What is a face lift?
- Also known as rhytidectomy. As we age, the effects of gravity have dramatic consequences on our appearance. The common areas of facial aging are the cheeks, lower face, jawline, and neck. Descent of the midface (“the cheek”) causes accentuation of facial lines and wrinkles. The nasolabial folds, lines that extend down the face from the corner of the nose, are deepened. The marionette lines which extend down from the corner of the mouth are also worsened with gravity and age. The skin along the jawline also sags, causing jowling to occur. Lastly, skin and muscles in the neck also become loose, creating the “turkey neck” appearance.
Before and After
best results
Who is a good candidate?
- Any healthy female or male who is becoming self-conscious about facial aging and who desires rejuvenation of the lower face and neck. The individual should have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the procedure. They should be willing to stop all nicotine-containing products prior to surgery and for the duration of the recovery period.
Benefits
Correction of lower facial and neck laxity
Improvement of deep facial wrinkles and skin folds
Scars are well hidden and nearly impossible to see
Increased self-confidence.
Correction of sagging skin or muscle “banding” present in the neck leading to a “turkey neck”
A face lift can be combined with other procedures such as neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift and non-surgical treatments.
What would my recovery be like?
Intial Recovery
- All patients are sent home after surgery and are given a set of detailed post-operative instructions to follow.
- Mild pain medication will be prescribed for the patient to ease any discomfort. Ice packs or cold compresses are suggested to help with any minor swelling or bruising.
- Generally the initial healing process takes 10-14 days.
- During the first 7-10 days, the majority of the swelling and bruising subsides.
Long Term recovery
Most patients return to their normal routine in 10-14 days. Patients are asked to refrain from physical exertion for 3 weeks.
Bruising usually resolved by 2-3 weeks after surgery.
Mild swelling can last for up to 6 months.
Individual recovery periods vary depending on the patient and the procedure’s complexity.
