Facelift
As we age, we often notice our skin isn’t as firm and tight as it once was and may appear droopy. A facelift is designed for men and women who want to remove the most obvious signs of aging and bring back their youthful, fresh appearance. By removing excess fat and tightening the facial muscles and skin, a facelift improves the contour of the face, jawline and neck.
Facelift Basics
The facelift is designed to improve the overall appearance of the face by making it more youthful. It eliminates aging signs such as deep creases from the nose to the mouth, jowls that are created by slackened muscles in the lower face, and a double chin caused by fat deposits in the neck.
Often eyelid surgery and a brow lift are performed in conjunction with a facelift procedure, providing additional treatment for creased and puffy eyelids and a heavily furrowed brow.
What to Expect
Although facelift surgery is an outpatient surgery, the procedure itself can take several hours to perform.
The incision generally begins at the temple just above the hairline and continues around the ear to the lower scalp hairline. The skin is separated from the fat and muscle, redraped and excess skin is trimmed. Excess fat is excused or suctioned out to improve the contour of the neck and jawline. The muscles are tightened to prove a lasting effectRecovery
Following the surgery, the patient will experience bruising, swelling, possible numbness and tenderness of the skin. The skin will feel tight and dry.
Most patients experience bruising and tenderness for 2 to 3 weeks and are advised not to engage in strenuous activities for at least a month. Most patients are able to return to work within a month, depending on their occupation. All patients are advised to stay out of the sun for a few months following the surgery to ensure the best possible scarring.
As with every surgical procedure, there are possible risks involved. Risks following facelift surgery include: heavy bleeding, infection, excess scarring, asymmetry or a change in hairline, and injury to facial nerves.
The Life of a Facelift
No surgery can completely reverse the clock and eliminate the signs of aging - that includes facelifts. What they can do is provide a more youthful look because the surgery resets the clock by softening or greatly reducing many of the physical realities associated with aging. A facelift will continue to provide a more youthful look, but the effects of aging will continue as well.
With a healthy lifestyle, the effects of time are minimized, and the rejuvenation will be evident for many years to come.
Are You Thinking About Getting a Facelift?
If you are contemplating getting a facelift for a more youthful appearance, contact Dr. Stokes to schedule a private consultation. Dr. Stokes will discuss your aesthetic goals and all of your options. She will make sure you understand the procedure and the risks involved and will answer any questions you have.