Click topic for more information:

• FAQ

Email Dr. Tornambe

---

FAQ

Facelift, or rhytidectomy, is an operation designed to counteract the effects of aging and gravity. The skin starts losing its elasticity and begins to sag as early as the mid-thirties in many people, continuing to sag and lose elasticity as the aging process continues. The effects of gravity, sun exposure and stress all contribute to this problem. Creases form in the forehead and mid-face region, smile lines deepen and jowls become more prominent. The skin around the neck sags and fat may deposit in the neck and beneath the chin.

A facelift in essence, pushes back the clock, improving the most prominent signs of aging by removing excess skin, tightening muscles below the skin. Fat is removed if necessary. A facelift can be done alone or in conjunction with other procedures such as eyelid surgery, nasal surgery, forehead lift or even liposuction. A facelift can make you look younger and fresher.A facelift also enhances your self confidence. Patients should have reasonable expectations prior to undergoing a facelift and realize that while they will look younger, fresher and more rested, the clock can't be turned back indefinitely. A facelift does not stop the aging process.

A facelift takes 2 to 3 hours to be performed and can be done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. This operation is usually done with a combination of local and twilight anesthesia. The patient is made sleepy and extremely comfortable, but remains awake. The surgery is usually performed in our fully accredited OR suite and a fully trained physician anesthesiologist is present during the operation to administer appropriate anesthetics. Incisions are made within the hairline, in front of the ear and behind the ear. They are placed in such a way that when healed they fall into the natural lines of the face. The incisions are normally not visible. Excess skin is trimmed and the underlying musculature is tightened. Excess fat may be removed during the operation. Sutures are removed anywhere from 3 to 10 days after surgery. Sometimes a small draining tube is placed under the skin to remove excess fluid. This tube is usually taken out on the day after surgery. Bandages are placed immediately after surgery, removed the following day and at that time the patient is allowed to bathe normally. The patient can expect bruising and swelling to last for 2 weeks, after which time any remaining bruising can easily be covered by make-up. Usually, there is not much discomfort or pain after this type of surgery, however, pain medication is usually prescribed and taken if needed.

Complications are infrequent and usually minor, however, any type of surgery carries a risk. Hematoma, a collection of blood which may or may not have to be removed by the surgeon, infection, or injury to the nerves that control facial muscles, which is usually temporary, can occur. Poor healing and scarring can also occur. In general, most complications are minor and reversible.

In conclusion, a facelift is an operation that carries a very high rate of satisfaction in our patients. While the clock is not turned back permanently, the improvements made can be striking. A facelift may last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. However, years later you will continue to look better than if you had never had a facelift at all!

 

Email Dr. Tornambe

Back to top

---