A Facelift is also known as ‘rhytidectomy,’
which means ‘wrinkle excision.’ Today, the
term ‘facelift’ is use to describe a number
of procedures which are designed to rejuvenate the aging
face and neck. Facelift surgery is particularly effective
for the treatment of the anterior neck and the jawline,
tightening loose skin and muscle under the chin, and
improving jowls. The midface (cheek area) may also be
improved, ameliorating deeper wrinkles and ‘smile
lines.’
In order to minimize the visibility of postoperative
scars, most effective techniques use incisions within
the hair-bearing scalp and around the ear (see diagram)
to remove loose and excess skin. Deeper tissues are
also tightened through these same incisions, enhancing
the result and its duration.
In order to produce a more balanced and complete result,
facelift surgery may be combined with other procedures
including browlift, eyelid surgery and liposuction under
the chin, depending on the unique needs of each patient.
Alternatively, the patient and surgeon may elect to
‘stage’ these procedures, performing the
procedures on different dates in sequential fashion.
Facelift surgery is most often performed under a general
anesthesia, and typically lasts several hours. After
the surgery, an overnight stay is recommended for some
patients. Pain and discomfort following the surgery
are typically controlled with oral pain medication,
and are not severe. Most patients resume their normal
household activities within one or two days. Stitches
are removed about one week following surgery, and within
two weeks most patients can return to work. Most bruising
and swelling resolves within 10-14 days, though in minor
swelling may persist longer, depending on the patient
and the nature of the surgery performed.
Browlift surgery,
also called ‘forehead lift,’ is designed
to elevate drooping eyebrows, and ameliorate wrinkles
in between the eyebrows (‘frown lines’),
in the forehead, and around the eyes (‘crow’s
feet’). A variety of techniques may be used, depending
on the needs of the patient. Most techniques use incisions
that are placed at or behind the hairline, so as to
minimize the appearance of postoperative scars. ‘Endoscopic’
or minimal access surgery can sometimes be used to avoid
the scars of more conventional techniques.
Before and
after photographs of facelift surgeries done
by Dr. Rudkin may be viewed at the time of consultation.
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