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F A C E L I F T |
| What Is a Facelift? |
A
facelift, or "rhytidectomy," is a surgical procedure designed
to improve the most visible signs of the aging process by eliminating
excess fat, tightening the muscles beneath the skin of the neck, and
removing sagging skin. It doesn't stop the aging process but merely
"sets the clock back." As we age, our facial skin loosens and wrinkles, and the muscles of the neck may weaken as well. Anything that will cause the skin to lose elasticity will hasten the process, including sun exposure, weight fluctuations and heredity. A facelift can address these problems by firming and tightening the skin of the face and neck all in one step. It is most effective for the lower face (jowls and neck). A double chin can be improved at the same time by a surgical procedure called supplemental lipectomy. To effect a more complete facial rejuvenation, facelifts are frequently done in conjunction with other procedures such as upper eyelid blepharoplasty and lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Your surgeon may also recommend injections of collagen or Botox for deep creases in your forehead or frown lines between your eyebrows. Contrary to popular opinion, the texture of the skin will not be changed by a facelift. Acne scars, age spots, fine lines and smoker’s creases will soon return to their original texture, no matter how tight the skin is pulled. A facelift will not give someone beautiful skin unless they have beautiful skin to begin with. However, skin treatments such as laser resurfacing or chemical resurfacing can be used in combination with a facelift to improve the texture of the skins and smooth skin wrinkles. If you're considering a facelift, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure. For more detailed information about how this procedure may help you, we recommend that you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in facelift surgery. |
What
Is Submusclar Aponeurotic System? |
The
SMAS is a layer beneath the skin that invests the facial muscles.
By tightening the SMAS, the jowls are lifted, the neck is tightened,
and the cheeks are elevated. This "deep" or "two-layer"
facelift is an improvement over earlier skin-only techniques. |
How
Long Does a Facelift Last? |
No
one can say for sure. The clock is turned back but keeps on running.
Ten years later, you will look better than if you never had surgery.
Many patients never have a second lift, while others may desire further
surgery seven to 15 years later. |
Can
Surgery Be Done Without Scars? |
The
scars from facelift surgery usually fade and are barely perceptible.
In some patients, especially younger ones, endoscopic surgery can
be used to lift the eyebrows, remove frown lines, elevate the cheek
and jowls, and tighten the neck. This endoscopic surgery can be done
with tiny scars. However, if there is excessive skin, it must be removed
for the best results through standard facelift incisions. |
How
Long Will I Be Out From Work? |
Most
patients are able to return to work in two to three weeks. You should
allow four to eight weeks before major social engagements. |
How
Can I Hide Things During the Time Until I Return to Normal? |
Your
surgeon will discuss post-operative camouflage techniques with you
prior to your surgery, but be assured that while almost everyone has
some sort of temporary side effect such as bruising and swelling,
there are makeup techniques that both men and women can use almost
immediately to disguise them. Generally speaking, makeup techniques
can be used soon after surgery to cover discolorations, and to hide
incision lines after the stitches have been removed and the incision
is completely closed. Camouflage cosmetics include three basic types
of products: concealers to hide incision lines and discolorations;
contour shadows to disguise swelling; and color correctors to neutralize
color in reddened skin. Color correctors disguise yellowish discolorations or the pinkness that follows chemical peel and dermabrasion. Lavender neutralizes or removes yellow, and green has a similar effect on red. It will take a little patience and practice to master camouflage techniques, but most post-op patients feel it's well worth the effort. |
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