Face & Neck Lift

When a patient comes to me for facial rejuvenation, or facelift surgery, it is important to first examine the changes that they are seeking. With time, your face ages in two ways- the skin gets older due to sun exposure, smoking, dehydration, and a loss of elasticity from repeated facial expressions, and gravity causes a drooping and relaxation of the tissues. Traditional facelift surgery is excellent for lifting the tissues of the cheek, jowls, and neck back to their natural position. It does not fix fine line wrinkles, discolorations, or the folds that form from the corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth (nasolabial folds). These problems can be addressed at the same time, utilizing topical medications, injections, and additional small procedures that I will discuss with you at your consult if you should require them. The forehead is often lifted at the same time using our advanced Endoscopic techniques, which are described in a different section. Another common procedure performed at the same time is chin enhancement, as a weak chin makes the neck look fuller.

The problem with most facelifts is that while they do lift and tighten your tissues, they often leave you with an unnatural, pulled appearance. Many patients have expressed their fear of this to me. I share that fear. When I rejuvenate the face, it is important that I first know exactly what changes are desirable to you. Some people only want a subtle lift of the cheek, where as others want a very tight jaw line and no nasolabial folds. Each person has a different anatomy and body image ideal, and therefore needs a distinct surgery. I possess the ability to perform many different techniques of facial surgery, and each patient receives a custom tailored operation. I elevate the deeper tissues in a more vertical dimension, and gently re-drape the skin laterally to achieve an improvement that maintains and enhances your natural appearance. In some cases, only the cheek and jowl are elevated, the upper facelift or mini-lift. In other instances, only the neck is tightened, in a necklift. If these are more appropriate, I will explain them to you at your consult.

The procedure is best done with an anesthesiologist under monitored sedation. With this technique, you are a sleep as if in your own bed. The advantages over general anesthesia are that you have no changes in blood pressure that might cause bleeding, less chance of nausea, no breathing tube that may distort your mouth and make the procedure more difficult, yet you see, feel and hear nothing. It is essential that you not be smoking for at least 3 weeks prior to the procedure, as smoking and nicotine can greatly increase the risks of poor healing and scarring in this procedure. The traditional facelift takes two and one half hours. It is often performed with eyelid, brow, and chin enhancement surgery. I will discuss all of these with you prior to your surgical date if I feel that they may enhance your result. Stitches are placed in the hair above and behind the ear as well as in the natural ear curves so they may heal in a manner that renders them virtually unnoticeable in the majority of cases. Often, a small incision is placed under the chin to tighten the neck and eliminate the bands that sometimes form there. Dressings are placed around the forehead and neck for at least the first night.

After surgery, you are observed for 1 1/2 to 2 hours in recovery to insure that you can eat and that no bleeding occurs. It is not a very painful procedure, and most patients report little or no discomfort. Head elevation and rest are important for the first few days. Two weeks off of work are needed, as swelling and bruising can occur. Stitches are removed in stages, from 3-7 days following the procedure. Some numbness of the skin is anticipated, and dissipates in time. After 2 weeks, some makeup is often needed, especially in the neck area as it is the last to resolve swelling. If you have a wedding or are in front of the camera, a minimum of 1 month is safer.

Facial rejuvenation is often enhanced by advanced skincare, and this will be discussed with you as well. The goal following the surgery is a marked improvement in your appearance that people can not put their finger on. No one should be able to look at you and immediately tell that you have had surgery. That is the highest compliment I can receive.