Face-lifting has advanced tremendously over the last few decades. A
very natural look, hidden incisions and a longer lasting result are
possible with a much shorter recovery.
There are two reasons to consider a facelift, aging and genetic
maldistribution of skin and fat. The first patient above showed early
signs of aging. She had lost the definition along the jaw line so her
cheek and neck looked like they were one continuous surface. When this
happens we look older. Recreating the jaw line and cleaning up the neck
area creates a much younger and fresher look.
In the second patient above, excess fatty deposits in the neck area
make her look older and heavier. In my opinion, fat removal of the jowl
areas and cheeks should be avoided in most cases.
Older people have
hollow cheeks, babies have "chubby cheeks"!
In many people, the hanging jowls and deep cheek folds are actually
mid-cheek skin and fat that has fallen down. If we bring them back
up to where they once were, the result is a longer-lasting and more
natural look.
The face and neck are usually lifted together. A small incision is
made under the chin to tighten the neck muscles and fix the neck bands
if the neck bands are very pronounced. If they are not very prominent,
no chin incision is needed.
Face-lifting takes 2- 3 hours in my practice and is done either
asleep or with IV sedation. Patients are usually up and about the same
day and back to most activities in about 5 days. Makeup will cover
residual bruising. Pain is very minimal, though most patients note
a feeling of tightness. Many patients combine face-lifting with an
eyelift or brow lift for complete facial rejuvenation.
Face
Lift
FAQ's
Facelift Scars?
While most facelifts heal
very well, occasionally visible scars behind the ears occur.
Several products are available that may
aid in reduction of visible scarring. These include Cica Care
silicone gel sheeting, Kelocote silicone cream, and my preference which
is ScarGuard (WWW.ScarGuard.com)
. ScarGuard combines several of these modalities and is easier to
use.
Whichever one you choose, I believe that
scarring is, in fact, improved by using these types of products.
If you are having surgery I recommend
that you review the information at WWW.ScarGuard.com
and talk to your surgeon about how to achieve the best result possible.
Old scars can often be treated and improved as well!