blood, interfere with normal blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. Instead, use medications containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol. Avoid alcohol for two weeks before and after surgery. Decreasing salt intake will help diminish swelling after surgery. Drink plenty of water to help flush toxins from your body before and after your surgery. You must stop taking all vitamins and herbs at least two weeks prior to your abdominoplasty. Your surgeon will give you prescriptions to fill prior to your surgery date. A liquid diet is recommended the day prior to your abdominoplasty.

After Your Surgery

Once the dressings and drains are removed, bruising and swelling may be more visible in some areas of the face than others. The majority of swelling is usually seen in the beginning 24 to 48 hours. The majority of bruising heals within 2 weeks. Elevation of the head during the days following surgery will reduce the swelling. Ice packs are recommended. The sutures are gradually removed in the first two weeks. A drain is usually placed beneath the skin, and removed in one or two days.

After the first weeks, you will generally be able to wear concealing makeup. Post-operatively, it is possible to experience numbness to the face, which usually resolves within several months.

Most patients can resume light activity within two weeks. Strenuous activities should be avoided during the early post-operative period since these activities may predispose you to bleeding. Your doctor will decide with you the appropriate time frame for your recovery.

Smoking or exposure to smoke should be avoided to optimize healing. Scars may worsen for the first 3 to 6 weeks, but this is normal and to be expected. After 9 to 12 months have passed, the scars should begin to flatten and lighten in color.

The results of your facelift vary and depend on your appearance prior to the surgery and the specific goals that you and your plastic surgeon have established. Since the healing process is gradual, it may take several weeks to see the final result.