Facelift & Necklift

Facelift

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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, the surgeon begins the incision in the area of the temple hair, just above and in front of the ear, and then continues around the lobe, continuing up behind the ear and down by the hairline of the neck. In a short scar facelift or mini-facelift, the incision does not extend beyond the back of the ear. An incision is made beneath the chin to allow access to the neck muscles. The skin is raised throughout before the surgeon repositions and tightens the underlying muscle and connective tissue. Some fat may be removed, as well as excess skin. For men, the incision is aligned to accommodate the natural beard lines. In all cases, the incision is placed where it will fall 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.

When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area. A bandage will be wrapped around your face. Small tubes will be inserted beneath the skin to drain away fluid that might otherwise accumulate. There is surprisingly very little discomfort experienced after facelift surgery. However, any discomfort you may experience will be controlled with pain medication as needed. An overnight stay in the hospital or a recovery facility is generally 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, swelling and bruising may be more pronounced in some portions of the face than others. Most swelling is usually noted in the first 24 to 48 hours, and most bruising resolves 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.

Concealing makeup is usually permitted after the first week. You may experience numbness to the face post-operatively, which usually resolves within several months.

Most patients can resume light activity within two weeks. Straining, bending, and lifting should be avoided during the early post-operative period as 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.