Fort Lauderdale / Boca Raton Facelift Specialist
A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is one of the most common cosmetic procedures. It can produce remarkable results and help to restore a youthful appearance. A facelift can help to correct a sagging jaw line (also known as ‘jowls’), heavy or blunted neckline, and falling cheeks. Many different techniques have been described in facelift surgery, with many evolving techniques over the past ten years. Facelifts were once performed by simply pulling the skin tighter, but unfortunately, this often led to an unnatural, ‘wind-blown’ appearance. More recent advances have led to a shift in technique, in which the deeper tissues are repositioned, as well as the skin. This advance has led to a more natural, longer-lasting facelift result, leading to a more refined jaw line, contoured cheek, and smooth neckline.
It is important to understand the goals of a facelift. Irrespective of age, a facelift should restore a youthful appearance with a natural appearing result. Patients often report feeling younger and looking more well rested. Younger patients can expect the results to last a bit longer, but older patients often experience more dramatic improvement. Facelift incisions are hidden behind the ears and in natural skin creases. This ensures excellent camouflage, as the incisions typically heal as fine thread-like lines.
A facelift usually takes several hours to complete, and occurs either in a hospital or outpatient facility. General anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and deep sedation is most often used during facelift surgery. Following surgery, some patients may spend a night in the hospital. Typically there is minimal pain associated with a facelift. However, we will prescribe medication for you to ensure that you are comfortable throughout your post-operative healing period. It usually takes 10-14 days for patients to return to normal social activities, and incisions will continue to heal and refine for slightly longer.
As a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Greene is an experienced facelift surgeon who has an intimate knowledge of facial anatomy and the most current and advanced facelifting techniques. During the consultation, Dr. Greene will evaluate your unique facial structure, aging pattern and specific desires in order to select the best treatment for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a facelift?
A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of sagging skin and excess fat, as well as the tightening of neck and facial muscles. This is done to improve signs of aging that occur in the lower two-thirds of the face. In select patients, this is combined with a necklift as well.
Who is a good candidate for a facelift?
Good candidates for facelifts include physically healthy men and women who are realistic in their expectations and interested in reducing the appearance of sagging face and neck skin. Patients with well-defined bone structure and skin which still retains some elasticity often receive the best results.
What type of anesthesia is used during facelift surgery?
Local anesthesia combined with deep sedation is commonly used during facelift surgery, though general anesthesia may be used instead.
Are there scars after a facelift?
The incisions for a facelift are well hidden behind the ears and in the natural skin creases. As a result, the incisions are well camouflaged, and typically heal as fine thread-like lines.
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients only experience discomfort and a feeling of tightness. Nevertheless, pain medication will be prescribed to help control any discomfort that you do experience.
What is the recovery like?
After a facelift, the face is likely to appear bruised, pale, and swollen. Some temporary numbness may occur. In order to control swellilng, patients are instructed to take it easy during the first week and to keep their head elevated during the first few days after surgery. Some bruising can take two to three weeks to fully fade.
Are there any bandages used after surgery?
Bandages are usually applied and are typically removed the day after surgery. At times, another light bandage may be re-applied and used for a longer period.
How much work will I miss after a facelift?
Typically, patients can return to work within about two weeks.
When can I exercise after a facelift?
Any strenuous activity such as exercise should be avoided for the first two weeks after surgery.
When are the stitches removed after a facelift?
Stitches are usually removed after approximately seven days.
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