Face
Lift
 The
effects of aging start to become visible after 25 years of
age however, person age at different times and in different
ways. Face lift surgery gives a face a more youthful appearance
by tightening loose facial muscles and skin.
The procedure
After cleansing with an antiseptic solution and your face
is outlined with a marking pen, the typical incisions are
made from the temple at the top of the ear, front of the ear,
behind the ear, and back into the hairline. Some incisions
are also made underneath the chin. The skin is cut beneath
the fat. The facial skin is the pulled and the excess skin
is removed. The thin fascia (SMAS fascia of the face) is also
lifted and pulled back to provide support to the skin. Fine
stitches are used to promote healing and reduced scarring.
A small tube is placed to drain the excess fluids. Sterile
dressings and bandages are applied.
The operation time
The surgery takes 4-6 hours.
 Anesthesia
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
Hospitalization
One night in the hospital after surgery.
Pain
Post op. pain is less than is generally expectated; however,
you will receive IV analgesics immediately after surgery for
a short period.
Expectation after
surgery
There is a discomfort under the bandages. The drain tubes
are removed 24 hours after surgery. You will keep your head
elevated with extra pillows to reduce swelling. Often there
is some bruising. There should be no major pain or swelling.
Typically, the face is numb in some areas this is due to damage
to the small sensory nerve fibers, but they will grow back
within 12 weeks. Talking or moving the jaw should be avoided
during early post-op period. The diet should be soft for the
first 48 hours.
Most patients are able to return to work in 10-14 days; however,
sex and exercise should be avoided for a month after surgery.
A good candidate for
a facelift
Ideal candidate;
- Realistic in their expectation
- Psychologically stable
- Good physical health
- Persons in their late 30s and 40s
Possible risks and
complications
- Hematoma (blood collection under the skin) is not uncommon;
however, most are small and heal quickly.
- Infection is rarely a risk of having a facelift.
- Facial palsy from facial nerve injury is a very rare complication.
** A smoker must quit two weeks before
the surgery and for two weeks after surgery.
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