Facial Plastic Surgery
Face / Neck Lift: Technically known as rhytidectomy, a facelift is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck by smoothing and firming the skin. As we age sun, stress, gravity and other factors cause skin to wrinkle, sag and loosen. A face/neck lift addresses:
- Sagging skin, muscles, and fat in the midface
- Excess skin and fat on the neck.
- Deep creases below the lower eyelids
- Deep creases along the nose, mouth, and chin.
- Fat that has fallen or is displaced
- Loss of muscle tone in the lower face may create jowls
- Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw – a double chin
- Sagging jaw line
The Procedure
A facelift involves making small incisions inside the hairline to the backside of the ear and to the lower scalp. Tissue and fat deposits are separated, the skin is tightened and excess skin is removed. At the neckline an additional incision is made under the chin to tighten loose skin remove fatty deposits and tighten the neck and jaw line. Plastic surgeons are skilled in using tiny stitches to close incisions to reduce any chance of scarring.
Facial plastic surgeries including face/neck lift procedures vary for each patient, depending on the areas to be addressed. Additional procedures such as glepharoplasty (eye lid lift) may be performed during your faclift.
Following Surgery
Bandages are fitted to the face to help reduce swelling and speed the recovery process. Post operative discomfort can be managed with oral medication and stitches can be removed within a week to 10 days. Proper rest and adherence to post-operative instructions will aid healing and the recovery process.
Factors to Consider
- Your expectations.
Anticipate improvement, not perfection. If you expect cosmetic surgery to turn you into a movie star, you’re bound to be disappointed. Don’t count on surgery to save a rocky relationship, gain a promotion or improve your social life. - Expense.
Cosmetic surgery isn’t covered by most health insurance plans. The cost varies depending on the procedure, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Also consider the cost of any follow-up care or additional corrective procedures. - Risks.
Dissatisfaction is possible after any type of cosmetic surgery. Surgical complications are possible, too — including excessive bleeding or infection at the surgical site. - Recovery.
After cosmetic surgery, you may need days, weeks or even months to recover. Understand the physical effects that may be part of your recovery, as well as how the surgery may affect aspects of your personal and professional life. - Psychological changes.
Your self-esteem might improve after cosmetic surgery, but cosmetic surgery isn’t likely to relieve depression or other mental health conditions.