Facelift
Introduction to Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
facelift is
exactly what the word describes: your face is surgically lifted to improve
sagging facial skin, jowls and loose neck skin often associated with the
aging process. Facelifts can make you look as much as 10
years younger, feel more confident about your appearance and increase your
self-esteem.
Best Candidates for a Facelift
Men and women, from their 40’s into their early 70’s, with loose skin
around the lower face and neck, prominent jowls, loose skin along
the jaw line, deep creases between the nose and mouth. Non-smokers
with good to excellent health, good skin elasticity and strong bone
structure will have the greatest possibility for an excellent
surgical outcome.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Dr. James Matas, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Orlando,
Florida, has extensive experience performing facial plastic surgery.
He will discuss your goals and motivations for surgery, along with
assessing your physical and emotional health and reviewing information
you provide about previous surgeries, past and current medical
conditions, as well as nutritional supplements, herbal remedies and
pharmaceutical medications you take.
He will examine the structures of your face and neck, assessing the quality of your skin tone and bone structure. He may also review photographs of you at an earlier age to determine how the aging process has affected you.
He will recommend the exact procedure, or procedures, needed to bring about the desired result, outlining the techniques and incisions needed, the type of anesthesia, where the surgery will be performed and the risks and possibility of complications. He may also recommend non-surgical treatments, and professional skin care, to enhance the surgical outcome.
He will advise you to avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen products, Vitamin E and certain herbal medications before surgery, as these can cause increased bleeding or have undesirable effects with anesthesia. He will also insist that you discontinue smoking for at least one month prior to ensure proper healing.
You will also be provided with the financial details, along with a suggested plan of action should you decide to take the next step towards facelift surgery.
How a Facelift is Performed
An incision is usually made above the hairline at the temples, follows a natural line to
the ear and continues behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. A smaller incision may be
necessary under the chin area.
Excess fat is carefully removed, the muscles are tightened, and the skin is re-draped to improve the contours of the face. Dr. Matas takes great care to ensure the skin is made taut, but not overtightened, so that a natural appearance is seen afterwards. Sutures are used to close the incisions and secure several layers of tissue and skin in their newly tightened state.
Surgery is performed outpatient under general anesthesia and takes 3 to 4 hours, or longer if additional procedures are performed at the same time.
Recovery from a Facelift
You will be discharged wearing a supportive garment over your head and neck. There is very little pain associated with a facelift, but any discomfort can be lessened with prescribed medication. Some bruising, swelling and change in skin sensation will be noticed, and should resolve over the next 2 to 3 weeks.
You will be given guidelines to get plenty of rest, and to avoid strenuous activity, alcohol, steam baths, saunas and sun exposure. After a few days, your neck garment will be removed, and your face may appear puffy and slightly distorted. Treatment with our massage therapist will begin in about 5 days, and this will reduce swelling and inflammation and help you feel more comfortable.
You’ll be back to work within 10 days to 2 weeks, but it is suggested that you lessen your professional and personal commitments as much as possible around this time, as you may tire more easily. If you need it, special camouflage makeup can be applied to cover any bruising that remains. Your scars will be hidden in your hairline and, with time, they’ll fade and should be scarcely visible.
Your New Look
We expect that you’ll be extremely happy with your facelift and
the self-confidence that it brings when you look and feel more youthful. Friends,
family and associates may comment that you look different, but they may think you’ve
been on vacation or have a new hairstyle. As you gain confidence, you may find
yourself joining a new club, beginning a new hobby or enjoying more rewarding
relationships with those around you!
Before / After Photos
Example: Please click an image
