Facelift

• The options can range from just thread lift till complete face and neck lift.

• Thread lifts have limited indications and are used in young patients with minimal sagging or wrinkling. The effects are temporary and do not last beyond 6-8 months.

• For lasting and most satisfying results, a full face lift with or without neck lift is recommended. This is the best option for most who are above age of 50 or have moderate to severe aging signs.

• Face lift may be supplemented by selective botox or fillers.

• Blepharoplasty and forehead lift may also be added during the second sitting.

Most facelift techniques focus on the lower facial areas, such as the jawline, jowls and cheeks. A facelift can also focus on the midface or the forehead. In some techniques, deeper facial tissues may be repositioned or tightened to restore a more youthful contour. In other techniques, removal or addition of fat or other soft-tissue fillers may be necessary to achieve the best results. Today, many different techniques exist with outcomes that can be consistently reliable, safe, and durable. There are several approaches to rhytidectomy surgery. Following methods are popularly used in this procedure:

• Traditional facelift: Your surgeon will make incisions in your hairline at the temples, continuing down and around the front of your ears and hidden in the natural creases behind your ears in your lower hair-bearing scalp.

• Limited-incision facelift: Your surgeon will make short incisions in your hairline, starting at your temples and continuing down and around the front of your ears, hidden in the natural creases. There may also be incisions in the lower eyelids, temporal area, or under the upper lip.

• Neck lift: Your surgeon will make incisions starting in front of your earlobes and continuing around behind your ears in your lower scalp. There will also be a small incision underneath your chin.

Dr. Date will recommend an approach based on your goals and facial characteristics, including the shape of your face. The placement and length of incisions vary, depending on the facelift technique that best suits you. The goal of this procedure is to help you achieve the most beautiful and natural-looking results.

There are normal symptoms which you will experience after facelift:

• Mild to moderate pain may be present and can be easily mitigated with pain killers. If there is severe pain or increasing pain, inform the medical staff or doctors.

• There will be lot of swelling over the face and neck. Compressive dressings/ wraps will be given which will help in reducing swelling. Recline rather than lying down will help drainage of fluid and decrease swelling.

• Bruising and swelling will peak by 3 days and then start reducing over next 3 weeks.

Recovery time frame after a facelift:

• You should avoid household activity and driving for at least a week.

• In the first week or two, you will have a feeling of tightness in your face and neck.

• The bulking dressing and drain tubes if any are removed after a few days. You may have to wear an elastic pressure garment for the face for a specified time period.

• Absolutely avoid taking any aspirin or any anti-inflammatory compounds for two weeks before and two weeks after your surgery.

• You are better served sleeping with your head above chest level for first 2 weeks.

• Apply cool compresses to your eyes. By soaking soft, white washcloths or gauze squares in ice water and wring out well. No need to apply any pressure and cooling sessions need not be longer than 20 minutes.

• Avoid bending or lifting heavy things for one week since this can suddenly increase blood pressure and cause delayed bleeding.

• Having a bath is ok from the next day of surgery, but due care should be taken before using hair dryers.

• Swimming, diving, water skiing, or participation in strenuous athletic activity for at least one month after surgery.

• You can expect to experience some numbness around your ear lobes, face, and neck for several weeks to months after surgery.

• Avoid makeup until you have been specifically allowed.

• During the first four to six weeks your scars may appear red and be slightly firm and raised then the redness fades and the scar softens. It takes a minimum of one year for the scar to achieve its final appearance.

• Refrain from direct sun exposure. Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat and good quality water based sun screen lotion.

The patients can home the day of your procedure, unless advised otherwise. Swelling and bruising vary significantly depending on the techniques used. These side effects can last as little as 5 to 7 days or up to 2 to 3 weeks. You can expect to experience some numbness around your ear lobes, face, and neck for several weeks after surgery. It is usually advised not wear makeup until you have been told to do so. Patients are advised to refrain from direct sun exposure. If you are outdoors, apply at least an SPF thirty at least thirty minutes before sun exposure. It is important to remember that everyone’s recovery will vary depending on an individual’s pain tolerance and healing response.

Every procedure involves inherent risks. Although serious complications are extremely rare, Dr. Date educates every patient about potential risks.

Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are:

• Adverse reaction to anaesthesia

• Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)

• Infection

• Changes in sensation over face

• Nerve injury

• Scarring

• Allergic reactions

• Damage to underlying structures

• Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures.

You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of Dr, Date, both before and after your facelift surgery.