Click topic for more information:

• FAQ

Email Dr. Gonzalez

---

FAQ

About Facelifts

The most visible part of your body is your face. It is also the first and most visible part of the body that shows the signs of aging. If you wish to look as good as you feel, a facelift may be the answer for you. A facelift smoothes the loose skin on your face and neck tightens underlying tissues and removes excess fat. The end result is a smoother, firmer and fresher look. You may be a candidate for a facelift if you have the following conditions:

Wrinkles, excess fatty tissues or loose skin in the neck
A deep line that runs from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth.
Loss of well defined jaw line
Wrinkles in the cheeks and sagging skin near the cheekbones
Facelift Evaluation

The most visible part of your body is your face. It is also the first and most visible part of the body that shows the signs of aging. If you wish to look as good as you feel, a facelift may be the answer for you. A facelift smoothes the loose skin on your face and neck tightens underlying tissues and removes excess fat. The end result is a smoother, firmer and fresher look. You may be a candidate for a facelift if you have the following conditions:

Wrinkles, excess fatty tissues or loose skin in the neck
A deep line that runs from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth.
Loss of well defined jaw line
Wrinkles in the cheeks and sagging skin near the cheekbones

Facelift Surgery

There are many variations to the facelift procedure. Your features, expectations, and your surgeon's preferences will determine the exact technique used for your surgery. However, the incision for a facelift is generally hidden in the natural contour of your ear, and then extends around the earlobe and back into the hairline. At times a small incision hidden beneath your chin may also be utilized. The incisions for a facelift are easily concealed by your hair or with makeup.

Through these incisions, your plastic surgeon frees the facial skin from its underlying tissues and pulls it forward and back. The excess skin is removed. Occasionally the deeper tissues may also be repositioned to restore a more youthful contour to your face. If necessary, an incision will be made under the chin to remove fatty tissue in that area and smooth the underlying muscle in the neck.

Your facelift may be performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center. Your stay will be a short one, perhaps one night. Your doctor will determine the type of anesthesia used but it is usually a general anesthesia for this surgery.

Early Recovery from Facelift Surgery

After your facelift surgery a bandage may have been wrapped around your face to help control swelling. Sometimes, small drainage tubes are placed beneath the skin to drain away fluids that might otherwise accumulate. While discomfort may be minimal, any pain you feel can be controlled with medication prescribed by your surgeon. During the first week following your facelift surgery you should rest with your head elevated to help minimize bruising and swelling. Swelling will reach its peak during this time and begin to subside. After the bandages have been removed (X days from your surgery) you may shower. Stitches will dissolve or be removed. You may return to light activity and makeup may be worn to conceal any discoloration from your facelift.

Intermediate Recovery from Facelift Surgery

Within two weeks after your surgery most of the bruising will disappear. You may resume many of your normal activities, including non-strenuous work.

Late Recovery from Facelift Surgery

After six weeks following your facelift surgery you may resume exercise. Swelling and puffiness will have continued to subside. Numbness in the facial area will have diminished; however, some numbness may persist for several months. Throughout the healing period, you should avoid exposure to direct sunlight and, for the long term, be conscientious about using sun block to protect your skin.

Long Term Results

A number of factors including your heredity and your lifestyle play a role in how long the results of your facelift will last. Even though the aging process continues, patients are usually happy with their appearance for many years following their surgery.

 

Email Dr. Gonzalez

Back to top

---