A Facelift (Rhytidectomy or Meloplasty) is a surgical procedure designed to smooth and firm the skin, providing a fresh, youthful appearance.  Throughout one’s life, the sun’s radiation, stress, gravity, and other factors cause the skin to sag and fit more loosely.  Areas of the face and neck, in particular around the jaw line, are especially prone to the aging process.  Though these changes are gradual, wrinkles and other signs of aging can make individuals “feel older” than they really are.

Surgery for a facelift involves the contraction and realignment of facial and neck skin, and in some instances the removal of excess fat deposits.  A facelift is often performed in combination with other facial cosmetic procedures and can be performed any time signs of aging begin to appear.  However, patients are generally in their forties or older when they elect to undergo this procedure.

Reasons for Considering a Facelift:

• Sagging skin, muscles, and fat in the face and neck.
• Excess skin and fat on the neck.
• Sagging jaw line.
• Crease lines along the nose, mouth, and chin.
• Sagging cheeks and midface.

General Procedure

The standard procedure for a facelift commonly involves making small incisions just inside the hairline, following the contour in front of the ear, and continuing under the earlobe to the backside of the ear and to the lower scalp.  There is also a type of short-scar facelift (MACS) that is available.  Tissue and fat deposits are separated, the skin is stretched and tightened, and any excess skin is removed.  Often an additional incision is made under the chin to allow for fat removal in that area and tightening of the anterior neck muscles (platysmaplasty).  Fine stitches are used to close the incisions and to reduce any chance of scarring. Metal clips or staples may also be utilized in the hairline.

A face lift may takes around 3-4 hours or longer depending on whether other cosmetic procedures are completed at the same time.  When several procedures are combined, it may be worthwhile to consider staying overnight in our certified surgicenter.  Additional procedures can also be staged or performed at a different time to decrease the length of time in surgery.  There are several different facelift techniques that can be employed.  Patients can discuss the options with Dr. Brantner to determine which method is best for them when they come in for their consultation.

Recovery Process

Immediately after surgery, the face is fitted with bandages in order to decrease the recovery time and to reduce swelling.  This dressing will be removed the next day in our office.  Once the dressing has been removed, Dr. Brantner will examine you and then a light dressing is applied for the trip home.  You may shower once your dressing has been changed on the morning after surgery.  Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing and recovery process.  The stitches, clips or staples are normally removed within a week. Patients sometimes report some minor pain associated with surgery.  Any discomfort can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions given after the procedure.