Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

 

Over time, the long-term effects of gravity, exposure to sun, dry air, and general stress takes its toll on an individual’s face and neckline. Jowls can develop under the jawline with folds and fat deposits. Sometimes there is sagging in the midface, and deep creases begin to form along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth.
 
A facelift (rhytidectomy) can considerably reduce these signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening the underlying muscles, and re-draping the skin around the neck and face. Facelifts (rhytidectomy) can be done alone, or frequently performed in conjunction with another procedure such as a browlift, eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping. If your problem areas are limited to the neck, a more conservative procedure, known as a “necklift” will be recommended. In some cases, a facelift can reduce the outward signs of aging by ten or fifteen years.

 
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Goal of Surgery Prior To Your Surgery Risks of Surgery Include
Removes excess fat

Tighten facial muscles

Re-drape facial skin

More youthful appearance

 Get medical evaluation

Adjust current medicines

Stop smoking

Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs

 Unfavorable scarring                    Bleeding

Hair loss at incision                      Infection

Nerve damage                             Poor healing

Change in skin sensation            Need for revision

 

PLANNING

During your initial consultation with Dr. Olivier, she will thoroughly discuss your desires and expectations for facelift (rhytidectomy)with you. After a comprehensive history and physical examination, Dr. Olivier will review the surgical options and recommend the option that she thinks is best for you. Dr. Olivier will discuss specific instructions for preparing for surgery, including diet and medication requirements. She will also clearly explain your post-surgery needs so that you can prepare in advance.

PROCEDURE

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Dr. Olivier will recommend the best choice for you. Dr. Olivier will also recommend which facelift (rhytidectomy) technique will provide them with their desired result: traditional facelift, limited incision facelift or a neck lift.

A traditional facelift incision often begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear and ends in the lower scalp. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls and neck. Underlying tissue is repositioned, commonly the deeper layers of the face and the muscles are also lifted. Skin is redraped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. A second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an aging neck. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions. An alternative to a traditional facelift uses shorter incisions at the temples, continuing around the ear. Sagging jowls, loose neck skin and fat accumulation under the chin may be corrected with a neck lift. The neck lift incision often begins in front of the ear lobe and wraps around behind the ear ending in the lower scalp.

Your final results will be apparent when the swelling subside. You should appear more youthful and rested.

RECOVERY

After facelift (rhytidectomy) a bandage will be placed around your face to minimize post facelift (rhytidectomy) swelling and bruising. In addition, small tubes (drains) may be placed in beneath the skin to remove any excess blood or fluid. Although many factors are involved with determining your actual recovery time for facelift, you will likely experience a post-surgical recovery period and an additional period of reduced-activity. You will likely experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks. Exercise and normal activity can resume at the direction of Dr. Olivier. Over time, post-surgical swelling will decrease and incision lines will fade.

You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr. Olivier.

RELATED PROCEDURES

Facelift (Rhytidectomy) is often performed as an isolated procedure. However, it may be combined with other procedures such as Eyelid Surgery and Browlift.

CONTACT US

If you would like to learn more about Facelift  in New York, we invite you to meet with Dr. Olivier who is a female, board certified plastic surgeon for a private consultation at our Brooklyn office, located at 185 Montague Street. Contact us by calling 718-624-5796.
 
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For additional information on Facelift visit:
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facelift.html