Facelift
As we age, gravity,
our genes, sun exposure and life stresses all show on our
face. Creases form between the nose and mouth; jaw lines get
soft and jowls hang down; fat deposits and folds appear on
the neck. A facelift addresses all of these by removing excess
fat, tightening muscles and redraping the skin on the face
and neck.
A facelift can be done alone or with other procedures such as a browlift,
blepharoplasty (eyelid
surgery) or rhinoplasty (reshaping
of the nose).
Patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood-clotting
problems or a history of excessive scarring are not good candidates
for this surgery. The surgeon will also want to know your
medical history, whether you smoke and what medications you
take, along with other information.
A facelift is performed with the patient under general anesthesia,
and depending on how many procedures are done, it may take
several hours. Fat is separated from muscle, the fat is trimmed
or suctioned out, the underlying muscles are tightened, the
skin is pulled back and extra skin is removed. Stitches secure
the layers of tissue, and metal clips might be used on the
scalp. There will be incisions and sutures above your ears
at your temples; they descend in front of your ear and continue
behind your ears and to the hairline at the back of your neck.
If the neck is worked on, there also may be a small incision
under the chin. Sometimes a small drain is placed behind the
ear to collect blood, and the head is then wrapped loosely
in bandages.
Surprisingly, there usually is no great discomfort after surgery.
If there is discomfort, pain medication is prescribed. (Severe
or unrelenting pain or sudden swelling should be reported
immediately). Numbness of the skin is not unusual and goes
away in a few weeks or months. The patient is asked to lie
in a lounge chair for several days after surgery to keep the
head and neck elevated so the swelling will be kept down.
If a tube is present, it will be removed one to two days after
surgery, and the bandages come off after about a week. The
stitches come out in about five days, and metal clips –
if used – take a few days longer. Your face will be
pale, bruised, swollen and discolored after surgery; it takes
a few weeks to look normal.
Rest the first few days – and don’t be surprised
if you feel depressed. Your features will look strange and
you will feel self-conscious. You may tire easily. By the
third week, you will look and feel much better.
You will have scars after your facelift, but these usually
are hidden by your hair or the natural creases of your face
and ears and fade over time.
Making an Appointment
For a consultation with a
Washington University cosmetic surgeon, please call (314) 362-4452.
Other
facial treatments.
Disclaimer:
The photos on this website are of models, not actual patients.
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