Purpose: To improve the overall appearance of the face and neck.
Incision: Located around the ears and in the hair behind the ear.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia plus IV sedation
Recovery: Depends on the patient.
Typically 2-3 weeks before regaining normal appearance, depending on any
other procedures done in conjunction with this procedure
Final healing takes around 6 months
Cost: $$$$*
Overview:
The primary goal of a facelift is to reduce the overall signs of aging
in the face, particularly in the jowls and neck. During a facelift, tissue
layers are separated, which elevates deep tissues, removes redundant skin,
contouring and removing fat.
Approach:
During this procedure, a substantial amount of time is spent attending
to fat in and around the patient’s face and neck, which plays an
important role in the shape of the face. Fat is removed from some areas
and added to others to create an attractive, youthful appearance. It is
important to retain a proper amount of fat to maintain healthy skin and
add contour to the face. By lifting and reshaping tissues rather than
stretching them as some facial plastic surgeons do, I am able to avoid
the swept look that some patients experience after a facelift. Incisions
are fashioned to be as subtle as possible, and no hair is removed in the
process. All incisions are sutured following the procedure, and staples
are never used.
Before & After Photos:
Facelift/Necklift Photos
Anesthesia Options:
Patients are able to choose between local anesthesia only or IV sedation
for their procedure. Local anesthesia involves around 10 seconds of pain
as the anesthetic is infiltrated into the tissues. The advantage to local
anesthesia (alone or in combination with a “valium” pill)
is the minimal recovery from anesthesia. Another advantage to local anesthesia
is that a patient is awake and able to view different size implant test
fittings during the procedure using a mirror. IV sedation allows the patient
to sleep throughout the entire procedure for an anxiety and pain-free
experience.
Recovery:
After surgery, a dressing is placed around the patient’s head. It
does not cover the patient’s eyes, nose, or mouth, allowing them
to see, talk, and eat. The head dressing is removed the day after the
procedure, and a member of our team will shampoo the patient’s hair
and give instructions for tending to the incisions. A drain is used in
recovery for one night after the surgery.
This procedure rarely results in extensive pain, however, some find the
snug head dressing a bit uncomfortable. Patients wear an elastic band
for 4 days following the procedure, which can be removed while bathing.
Activity after the surgery is limited. Patients may move about at will but should abstain from any sort of strenuous activity. Eventually, patients can slowly begin to participate in activities that involve the pulling of the neck and shoulder area (tennis, golf, weight lifting). Driving should be limited, as it requires excessive neck movement.
The incision lines are visible for the first few months and can be disguised with makeup. Patients typically experience numbness in the cheek and neck area that can last for several months. While subtle swelling can persist for about 6 months, the bulk of the swelling will subside within 6 weeks.
Risks that could potentially occur with this surgery include:
*Price:
$ = less than $2,000
$$ = $2,000 – $4,000
$$$ = $4,000 – $8,000
$$$$ = more than $8,000