Face and Neck Lift
.... for a refreshed more youthful appearance.
Face and Necklifts
Age and the daily stresses of life are often reflected in our face. As we grow older, the rounded and full faces of youth are replaced with more drawn and severe features. The skin thins out and skin folds become more prominent, particularly around the mouth and jawline.
Undergoing a face or neck lift 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 brow lifts are sometimes combined with facelifts, and can be undertaken at the same time or later, if necessary.
How is the surgery done?
Facelift or necklift surgery is undertaken as an outpatient procedure, either under local anesthesia with sedation (to make you relaxed and drowsy - often done in the office) or under a general anesthetic (at an outpatient surgery center). A facelift usually takes several hours or longer, especially if more than one procedure is being undertaken. If the surgery requires general anesthesia, Dr. Anna would undertake the surgery at the Virginia Ambulatory Surgery Center . A Board Certified physician anesthesiologists working alongside a nurse anesthetist would administer the anesthesia. Both arepart of the group Atlantic Anesthesia.
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 usually mild to moderate and well controlled with prescription medications. The sutures are taken out during the first week after surgery and often patients are able to return to work in anywhere from one to two 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.
What kind of results can be expected?
The results of a facelift or necklift 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.
Detailed information about Face Lifts can be obtained from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), as well as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
Similar information from both sites is available for Neck Lifts : ASPS and ASAPS