Face and neck lift (Rhytidectomy) are procedures to rejuvenate the face. The main goal of facial rejuvenation is to achieve a natural, well rested, and more youthful appearance. An “operated look” is to be avoided. The areas addressed with Rhytidectomy are the jowls, neck, jaw line, deep creases around the mouth and sagging cheeks. This is done by various methods including removing unwanted fat, repositioning of the underlying tissues of the face and neck, and redraping of the skin.
The Preoperative visit
During your first consultation, Dr. Soltanian will evaluate your face and photographs in detail and discuss your expectations and concerns. Then he will review the available surgical options and his recommendations with you. This also includes the discussion of major risks and possible complications. The extent of the procedure depends on the patient's individual needs. Individual limitations may exist and will be reviewed with the patient preoperatively. You will be provided with additional material for your review at home. We strongly recommend a second visit before the operation to review the major points and answer all remaining questions.
Facelift can be performed in conjunction with other facial procedures such as liposuction, eyelid, eyebrow, chin or laser surgery in order to create a well balanced and rejuvenated appearance.
Ideal Candidates
Best candidates for facelift are men and women with moderate to severe sagging of the facial soft tissue and some residual elasticity of the skin. The patient should be in good health. Smokers have a higher chance of peri-operative complications, such as skin loss and wound healing problems. Most patients are in their forties to sixties.
The Surgery
Facelift is usually performed at a hospital with the patient staying one night for pain control and observation. General anesthesia is recommended for patient comfort. Less extensive procedures can also be performed under monitored sedation. During the surgery the sagging tissue is repositioned and the excess skin is excised. The exact procedure is tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Small suction drains may be used for a short period of time after surgery.
The Postoperative Course
After discharge from the hospital, the patient is instructed to avoid strenuous activities for two weeks. The sutures are removed in the office on about the fifth and eighth postoperative days. The discomfort is controlled with oral pain killers. Most of the swelling and bruising will subside in two to three weeks. There may be several months before the final results are seen. Patients will return to the office for periodic visits during the first year.
What to expect
After complete healing, your face will appear rejuvenated and refreshed. The scars from this procedure are usually well hidden. The results are long-lasting with few patients requesting “re-lifting” of their faces five to ten years after the first procedure.
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