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FAQ FACELIFT
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A. Am I a candidate for a
Face Lift?
If you feel as if your skin is starting to sag around
the jowls, the forehead and generally "all over", if you
look tired and physically exhausted and you, in fact,
are NOT. Perhaps you are feeling as if your skin is
starting to become aged looking and are searching for a
way to restore your appearance to its younger looking
state. Then, a Rhytidoplasty (Rhytidectomy or Facelift)
is one of the options that you can take. If it is just
the sagging on the forehead or eyebrows, then an
endoscopic brow lift might be best for you. Full face
lifts are generally saved for those of us who are more
"mature".
B. What is a Face Lift?
The Rhytidoplasty or "face lift" (or even still,
Rhytidectomy) is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed
to improve the signs of the aging tightening the muscles
beneath the skin of the neck, tightening the sagging
skin itself, removing excess fat and overall improving
the appearance; rejuvenating the face to its former
youthful appearance. Post-operative patients agree that
a Rhytidoplasty seems to take 10 years off of their
appearance, easy.
C. When is a Face Lift usually performed?
There is no "usual age" that a patient requests a face
lift. It can be from 30's to 80's. Although, a brow lift
can work wonders for younger patients whose only
complaint is horizontal lines on the forehead and
sagging or "hooded" eyebrows. Brow lifts are often
requested in the late 20's-early 30's category and up.
It is quite possible that a brow lift is all that is
needed.
However, A face lift can produce better results in those
who are more mature or need extensive lifting and
tightening or rejuvenation. Seeking an entire lifting of
the facial skin and/or structure to produce a more
youthful and alert appearance. You can discuss your
available options with your surgeon to determine what is
best for your individual case.
D. What does a typical Face Lift consultation entail?
First off, Dr Mounir will discuss your goals with you
and he will explain what can be achieved realistically.
Some patients may require a deep plane face lift
involving the tightening of the inner muscular structure
of the face. You should bring photos of yourself at an
earlier age to determine your original facial look so
the effect can be a natural one. Most patients don't
want to wake up and not look like yourself once you
heal. You just want to try and achieve a more 'pulled
together' look; an attractive you at a younger age.
Although, some of you may want to change the structure
of your face altogether. Discuss with your surgeon the
goals and general result you would like to achieve. It
is all individual. Just like you!
E. How is Face Lift performed?
The Face Lift operation is most frequently performed
using General or Light Sleep Anesthesia. After your
arrival additional medications are given intravenously
which induce a profound state of relaxation. Patients
usually sleep during the operation. Much of the time
patients have very little memory of the operation
itself. After this state is achieved then medicines are
given to produce numbness of the surgical area. This
type of anesthesia is most frequently preferred by
patients. It causes almost no recovery necessary from
the anesthetics themselves unlike general anesthesia
which may produce nausea after the surgery. It also
carries less risk of complications. If general
anesthesia is preferred, this may also be used.
This procedure takes about 2-6 hours to perform. It may
take longer if you choose to have a neck lift as well.
Depending upon your facial structure the incisions will
be placed as inconspicuously as possible above the
hairline. Some doctors still cut at the hairline so ask
your doctor which incisions he prefers. The incisions
usually begin above the hairline, at the temples,
continuing in a natural line in front of the ear. Some
doctors can make the incisions with the cartilage just
in the front-inside part of the ear, ending behind the
earlobe and lower region of the scalp.
The skin is separated from the fat and muscle below it.
If the neck lift is being performed with the face lift,
a small incision is placed inconspicuously underneath
the chin and excess fat may removed by either trimming
it by hand or by facial liposuction. More than likely,
your surgeon will use the facial liposuction technique.
The underlying muscle and fascia are tightened and the
skin itself is pulled back, trimmed and sutured into
place. Sometimes surgical staples are used within the
scalp. The surgeon may place a small drain tube behind
your ears for excess fluid and blood drainage.
Please see the Face Lift Page for a full account of how
this procedure is performed.
F. What are the different techniques in performing a Face Lift?
There are older-style or standard "skin-only" face lifts
that don't seem to last as long nor improve the
appearance as much as a deep plane or 2 layer lift will.
The "deeper" lifts involve lifting the SMAS
(sub-muscular aponeurotic system - the facial muscles)
which tightens the jowls, cheeks and the face in
general.
G.What should I expect post-operatively?
Although, there is normally no extensive pain related to
the facelift operation, pain medication is prescribed
before hand. You may feel a degree of numbness that will
normally disappear within a 1-3 months.
Don't be alarmed at the presence of bruising and
swelling. This is very normal and you must realize that
your skin and underlying tissues have been stretched,
pulled and cut. The swelling will begin to disappear
within the first couple of weeks. Many patients return
to work with the help of camouflaging cosmetics at about
10 days post-op.
Things to be alarmed about that are not normal:
- Temperature elevation greater
- Sudden swelling or sudden discoloration
- Hemorrhage
- Increasing redness and tenderness of the wound edges indicating infection
- Allergic reaction to drugs
H. When will the sutures be taken out and does this hurt?
The drain tube, if used, will be removed in
approximately 2-3 days. Although your bandages may not
be removed until about day 5. Your face will swell, and
it appears at it's worse at day three. Your stitches may
be removed the same day as your bandages; if surgical
staples were used within the scalp area, they may be
removed in 7-10 days.
I. Will there be scarring? If so where will the scars be located?
Some scarring is necessary, usually hidden in the
hairline, behind the ears or under the jaw line. The
surgery is individual to your needs and your doctor can
discuss with you the techniques that he uses. Endoscopic
procedures involve tiny scars hidden in inconspicuous
areas.
J. Is there a lot of swelling involved with a Face Lift?
You can expect considerable swelling involving a
Rhytidoplasty at day three. Your face may look quite
normal when you get home but the next day and the day
after it will begin to swell. You may not recognize
yourself, do not be alarmed, this will subside. In two
weeks you will be delighted in the changes.
K. How long is the "down time" for this procedure; how long should I expect to be out of work?
You can expect to resume regular activities in about 3
weeks. It really is individual but the swelling is quite
pronounced involving a facelift. There is bruising and
of course a support will be worn at night to alleviate
tissue stress and to support the healing tissues
correctly. I wouldn't make any plans to attend any
weddings or other functions where you will be high
profile for at least 6 weeks.
L. When will I be able to see the results?
Having a facelift does not halt the effects of aging.
You may choose to undergo a facelift again within 10-12
years. You will notice the tightening in your facial
skin and muscle structure as soon as your swelling
subsides. You do not want a severe "pulled back" look
that is often seen in "bad" facelifts. This result is
not normal and looks very "done". Your face lift should
lend alertness and vitality as in your youth. You will
not look twenty or even thirty if you have a face lift
at age 50. That is not the intention. However, you will
agree that your appearance resembles a younger more
relaxed version of you.
M. What are the risks of Face Lift?
There is a chance of hematoma (blood clots), numbness
from nerve damage and hyper pigmentation (permanent
discolorations) caused by the bruising. There may be
asymmetry and/or undesired results resulting from a face
lift. Possible infections may arise and scarring can be
apparent depending on the incision placement. There can
be necrosis of the facial fat and tissues resulting in
tissue removal. If performed by an unskilled surgeon, it
is very possible to have your skin pulled too tight and
result in a very "windswept" look.
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