Facelift
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Facelift
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What is it? A facelift, technically known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that can "set the clock back" with your face and neck. What does it accomplish? As people age, the effects of gravity, exposure to the sun and the stresses of daily life can be seen in their faces. Deep creases form between the nose and mouth, the jawline grows slack and jowly; folds and fat deposits appear around the neck. A facelift can improve the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and redraping the skin of your face and neck. What happens during the first consultation? Facelifts are very individualized procedures. In your initial consultation the surgeon will evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying bone, and discuss your goals for the surgery. Your surgeon will review your medical history and check for conditions that could cause problems during or after surgery, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, or the tendency to form excessive scars. Be sure to tell your surgeon all medications, including vitamins and herbs that you are taking. If you smoke, your surgeon will counsel you on the increased risks of healing and will wait to schedule surgery until you have stopped smoking for at least two months. After meeting with your surgeon, you will have an opportunity to meet with the nurse and discuss important aspects of before, during and after surgery care. You will also meet with the secretary to schedule the surgery and discuss fees associated with the procedures. Before surgery photographs are taken during this consultation, these can assist the surgeon to plan your surgery and can be used for computerized imaging that you are able to view at a subsequent appointment uses these photos. How is it done? Every surgeon approaches the procedure in his or her own way. Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples, extend in a natural line in front of the ear (or just inside the cartilage at the front of your ear), and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. If the neck needs improvement, a small incision may also be made under the chin. The surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle below. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned around the neck and chin to improve the contour. The surgeon then tightens the underlying muscle and membrane, pulls the skin back, and removes the excess. Stitches secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions; metal clips may be used on the scalp. Following the surgery, a small thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin behind your ear to drain any blood that might collect there. Your head will then be wrapped in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling. What can I expect after surgery?
Recovery time: Plan on taking at least two weeks off from work. After being released from the hospital you will return for a visit 5-7 days after surgery. At this visit about half of your sutures will be removed with the rest being removed in another week. You will be able to wash your face and take care of your incisions after the second day. You will be able to wash you hair after the third day of surgery. You will be able to apply make-up after a week, depending on your surgeon's guidance to you. A facelift is a complex procedure and takes you time to recover and allow you to heal. You should be resting at home, no heavy housework, long trips, gardening or other activities that you normally may do when you take time off from work. You may start light walking after about two weeks and you will be back to full activity after about 4-6 weeks. How many visits do I have after surgery? You will return to see your surgeon sometime during the first week for suture removal and wound care instructions and again your second and third week following surgery. After three weeks you will return at the six-week date, three months, six months and then a year following surgery. This schedule will be individualized for your surgery and your recovery.
Am I a good candidate? In your initial consultation the surgeon will evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying bone, and discuss your goals for the surgery. The best candidate for a facelift is a man or woman whose face and neck have begun to sag, but whose skin still has some elasticity and whose bone structure is well defined. Most patients are in their forties to sixties, but facelifts can be done successfully on people in their seventies or eighties as well. A facelift can make you look younger and fresher, and it may enhance your self-confidence in the process. But it can't give you a totally different look; not can it restore the health and vitality of your youth. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. What does the surgery cost? After meeting with your surgeon, you will be given the fees for the procedure, including the surgeons' fee, hospital and anesthesia and other related costs. How do I pay for surgery? A deposit of $500 will reserve your specific time and date. All other fees are due two weeks before the surgery. You can pay by credit card, check or cash. For your convenience all fees are collected by your surgeon's office. Are there scars? There are scars wherever there is an incision. These incisions usually heal to almost invisible or very slightly noticeable. The incisions behind the ear are well hidden in your hairline. Does it hurt? You are the most uncomfortable the first 24 hours following surgery. This is one of the reasons you stay overnight in the hospital. You have pain control at your fingertips, which allows you to get some well-needed rest. After discharge you are given prescriptions for pain medication and taking this medication as ordered will minimize your discomfort. Will I be awake during surgery? Your surgery is best done under general anesthesia for control of pain and nausea if they develop post surgery. You will be entirely asleep for the surgery. Where is the surgery performed? Your surgery is performed in in an surgery center or hospital with an overnight stay. Dr. Adams prefers to use a board certified anesthesiologists familiar with Plastic Surgery procedures. This is safer and more comfortable for the patient and allows Dr. Adams to give you your best result.
Are medical photographs taken? Photographs are taken during your first visit for planning and imaging purposes. Postoperative photos are taken at two months and then a year following surgery to document the progress made with the surgery.
What medications should I avoid? You should avoid or be off all diet or over the counter weight medications. The only homeopathic medications are those recommended by Dr. Adams. It is especially important to be off St. John's Wort and Ginseng, which can cause adverse effects during anesthesia. Please stop taking all aspirin-like products, Advil, and ibuprofen as these medications can cause bleeding problems. Please tell Dr. Adams what medications you are on ( prescription or non-prescription) to ensure the safety of any surgery.
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For further questions or to schedule a consultation call 214-965-9885 or email Dr. Adams. Dallas plastic surgeon offers plastic surgery procedures - forehead lift, browlift, breast augmentation using saline breast implants, silicone breast implants, cohesive gel breast implants, Gummy-bear breast implants, liposuction, rhinoplasty and more to Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, Houston and surrounding areas.
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