Facelift Charlotte North Carolina - Facelift Huntersville North Carolina
What is a Rhytidectomy (Facelift)?
A Rhytidectomy is commonly referred to as a Facelift. Incisions placed around the ear in natural creases are made to allow the skin and underlying tissue to be repositioned to a more youthful contour. While a facelift cannot stop the aging process, it can often make a person appear to be a decade younger. The facelift is the fifth most commonly performed plastic surgery procedure in the United States.
How is a Facelift performed?
A variety of techniques are used selectively depending on the patients needs. The most common methods involve freeing a portion of the facial skin, repositioning the underlying fat and then removing excess skin. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned around the neck and chin to provide definition, and the muscles of the neck are often tightened to a smoother, more youthful appearance. Some patients may be treated with less invasive techniques, such as minimal incision techniques or with short scar variations.
How long does the procedure last?
A Facelift takes an average of two hours depending upon the complexity of the procedure and may take longer if additional surgeries, such as eyelid or brow lifts are done simultaneously.
What are the possible side effects?
Swelling and bruising occur but are usually gone in a few weeks. Patients generally feel a numbing sensation and skin tightness that should return to normal within weeks. To avoid tension and scarring, patients should slowly return to their normal activities.
Is there any downtime?
Recovery takes two to three weeks, and most patients can resume normal activities in two weeks.
What are possible complications?
Complications are relatively infrequent. The most common problem is bleeding, which most often can be treated in the office, but sometimes requires additional surgery. Small wound problems, such as delayed healing or open wounds, may generally be managed by local wound care. Rarely, significant skin loss can develop, particularly in patients with a history of tobacco use. Injury to the facial nerve, resulting in facial muscle weakness, is occasionally encountered. This is almost always temporary and resolves within weeks to months. Infection, anesthetic complications and drug allergies may occur as in any surgery.
What are the results?
Patients will enjoy a more youthful appearance as the Facelift counters the sagging effects of aging.
Who are the best candidates?
The best candidate for a Facelift is a patient whose face and neck have begun to sag but whose skin still has good elasticity. Expectations must be realistic, and it is important that any existing medical problems, such as hypertension, are well controlled. Smoking is a significant risk, and if you have a history of smoking, it is important to discuss how long before and after surgery your surgeon requires you to remain tobacco and nicotine free.
What can patients expect post-surgery?
Patients can expect swelling and bruising post-surgery. Depending on your particular surgery, you may be advised to rest for a few days at home. Some less invasive techniques may allow patients to return to normal activity within a few days, but many patients will wish to remain mainly at home for the first week. Elevation of the head is recommended to promote less swelling. Patients generally return to work in two weeks and gradually resume athletic activity three weeks after surgery.
Does a Facelift get rid of wrinkles?
A Facelift improves the appearance of wrinkles but does not eliminate them. Chemical or laser resurfacing after the surgery helps to smooth wrinkles and lines. Facial fillers such as Restylane or facial implants may also be used to address some areas.
How does the procedure feel?
Minimal to low pain and discomfort are associated with a Facelift. A feeling of tightness after the surgery is normal.
How long do the results last?
The duration of benefit varies depending on the patient’s tissue characteristics and surgical methods, but patients generally will obtain 6-10 years of improvement.
What are alternative treatments?
Non-surgical facial procedures are alternatives to the traditional Facelift. Alternatives might include minimally invasive lifts (Mini-Facelift), various lasers or radio frequency treatments. Chemical and laser peels can also be used to treat signs of aging.
How long does the procedure take?
A Facelift usually takes two to two and a half hours to perform.
Instructions before surgery:
It is important to avoid any medication which might affect bleeding. Medications such as Advil®, aspirin, Motrin® and similar pain relievers interfere with platelet function and should be discontinued at least 10 days prior to surgery. Many over-the-counter drugs, supplements and vitamins can affect bleeding. You should tell Dr. Diaz about any such medications or dietary supplements. Smoking and nicotine patches must be discontinued. You should discuss how many weeks Dr. Diaz requires you to be tobacco free (generally at least 2-4 weeks). Dr. Diaz may instruct you to not eat or drink after midnight the day before surgery. Follow all of Dr. Diaz's instructions.
You should take pain medications as needed. Patients undergoing typical facelifts should keep their heads elevated by using a few pillows or sitting in a recliner chair. It is best to avoid excessive talking for a few days. Dr. Diaz will instruct you on the suture line care. Your incisions should be kept dry for a few days. Severe pain or swelling should be reported immediately to Dr. Diaz.
Facelift Mobile Alabama - Facelift Pensacola Florida - Facelift Fairhope Alabama
Dr. Gus Diaz
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Diaz Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic
Fairhope, Alabama
251-517-5050
Dr. Gus Diaz is a surgeon offering techniques and personalized care in facial plastic surgery and cosmetic laser procedures. We serve patients throughout Baldwin County, Gulf Shores, Fairhope, Daphne, Orange Beach, Foley, and the Mobile Metro Area. To the east we serve patients throughout North Florida including cities such as Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Destin and Panama City. We also serve patients to the west covering Ocean Springs, Biloxi, and Jackson, Mississippi. To the north our patients come from Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama to as far away form Nashville, Tennessee.
Copyright Gustavo A. Diaz, MD, LLC. - All pictures in this website are models unless otherwise stated
|
