FACELIFT (RHYTIDECTOMY)
As we age, the effects of gravity, sun damage, and daily stress can be seen in the face and neck. Deep creases may form between the nose, mouth, and chin. The jawline may lose its normal contour, and folds and excess skin may appear in the neck. If you are bothered by the signs of aging in your face, a facelift may be right for you. Rhytidectomy, or facelift surgery, can improve the visible signs of aging by tightening loose muscles under the skin, re-suspending the soft tissues, and defining the cheek and jaw. The neck muscles may also be lifted and tightened during this procedure. The result is a more youthful and rested appearance with a sharper, more defined jawline. Facelift surgery may be performed safely in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) and browlift, or even body contouring procedures such as breast augmentation or lifting.
Initial Consultation for Facelift Procedure
During your initial consultation with Dr. Hyman, he will discuss your objectives and expectations from surgery. This will include a complete medical history and an examination of the skin, soft tissue and bone structure of the face and neck. Dr. Hyman will suggest a procedure that suits you best and answer any questions that you might have.
Facelift Procedure
There are many variants of the facelift procedure. The facelift is performed almost always through incisions that begin above the hairline at the temples, extend in a natural line in front of the ear, and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. A small amount of liposuction and tightening of the neck muscles can be done through a small incision under the chin. Certain patients are candidates for the limited-incision technique, in which the incisions are confined to the area in front of and under the ear only. In every facelift, the underlying muscles are tightened and the excess skin is pulled back and trimmed. The result is a rejuvenated contour of the face and neck.
The facelift procedure takes between 2 and 3 hours and is performed in Dr. Hyman’s private ambulatory surgery facility under general anesthesia or deep sedation. Most patients are able to leave the surgical center accompanied by a private duty nurse or responsible adult following their surgery. You may elect to spend the night in our recovery facility with 24 hour nursing care.
Post Facelift Surgery
Following surgery patients have generally some mild discomfort. Swelling, bruising, and some numbness of the skin are typical and will resolve. Dr. Hyman will see you the day after surgery to remove your dressings and again five days later for initial suture removal. Any remaining sutures will be removed ten days after surgery. Most patients are able to return to work two weeks after surgery. Walking is permitted the day after surgery, but strenuous exercise must be limited until three weeks after surgery. You should avoid direct heat and sun on the face for several months. Swelling and bruising should subside within 2-4 weeks. Final results may be apparent in 1-2 months. Incision lines will continue to refine and fade for 1 year.
How Do I Get Started?
Dr. Hyman and his staff will be happy to discuss this procedure with you. Please feel free to call for a private consultation with Dr. Hyman, or you can request an appointment online.