Facelift
A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is designed to reduce the signs of aging on the face and neck. During a facelift, excess skin is removed, and the underlying tissues are tightened to create a more youthful appearance. The procedure can also involve the repositioning of fat and muscle to smooth out wrinkles and sagging skin, as well as the removal of excess skin and fat from the neck area to eliminate the appearance of a “double chin”. A facelift can help to restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance, but it is important to note that it cannot stop the natural aging process.
Because the face is a strong indicator of a person’s age, many men and women consider removing wrinkles around the eyes, nose, and mouth, as well as improving the appearance of sagging skin around the chin and neck, to boost self-esteem or gain a competitive advantage in the workplace. Although it is advised to maintain a daily skin care regimen and seek non-surgical face lift treatments to delay the need for surgery, surgery is the only way to tighten deep tissues and remove excess skin.
Because of the breakdown of collagen, our skin loses elasticity as we age. Furthermore, the deep anatomical structures of the face start to change. These include the cheek muscles and the fat around the eyes, as well as the cheek fat. All of these factors, when combined, can cause the face and neck to wrinkle and sag, making many people appear older than they are. A facelift may be the best cosmetic procedure for you if you are concerned about the signs of aging on your face.
There are many different techniques used for face lifting procedures which range from non-surgical to minimally invasive to deep tissue face lifting. Your doctor will discuss which type of procedure is best for you and your goals.
Full face lift
The full face lift is a procedure that addresses concerns with the full face, including wrinkles and folds on the forehead, crows feet, sagging and loss of elasticity of the mid face, jowls and excess skin in the lower face. Incisions are made along the hairline, down the side of the ear and back behind the lower part of the head and just below the chin. Fat, tissues and internal structures are lifted and skin tightened in the mid face to create a more youthful heart shape appearance. The skin is tightened along the forehead to create a brow lift, removing wrinkles, folds and enhancing the appearance of the eyes. The lower part of the face is also tightened to remove jowls and sagging skin for a more defined jaw line.
Mid face lift
The mid face lift is performed by creating an incision from the hairline, along the natural fold of the ear and behind. Fat pads and tissues are lifted using permanent sutures, and skin is tightened and the excess removed. Patients experience tighter, more youthful skin and improved nasal labial folds and jowls. However, Botox can help correct concerns with forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet. For moderate to significant concerns, you doctor may recommend a full face lift.
Mini face lift
The mini face lift is a procedure that addresses mild to moderate sagging in the cheek and jowl area. It targets the lower portion of the face, and is best for patients who do not need improvement in the cheek or chin areas. Incisions are hidden in the hairline, along the natural fold of the ear and behind. Excess skin and tissue is removed and the skin is tightened to improve the appearance of nasal labial fold and jowls. However, it does not address concerns with forehead wrinkles or lines, as these can be addressed by a full face lift or injectable treatments such as Botox.
Endotine face lift
Endotine face lift is a minimally invasive procedure utilizing FDA approved Multi Point Technology. It can achieve positive anti-aging results for patients with mild to moderate signs of aging. Endotines are bioabsorbable low profile devices that provide face lifting results for 6-12 months. Benefits include less swelling, bruising and downtime. Placement of endotines is individualized and determined by Dr. Smiley during the exam and consultation.
Stem cell face lift
The liquid face lift, also known as a stem cell face lift, is an increasingly popular face lifting procedure that uses one’s own fat to provide a natural living filler to enhance volume in the cheeks and under the eyes. Adult stem cells are injected with the purified fat, providing additional anti-aging benefits such as decreased pore size, improved pigmentation and reduction of wrinkles. Mild bruising and swelling may occur, but will dissipate over just a few weeks. A stem cell face lift is ideal for patients looking to improve volume and correct mild to moderate sagging.
Preparation for Facelift
Everything begins with an initial consultation, during which you will be asked about the reasons you want to have surgery. Your doctor will evaluate your facial bones and skin, as well as your overall health, after gaining a thorough understanding of your goals for this procedure. Smoking, medications you are taking, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a tendency to form excessive scars, and blood clotting problems are all general health factors that will be considered. It’s critical to be open and honest your doctor about any of these conditions that may apply to you, as he will need to be aware of them in order to reduce the possibility of complications during or after your procedure. Before the surgery, it is highly recommended to stop smoking since smoking can negatively impact the healing process and increase the risk of complications, so it’s important to quit smoking at least several weeks before and after the procedure.
Facelift Procedure
The duration of a facelift procedure can vary depending on the specific techniques used and the extent of the surgery required to achieve the desired results. In general, a facelift procedure can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours to complete.
During the procedure, the surgeon will make incisions around the hairline and ears, and then lift and reposition the skin and underlying tissues to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. The surgeon may also remove excess skin and fat, and tighten the underlying muscles as needed. Immediately after the procedure pain medication will be prescribed to ease swelling and discomfort. Our Recovery Protocol, which includes supplements, vitamins, and anti-bruising medications, will begin.
The patient will typically need to wear bandages or dressings for a few days, and may experience some swelling and bruising. Recovery time can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery, but most patients can return to work and other normal activities within 2 to 3 weeks.
Your doctor will talk to you about all the specific risks that could arise as a result of your face lift, there are several that you can already take into consideration. While the risks of these conditions occurring can be minimized by working with a board certified face lift surgeon and following all of the guidelines you are given, potential risks associated with getting this procedure done include infection, temporary damage to the nerves that control facial muscles, poor healing of the skin (found most commonly in smokers), hematoma and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Benefits of Procedure
You may choose to undergo facelift surgery for a variety of reasons. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and begins to sag, which can result in wrinkles, jowls, and other signs of aging. A facelift can help to restore a more youthful appearance by tightening the skin and underlying muscles, smoothing out wrinkles, and reducing the appearance of sagging skin.
Facelift surgery can also address other concerns, such as deep creases around the nose and mouth, excess skin under the chin and jawline, and a loss of definition in the neck. By improving the overall contour of the face and neck, a facelift can help you feel more confident and attractive.
It’s important to note that facelift surgery is a major surgical procedure that involves some risks and a significant recovery period. You should carefully consider their reasons for wanting a facelift and discuss their expectations with a board-certified plastic surgeon before deciding to undergo the procedure.
