Face Lift
Improve Signs of Aging with a Face Lift
Is a Face Lift right for you?
As you get older facial aging is unavoidable. Complaints about jowls and sagging neck skin are heard by most plastic surgeons from patients contemplating a rhytidectomy, or face lift. A face lift is really a neck and lower face lift. Face lifts are commonly combined with other procedures, such as brow lifts or eyelid rejuvenation surgery. Face lifts are some of the most desired procedures in facial cosmetic surgery.
What happens during a Face Lift?
During a face lift, incisions are made in the area of your temple hair, just above and in front of the ear. The incision continues around the ear lobe, circling the ear before extending for a short distance into the hair behind the ear. The skin is then raised and the the underlying tissue is tightened with sutures. The skin is redraped, trimmed, and meticulously closed with sutures.
What results should you anticipate?
The goal of a face lift is to improve the overall facial appearance. Keep in mind that the aging process continues after surgery. A facelift will not stop, or slow down aging, but it can “set the clock back” usually about 10 years. A face lift can boost your self-confidence and make you feel more youthful. Having realistic expectations of the benefits will ensure satisfaction following the surgery.
What can you expect post-surgery?
After the surgery, there will be some pain, swelling and bruising. The typical recovery time is 2 to 3 weeks. Dr. Bridges will see you in the clinic (or hospital if you stay overnight) the day after surgery. The dressings will be removed and the incisions checked and cleaned. A lighter dressing will be placed at that point. Frequent clinic visits over the first few weeks will ensure proper healing. Sutures are taken out incrementally, with the last ones removed typically at the 2 week point.
Face Lift Post-Op Instructions »
Your plastic surgeon recommends the following after a face lift:
- Take pain medication as instructed
- Keep your head elevated when lying down
- Avoid any vigorous activity or head turning as much as possible
- Report any extreme discomfort to your plastic surgeon
- Please bring other questions or concerns to follow up appointments
