Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)
Facelifts and other facial rejuvenation procedures such as forehead lifts & eyelid blepharoplasties have become widely popular in the last several years. People are living longer, healthier lives and want to maintain a youthful appearance to match their vibrant lifestyles. Patients can slow their aging process by avoiding excessive sun-exposure and tobacco use as well as maintaining a comprehensive skin care program. They cannot, however, alter their genetic predispostitions for early aging, eliminate the effects of gravity or “stop the clock” of chronological aging. Surgery cannot stop this clock either, but it can significantly turn it back.
Advances in the techniques of facial rejuvenation, such as the “extended – SMAS” procedure in facelifting, have dramatically improved the results of the surgery. In this step, the underlying muscle layers of the face are tightened and repositioned before the loose skin is redraped, allowing for a more long lasting result and a more natural look.
The surgery lasts 4-6 hours depending on whether the eyelids are done at the same time. It is performed in the office surgical suite under local with sedation. The incisions are camouflaged around the ear and invariably fade well.
Postoperatively, patients feel tight, the neck is numb, the ears are sore and bruising is not unusual. A week off work usually suffices, expect to look fabulous within a month.
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