Facelift
A facelift, or
rhytidectomy,
is a surgical
procedure directed
at correcting
the sagging tissues
of your cheek,
jaw line, and
neck. Most patients
begin to recognize
these changes
in their forties,
but this procedure
may be performed
in patients younger
and much older
that this.
The
goal of a face
lift is to tighten
the relaxed tissue
and remove excess
skin to create
a more fresh and
youthful appearance.
The key to a successful
face lift, and
therefore a happy
patient, is to
maintain a natural
look after your
surgery. It is
important to conceal
the incisions
as best possible
while avoiding
too much of a
pull on the skin
that creates an
unnatural look.
Incisions
are carefully
placed around
the ears and hidden
in creases to
avoid direct visibility.
The skin is lifted
and the underlying
tissue is tightened
to eliminate the
unwanted sagging.
Next, the excess
skin around the
ear is removed
and gently positioned
to maintain a
normal appearance.
Before
the lift is performed,
the area beneath
the chin is often
treated by liposuction
of unwanted fat,
or by tightening
the muscle bands
in the front of
the neck. This
serves to create
a better contour,
and therefore
a more youthful
result.
Patients
will have a protective
dressing around
the face, which
will be removed
the day after
surgery. Sutures
and surgical clips
around the ears
will be removed
after one week.
Most of the bruising
and swelling is
gone by 10-14
days, but make-up
can be applied
after one week
to conceal the
bruising. In our
experience, patients
have resumed some
social activities
after 5-7 days.
With
the face lift
procedure there
is minimal pain
and discomfort
during the postoperative
recovery. After
a short period
of healing you
can enjoy a younger
and natural looking
you for many years
to come.
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