Facelift

…for a refreshed, more youthful appearance…

Deciding on a facelift is a very individual and personal decision. Your goals, expectations, and concerns are very important factors in helping a plastic surgeon decide on what type and extent of surgery needs to be undertaken. Other procedures such as eyelid surgery or browlifts are sometimes combined with facelifts, and can be undertaken at the same time, or at a later date.

How is the surgery done?

Facelift surgery is undertaken as an outpatient procedure, either under local anesthesia with sedation (to make you relaxed and drowsy) or under a general anesthetic. A facelift usually takes several hours or longer, especially if more than one procedure is being undertaken.

The incisions are hidden by the hairline and in the natural creases and lines around the ear. The skin of the face and neck is lifted and tightened. Structures underlying the skin, such as the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system – a fibrous layer under the fat) may also be modified or repositioned to give a more youthful appearance.

Pain following surgery is controlled with prescription medications. The sutures are taken out during the first week after surgery and most patients are able to return to work in anywhere from one to three weeks, depending on the extent of surgery).

What are the possible complications?

All surgery runs the risk of bleeding, infection and scarring. Rarely, injury to underlying structures (such as nerves) may occur. Smokers are at increased risk for infection as well as problems with healing and scarring, and so, patients are advised to quit smoking before as well as after surgery. It is important to review and understand all of the possible complications with your plastic surgeon.

Through incisions hidden in the hairline, around the ear and under the chin...	...the skin and deeper tissues of the face can be lifted.

What kind of results can be expected?

The results of a facelift can be dramatic or subtle, depending on how you look before surgery, as well as what goals you and your plastic surgeon decide upon prior to surgery.

Having a facelift does not stop the natural process of aging, however, years later you will continue to look better than if you had never had a facelift at all.

If you are interested…

Please call our office for further information. The information by Dr. Anna Drzewiecki and may not reflect the thoughts or approach of all plastic surgeons. The best way to obtain a better understanding of facelift surgery is through a personal consultation with your plastic surgeon, at which time you should feel comfortable asking for any additional information.