Facelift
Facelifts have a lengthy history in the annals of plastic
surgery, but they've come a long way, baby. Gone are the
expressionless, wind-tunneled looks of the past, as plastic
surgeons strive to recreate younger-looking versions of their
patients with the least telltale surgical signs as possible.
Facelifts are no longer seen as the de rigueur procedure for
women of a certain age. Today's many facelift options are
appealing to men and women of various ages and all can be
tailored to individual needs.
A modern facelift usually extends below the skin to address
the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) by repositioning
underlying facial muscles as well as reducing excess skin.
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A facelift begins with carefully placed incisions. In general,
these are made just inside the hairline at the temple, extending
down along the natural curve of the ear, back behind the ear and
horizontally into the hairline.
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Get your skin in good shape. This may mean a course of a topical
retinoid like Renova or Avage to thin the skin, facial treatments
such as microdermabrasion or limited chemical peels and definitely
no sun prior to facelift surgery.
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There is no question most patients are concerned about scars resulting
from a facelift. It is important to keep incisions as short as possible
but still allow for skin to be reduced and redraped in the proper direction.
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Following facelift surgery, your face may be swollen, pale and numb.
You will have discomfort, but most patients do not complain of severe pain.
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There are alternatives to a surgical facelift. However, these options may
not be appropriate for every patient, nor do they mimic the results of a true facelift.
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Some plastic surgeons use drains, while others use a compression garment on
the head and neck for a few days after facelift surgery.
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Facelift with SMAS flap and necklift; endoscopic browlift; upper and lower
blepharoplasty with canthopexies; upper and lower lip augmentation with
SMAS tissue grafts; perioral dermabrasion.