A facelift, or Rhytidectomy, is restores the effects of aging and gravity. It enhances the appearance by tightening of facial muscles, reducing the nasolabial folds and the jowling. The procedure redrapes the excess facial skin, giving a more youthful look. The procedure is often combined with a neck lift to eliminate the excess skin.
A facelift can be performed at any age from patients in 40s to 70s and even in their 80s. A realistic expectation as well as underlying bone structure and skin elasticity is the basis for a great result. A facelift will correct for skin excess as present with facial jowls; and elevate and recreate the prominent cheeks (malar region). It will not correct fine wrinkles like those in the upper lip. Adjunctive procedures such as chemical peel, dermabrasion, or laser resurfacing can be performed for fine wrinkles in conjunction with a facelift.
The procedure is performed either with sedation or under general anesthesia. The procedure takes several hours. The incisions are tailored according to the patient with respect to their goal and to optimize the result. Following the incision, the muscle and fat is elevated to correct for the effect of gravity. Excess skin is excised and sutured in place to give a youthful, natural appearance. A neck lift is performed through a small incision under the chin, the excess fat is removed, muscle tightened to remove the bands and give a sharper, youthful angle to the neck. A facelift garment is used as dressing.
While a patient may go home the same day, an overnight stay is recommended. Drains are removed after 24 hours. Pain medication is prescribed but the discomfort is usually minor. Numbness usually lasts from a few weeks to months and gradually disappears. Swelling resolves over several weeks also and strenuous activity is delayed for two weeks following surgery. The incisional scars are either hidden or fade with time.
Riverside PSC is located in the Johns Creek / Duluth area, easily accesible from highways 120 and 141.
The information on this web site should not be substitued for a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.
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