Cosmetic Surgery For The Face

Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)

A face lift is a procedure that is done to tighten the skin of the face and remove large creases and wrinkles that have formed around the nose and mouth. The face and neck are usually treated at the same time, and the procedure is sometimes called a face-and-neck lift.

• The procedure
• After the surgery
• How effective is a face lift?
• Disguising the scars soon after surgery

The Procedure

A face lift is performed through an incision made in such a way that most of the scarring will occur on the scalp and along natural lines of the face. For men, the incision follows the natural beard line and can be camouflaged by sideburns. Only a thin line of hair will be trimmed along the incision line.

• The incision begins in the hairline, continues down in front of the ear, around the earlobe, and ends in the hairline behind the ear.
• After the incision has been made, the skin is gently freed and raised from the underlying fat and muscle.
• Excess fat is trimmed or suctioned from the neck and chin.
• If jowls and drooping neck skin are a problem, the fibrous tissue and muscle immediately under the skin (called the platysma) may be separated and made tighter.
• Sometimes a small incision is also made in the shadow line under the chin to allow for trimming or suctioning of focal areas of fat along the jawline or under the chin.
• The skin is then pulled tight and the excess is trimmed away.
• The incisions are closed with fine sutures and staples.
• In some cases, a small drainage tube is placed under the skin behind the ear to drain off any excess blood and fluids that may collect there. This tube will be removed within a day or two after the procedure.
• Gauze dressings are placed along the incision lines and the head is wrapped in an elastic bandage. These bandages will be removed on the first or second day.

Face-lift surgery can last from two to five hours. It can be performed in an outpatient facility with local anesthetics, and sedatives may be given to relieve tension. Some surgeons, however, prefer a general anesthetic and a brief hospital stay.

After The Surgery

The head should be kept elevated to reduce swelling. Sutures will be removed within five to ten days after the surgical procedure. Incisions and bandages must be kept dry. The surgeon will give specific instructions about bathing and washing the hair.

Medication will be prescribed for pain, although most patients experience little discomfort after a face lift.

Most people should allow two to three weeks for recovery from a face lift. This period allows time for bruising and swelling to heal.

• During this time, vigorous activity should be avoided.
• Use of cosmetics is allowed after sutures are removed.
• Numbness and muscle stiffness should resolve during the recovery period, though complete return of sensation may take several months.
• Use of hair tints and hair dryers may be restricted for some time.
• Earrings should not be worn until sensation has returned to the earlobes.

How Effective Is A Face Lift?

• Face lifts address only the face and may have to be done in combination with other lift procedures before the desired effect is achieved.
• Face lifts correct deep wrinkling and sagging of the tissues. Fine wrinkling, such as that around the lips, must be corrected by a skin resurfacing technique such as a chemical peel or dermabrasion.
• Face lifts do not stop the aging process, and signs of aging may reappear as time passes.