A Face Lift plastic surgery procedure performed at Shape Cosmetic Surgery is the most extensive way to remove or reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging of the face caused by age. Liposuction of the neck and jowls are performed at the same time as the face-lift procedure. Combining these two procedures results in a smoother, younger result. The skin is mobilized so that the skin and the tissues beneath can be tightened and the skin can be repositioned smoothly over the face.
To perform a face lift the surgeon makes an incision that starts in the temple area and circles the ear. The skin is raised, and the muscle and tissue underneath is tightened. The surgeon may remove some fat and skin. The skin is then re-draped over the face and the incision is sutured. The incision usually falls along the hairline or in a place where the skin would naturally crease so that it does not show after the surgery.
Candidates For A Face Lift
Some factors that can help you determine if you are a good facelift candidate include but are not limited to:
Skin elasticity
Ideal face Lift candidates have skin that retains some flexibility. This is an important aspect because a facelift procedure stretches your skin to remove wrinkles and the visible signs of aging. To enjoy successful healing and optimum results, your skin must be relatively supple.
Good Overall Health
Good overall health is mandatory for any surgery. It is important that you do not smoke, drink excessively or do drugs and that you have maintained healthy weight for six months or more. Patients who are in good health respond better to anesthesia and heal better.
Loose Skin on Your Face or Neck
If you wish to remove skin on your face and neck while tightening your skin and smoothing wrinkles, you may be an ideal candidate. A face Lift will help correct deep lines around your nose, creases on the sides of your mouth, loose skin along your jawline and folds on or around your neck.
Full Disclosure of information
It is imperative that you provide full disclosure to Dr. Lundeby. It is important that he knows everything about your health, any medications you are on, and any psychological conditions you may have. This information will keep you safe during your procedure and while you recover.
What To Expect After Surgery
Your face will be bandaged after the surgery. The dressings are usually removed 1 to 2 days later. If a drainage tube has been placed (usually behind the ear), it will also be removed 1 to 2 days after the surgery. Your doctor will remove your stitches within 7 to 10 days. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to relieve pain after the surgery. Expect to have swelling and bruising of the face. Cold compresses can help relieve these side effects. Your doctor may instruct you to keep your head elevated and still as much as possible. It is important to avoid smoking and even second-hand smoke for 2 to 4 weeks before and after surgery. Tobacco smoke increases the risk for skin and tissue injury and will delay your face’s healing process. It can make scarring worse. Most people can return to their normal activities 2 to 3 weeks after a face Lift. At first your face may feel stiff and will probably look and feel strange to you. This is normal, but it is important to be prepared for it.
Numbness of the skin may last for a few weeks to months after the surgery. Your skin may feel rough and dry for a few months. Men sometimes have to shave in new places because the skin has been rearranged, but laser hair removal or electrolysis can be used for beard hairs that have shifted to a new position.
The facelift procedure addresses two-thirds of the face; therefore, additional procedures can help an individual achieve optimal results. In some cases, such as eyelid surgery (“blepharoplasty”) or brow lift surgery (“forehead lift”) may be performed.
Contact Us For A Consultation
If you feel you are a prospective face Lift patient, feel free to call 509-458-7546 (Spokane) 509-735-2636 (Tri Cities) or use our on-line form to schedule your consultation or visit with Dr. Lundeby.