Facelift Plastic Surgery
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 jaw line grows slack and jowly; folds and fat deposits appear around the neck.
A facelift (technically known as rhytidectomy) can't stop this aging process. What it can do is "set back the clock," improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and re-draping the skin of your face and neck. A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping.
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 strong and 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.
Planning Your Surgery
Facelifts are very individualized procedures. In your initial consultation Dr. Aycock will evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying bone, and discuss your goals for the surgery. Be sure to tell him if you smoke or are taking any drugs or medications, especially aspirin or other drugs that affect clotting. Don't hesitate to ask the doctor any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results. Dr. Aycock will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two if needed.
A facelift usually takes several hours - or somewhat longer if you're having more than one procedure done. The exact placement of incisions and the sequence of events depends on your facial structure and your surgeon's technique. 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 the ear), and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. If the neck needs work, a small incision may also be made under the chin.
In general, Dr. Aycock separates the skin from the fat and muscle below. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve the contour. He 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.
There isn't usually significant discomfort after surgery; if there is, it can be lessened with the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. (Severe or persistent pain or a sudden swelling of your face should be reported to your surgeon immediately.) Some numbness of the skin is quite normal; it will disappear in a few weeks or months.
Most of your stitches will be removed after about five days. Your scalp may take longer to heal, and the stitches or metal clips in your hairline could be left in a few days longer.
A facelift can improve the deep cheek folds, jowls and loose, sagging skin around the neck that come with age.
Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples, follow the natural line in front of the ear, curve behind the earlobe into the crease behind the ear, and into or along the lower scalp.
Facial, neck tissue and muscle may be separated; fat may be trimmed or suctioned and underlying muscle may be tightened.
After deep tissues are tightened, the excess skin is pulled up and back, trimmed and secured into place.
Most of the scars will be hidden within you hair and in the normal creases of your skin.
Facelift Surgery Before and After Photos
Please feel free to contact us online at any time to discuss your plastic surgery options. Or, visit our plastic surgery offices located in Walnut Creek, California (CA) and Greenbrae, California (CA). Our offices are conveniently located near the San Francisco and Sacramento areas.
