A facelift is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the face and neck. The operation consists of removing excess skin and replenishing the youthful volume of the face. A facelift restores smoother, more pleasing contours to your face and neck. It can help you look as good as you feel. Dr. Shenker uses the most up to date and innovative techniques to achieve excellent results.
How should I prepare for surgery?
You will first have a thorough consultation with Dr. Shenker to determine your goals for your facelift. Dr. Shenker’s Patient Coordinator will guide you through all the details of the planning process for your procedure, including financing, scheduling, and paperwork.
Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.
You are to have nothing to eat or drink for the twelve hours immediately before your surgery.
How is a facelift procedure done?
Incisions are placed at or within the hairline and within natural contours in front of and behind the ear (shown in lighter black). The skin is gently elevated off the deeper tissues (grey shaded area) which are then lifted and tightened. This restores the youthful volume of the cheeks and helps correct the jowls.
Facelift procedures are often combined with laser resurfacing of the eyelids and mouth and chin areas. This helps to improve the fine lines in those areas which are not corrected by a facelift.
Fat grafting can also be combined with a facelift to further improve facial aesthetics. Fat can be placed in some of the deeper folds of the face that are not completely corrected by a facelift.
What will the day of surgery be like?
You will arrange for someone to drive you to The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic and to pick you up after the procedure. Our staff will assist you with planning for your ride home.
Our surgical staff will ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure. A facelift is usually done under a general anesthetic. Typically, the surgery takes about 3-4 hours.
When surgery is completed, you will be taken into our recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. A bandage may have been wrapped around your face and sometimes small tubes will be inserted beneath the skin to drain away fluids that might otherwise accumulate, but you will not feel these at all. In fact, there is usually little discomfort from the surgery.
You will be in the comfort of your own home approximately two to three hours after surgery.
How will I look and feel initially?
Your face will be swollen after surgery. There will likely be some bruising of the skin of the face. The swelling and discoloration may be more pronounced in some portions of your face than others. Do not be alarmed by any unevenness or temporary asymmetry caused by the variance in swelling and bruising, which is perfectly normal. Generally, the greatest amount of the swelling occurs 24 – 48 hours after surgery, but it may take several weeks before all puffiness is resolved. Most bruising will disappear within two weeks.
After a few days, you will be permitted to wear makeup, which will help conceal any discoloration. You will also experience some numbness in the facial area, which may be present for several weeks or longer. Your stitches will be removed from four to seven days after surgery.
It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.
After surgery, you will be asked to restrict your activities and simply relax for a few days. Elevating your head when you sleep will help to minimize swelling and bruising.
When can I resume my normal activities?
You can resume most normal activities of daily living such as showering, walking outdoors, and shopping in five to seven days. Depending on the extent of your facelift and your general physical condition, you may be able to return to non-strenuous work two to three weeks after surgery. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise after four weeks. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort and swelling during this time, but such feelings are normal.
Results of your Facelift
The facelift procedure is intended to provide a natural, attractive and more youthful appearance. This surgery can produce excellent results, and the scars are usually inconspicuous.
The results of your Facelift may be dramatic or subtle, depending on how you look before surgery as well as the specific goals that you and Dr. Shenker have established. Since the healing process is gradual, you should expect to wait at least several weeks for an accurate picture of your “new look”. Additional minor changes, or settling, may occur over several months.
How long will results last?
The results of your facelift should last for many years. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually take their toll. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your face you may choose to undergo a second procedure to restore a more youthful facial appearance.
What if I have more questions?
You may contact The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic at any time if you have questions or concerns: 519.746.1132 |
