Face Lift
A facelift (also called rhytidectomy) can make an improvment on the
most visible signs of aging. A face lift can include redraping the skin
of your face and neck., removal of excess fat, and a tightening of underlying
muscles. A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other
procedures such as eyelid surgery, a forehead lift, or nose reshaping.
A facelift can make you look fresher and younger. It can't give you
a totally different look, nor can it restore the health and vitality
of your youth. It may make you feel better and enhance your self confidence
in the process. Think carefully about your expectations and concerns
before you decide to have surgery, and discuss them with your surgeon.
A man or woman whose face and neck have begun to sag is the best candidate
for a facelift. The cancidates skin should still have some elasticity
and whose bone structure is strong and well defined. Most people that
get face lifts are in their fifties or sixties, but facelifts can also
be done successfully on people in their seventies or eighties.
A facelift is one of the most individualized cosmetic procedures. The
cosmetic surgeon will evaluate your face shape, bone structure and skin.
The doctor will ask about your goals for the surgery and evaluate your
expectations.
Each plastic surgeon approaches the a facelift differently. Some will
work on both sides of your face, moving from side to side, and others
will complete one side before starting on the other. The exact placement
of incisions depends on the surgeon's technique, your facial structure
and the outcome of your consultation.
Incisions will usually be placed above the hairline at the temple area,
extending into a natural line in front of the ear , and continue behind
the earlobe to the lower scalp. A small incision may also be made under
the chin if work is done to the neck.
The surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle. Fat may be
contoured by trimming or suctioning around the neck and chin. The surgeon
then tightens the underlying muscle and membrane, pulls the skin back,
and removes the excess. Stitches are used to secure the layers of tissue
and close the incisions. The surgeon may then wrap your head loosely
in bandages to minimize swelling and bruising.
You may be instructed to keep your head elevated for a couple days
to keep the swelling down. Puffiness and swelling will continue for
a few weeks. The stitches will usually be removed in about 5 days. Most
patients are back to work within two weeks after surgery.
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