Facelift
A facelift can correct or significantly reduce signs of aging in your lower face and neck. There are many advanced surgical techniques involved which tighten and rejuvenate the facial tissues, erasing years from your appearance.This page explains the indications, techniques, risks, benefits and post-operative events of facelift surgery. If you would like more details, please contact our office in Wilmington to schedule a consultation.
Is A Face Lift Right For You?
The middle and lower areas of a person’s face are prone to developing wrinkles as skin elasticity decreases during the aging process. Loose skin, wrinkles and deep folds can become visible, detracting from your otherwise healthy and attractive facial aesthetic. With a facelift (technically known as rhytidectomy) we can correct age-related conditions such as:
- Sagging jowls or cheeks
- Loose skin on the neck
- Deep nasolabial folds
- Fat deposits in the lower face
Most patients who exhibit these conditions are in the range of 40 to 60 years old. However, there are men and women who can benefit from a facelift at a relatively young age. A good candidate is in good health and does not smoke tobacco. If you’re considering this procedure and have a history of high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, or excessive scars, be sure to notify Dr. Ljung before or during your consultation.
What Happens During Facelift Surgery
A typical facelift requires about 2 to 3 hours under local anesthesia. General anesthesia is an option for some people and the doctor will recommend the best option for you. This surgery may be an outpatient or inpatient procedure.
After anesthesia is administered, the doctor performs surgical incisions, which follow the natural contour of your face. The incisions may travel around the ear and into the lower scalp. If neck contouring is part of your procedure, a small incision is made below the chin.
The tissues are separated from the underlying fat and muscle. Dr. Ljung trims the excess skin and fat to improve the facial contour. Skin is lifted, redraped and sutured to fixate the tissue layers and close the incisions.
What to Expect As You Recover From Your Facelift
Although it may take less time, most surgeons advise patients to expect a 2 to 3 week recovery after facelift surgery. Immediately after the procedure, you’ll be wrapped in a loose bandage to minimize swelling. Some numbness, bruising and puffiness should be expected in the days that follow. Be sure to get plenty of rest during this time.
Dr. Ljung will provide post-operative instructions that should be closely followed, including steps to keep your head elevated. Your stitches will be removed in the first week.
Possible Complications
All surgery, including the facelift, has a risk of complications and adverse events. Complications that are possible include but are not limited to hematoma, nerve injury, infection, and reaction to anesthesia. There’s also the risk of delayed healing, which is more likely to affect smokers.
For more information regarding the risks, benefits, cost or procedure details, contact the office of Wilmington and Jacksonville plastic surgeon Tor Ljung M.D.
