Face Lift
What is a Face Lift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck. This procedure can correct:
– Relaxtion of face skin that causes sagging
– Deepening of the fold lines between the nose and corner of the mouth
– Fat that has fallen or has disappeared
– Jowls developing in the cheeks and jaw
– Loose skin and excess fat of the neck that can appear as a double chin.
Procedure
The facelift is done through incisions that are hidden in the hairline at the temples, continue around the ear and end in the lower scalp. Through these incisions, your surgeon will separate the skin from the fat and muscle underneath. The surgeon will then tighten the underlying muscles and remove excess fat. The skin is then re-draped over the new contours of your face and any excess skin is removed.
Recovery
Recovery from a facelift takes time. It is important to keep your head elevated for at least the first few days following surgery, and to sleep with your head elevated as well. You will likely have some swelling and bruising, which will resolve over time. You will need to take it easy for the first week or two following surgery, but should be able to return to your normal activities after that. It is important to avoid strenuous activity or exposure to sun and wind for at least six weeks following surgery.
Smoking and Face Lifts are Not Compatible
Complication rates for patients who smoke and have a facelift are simply too great to risk. For those who are considering a face lift and smoke, it’s time to quit. Carbon monoxide in a smoker’s body robs tissues of the oxygen they need to heal. Toxins in the blood from smoking also permeate the tissue, which further compromises healing. Smokers also have a higher risk of infections post-surgery. Smoking is detrimental for all surgery patients, but especially so for those undergoing a rhytidectomy. At Northland Plastic Surgery, we want you to get the best result possible. You cannot achieve the best face lift result if you smoke.