Face/ neck lift surgery (Rhytidectomy)
The goals of the face lift and neck lift procedure are to lift the sagging skin of the cheek and neck, to decrease the wrinkle lines and creases, and to makes an individual appear youthful and naturally beautiful.
While a face lift will create smoother and more pleasing contours to your face and neck, it cannot correct conditions such as excess skin and fatty deposits in the upper and lower eyelids, or fine wrinkles around the eyelid and the mouth.
A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift, an eyelid surgery, or a nose reshaping.
Preoperative assessment
I will assess the elasticity of your skin (wrinkles and folds) and the underlying soft tissue (fat and muscle). The bone structure of your face will also be considered so that the surgery can be tailored to harmonize with your facial features. Your hairline will be examined to determine where incisions can be placed.
Surgical procedure
A facelift surgery (technically called Rhitidectomy) may be performed either under local anesthesia combined with intravenous sedation or under general anesthesia.
Your facelift can be done either as an outpatient or an inpatient. These options should be fully discussed between the patient and the surgeon.
Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples, extending in a natural line in front of the ear and continuing behind the earlobe to the lower scalp.
I routinely perform a two-layered rhytidectomy. First, to separate the skin flap in the area of temple, cheek and neck from the fat and muscle below. Second, to elevate the underlying muscle and SMAS flap with upward pulling rotation ,and then fix. This technique helps contour your mandibular line.
Bleeding is checked and stopped meticulously.
The cheek skin flap is pulled in a more lateral direction to lift the nasolabial fold and jowls. The excess skin will be removed.
The chin liposuction may be an additional procedure if considered necessary.
Small, surgical tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin behind your ear to drain any potential blood collection.
Stitches secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions; metal clips may be used on the scalp.
Note:
In my opinion, this multi-layered face lift provides a long lasting effect and, of course, a more natural apperance. A lift in two directions does away with the need to pull the skin so tight that you can achieve a better scar result.
After your surgery
At the end of the operation, your hair will be washed with mild antiseptic shampoo and dry.
Ice packs will be immediately applied to the treated area continuously to keep swelling and bruising to a minimum. The cold treatment is recommended for at least three day postoperatively.
You need to clean the wound with provided solution. You are allowed to wash your face and hair after the third day.
The stitches will be removed, begining on the fifth day until all by the eighth day. Makeup can be applied on the eighth day after the total stiches have been taken out.
You can usually resume full activity within a week and return home after the eighth day.
Possible complication
Bleeding or Hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin flap):
The risk of bleeding is increased if you have been taking aspirin. If a large hematoma occurs, this must be removed to avoid interuption of the blood supply to the skin flap.
Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles:
The facial nerve can be bruised during the surgery and may result in temporary loss of function. The permanent damage is very rare when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon.
Infection:
It is rare due to the good blood supply to the facial skin unless you have some underlying disease such as diabetics.
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