Facelift
As we age, the skin and underlying tissues of the face and neck loose their elasticity and support causing
sagging, folds and wrinkles. The purpose of the facelift is to tighten the skin and underlying facial muscles,
providing a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Our doctors are renowned for their delicate touch, and eye
for balance and symmetry. This artistic sensibility is critical to successful facelift. The experience and training
of our board certified plastic surgeons is a huge asset in the quest for a natural looking result.
A facelift is one of the most sought after and satisfying aesthetic surgical procedures. It can remove most,
but not all wrinkles. It can remove much of the sagging skin around the face and neck. Excess fat can be removed
or sculpted as needed. Facelift surgery will give you a more youthful, fresh and natural appearance. Your
expectations must be realistic, since there are limitations to what it can accomplish. Magazines and non-medical
articles may lead you to believe a facelift is a simple procedure when, in fact, it is a complex surgery.
This procedure requires careful incisions that are expertly placed, making them inconspicuous. This contours
the fat, and tightens the underlying muscles. It should be performed only by a qualified, experienced, board
certified plastic surgeon.
The result is a blend of your individual anatomy, scientific principles, and the skill, style, and artistry
of the surgeon. Every face is unique and the sculpting required for each patient should be individualized.
A facelift can turn back the clock, but will not stop the process of aging. Heredity is important. Your diet,
general health, time spent in the sun, smoking, weight gains and losses, emotional traumas, and type of skin will
all play a role in determining how long the improvement will last.
The Surgery
Two to three weeks before your surgery, you will visit the office for a history and physical examination.
You will be given instructions telling you what to do before and after your surgery. Prescriptions for pain
medications and antibiotics will be given to you at this time. These should be filled before your surgery. You
must not use aspirin or products containing aspirin for two weeks prior to your surgery. Smoking is strictly
prohibited three weeks prior and three weeks after your surgery to avoid serious healing problems. We cannot
stress enough how important it is to avoid smoking around the time of your surgery. Photos are also taken prior
to the surgery to help you and the doctors gauge the results of your surgery.
During surgery incisions are made around the ears and in most instances under the chin. The skin is lifted
and the underlying facial muscles are retightened. The skin is then gently draped, trimmed and the incisions
are sutured closed.
Following your surgery, you will go home with a large dressing around your head which will remain in place
until the next day. You must keep your head elevated and keep cool compresses on the cheek and neck area to
help reduce the swelling and bruising that normally occur. You must avoid heavy lifting or straining after
the surgery. The recovery time varies with the individual but typically most of the bruising and swelling
is resolved within the first week or two.
You will be asked to return to the office for several visits. The first visit will be the day after your
surgery when the head dressing will be removed, your hair is washed and incision care is given. The sutures
will be removed in 5 to 7 days and the staples in the hair in approximately 7 to 10 days. During these visits
the areas of surgery will be checked and you will be given instruction to return to normal activities as the
healing process continues. Physical exercise (tennis, golf, etc.) must be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks after surgery.
Your progress will be followed at intervals for 6 months.
Are You a Good Candidate?
To be a good candidate for any plastic surgery, you must have realistic expectations about what the procedure
can do for you. It's important to understand that plastic surgery can enhance your appearance and self confidence
but, like all plastic surgery, it is not going to solve underlying emotional issues you may have. Always think
carefully about your reasonable expectations and discuss any concerns you have with your surgeon.
This is a safe and commonly performed procedure but, like all surgery, complications can occur.
Next Steps
All successful surgeries begin with open and honest communication between doctor and patient. Are you
considering plastic surgery? Please contact our staff at Sarasota Plastic Surgery and let us educate you about your
options and the procedures available. We want you to understand all the possibilities even if you choose not to
have surgery at our world class facility. Contact us at 941.256.3938 or use the form on this page to start this
potentially life changing experience today.
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