facelift
4 hrs
SURGERY TIME
5/10
PAIN LEVEL
14 days
HEALING TIME
95%
“worth it” rating*
WHAT IS IT?
Aging of the face occurs when the soft tissues of the cheek “fall” down to, or below, the level of the jaw. This results in jowls and deepening of the crease from the nose to the corner of the mouth. Simultaneously, the skin and muscle of the neck loosens and hangs. A facelift is designed to counteract these movements by lifting and repairing the deeper tissues of the face as well as the skin.
TECHNIQUES AND INCISIONS
A traditional “rhytidectomy” is typically required for patients who need a significant amount of skin tightening. It is performed by making an incision that starts in the temple area. The scar then comes down and follows inside the cartilage of the ear, then around the earlobe, behind the ear, then across and down along the neck where the skin meets the hairline. The deeper tissue is tightened under the skin.
The “short-scar rhytidectomy” or “mini-facelift” is the newest evolution of facelift techniques designed to limit the length of the scar, to just around the ear. This can achieve a terrific natural, youthful result. This now is the most common type of lift we perform.
PROCEDURE
Facelift surgery requires IV sedation and local anesthetic. It takes approximately 4 hours.
HEALING
Suggested time off work: 2-3 weeks
Walking: Walking is started on the same day as surgery
Exercise: Light exercise can be started 14 days after surgery
Other: No drains are needed for this procedure! A chin strap is worn for one week, and then at night time only for the second week. Ice or frozen peas are used around the eyes and cheeks for the first 24 hours.
GALLERY
* Rating from RealSelf.com