Background

The following information is provided to inform you about the surgical procedure known as rhytidectomy or facelift.

Unlike facelifts performed in the past, the modern procedure relies on elevation of the deep tissues of the face and neck to obtain the "lift". This minimizes tension on the skin which improves healing and avoids the "operated look" so common with prior facelift techniques. The goal of the procedure is to rejuvenate your face and diminish the changes associated with aging without drastically changing your looks.

Commonly a facelift is performed in conjunction with other facial cosmetic procedures such as: forehead lift (brow lift), eyelid tuck (blepharoplasty), nose surgery (rhinoplasty) or lip augmentation. Your consultation is key to determining which procedures are best for you.

The Operation

Dr. Seidel performs cosmetic surgery at his fully equipped office. The operating room is certified by AAAASF (American …..). All levels of anesthesia are available under the care of a certified nurse anesthetist.

The procedure lasts from three to five hours. Incisions are made from the temple, along the front of each ear, then behind the ear and into the hairline. Also, a small incision if commonly made under the chin. The skin is extensively dissected free from the underlying tissues. Then the deep tissues are tightened and elevated to do the lift. Excess skin is then excised as the incisions are closed. Upon completion, a compressive head bandage and drainage tubes are placed.

Post-operative

Patients are required to stay overnight and often under the care of a registered nurse. The dressing and drains are removed the morning after the procedure. Patients may shower at that time and are discharged to home. Typically no new dressing is required.

Follow-up and Recovery

You will see Dr. Seidel about one week after discharge. At that time sutures are removed. Follow-up appointments are individualized with the last visit at about 8 weeks after surgery.

The post-operative care is fairly simple. Patients are asked to refrain from any exertion for one week, remain out of the sun and do some basic incision care. Swelling and tightness are common complaints but pain is usually only mild to moderate.

Patients need to expect significant bruising and swelling after the procedure. Bruising usually takes 2-3 three weeks to resolve but may last longer. Swelling gradually diminishes and is usually minimal at 6-8 weeks after surgery.

Commonly asked questions about face lifting:

- How do I know when I'm the right age for a facelift?

There is no one right answer to this question. The best time is when facial aging changes have begun but are not yet advanced. For some patients this may be as early as age 40, for others much later. Also, patients who do not have extensive sun damage will typically get better results. This is because a facelift is best at correcting skin laxity but not sun-damaged skin. Some patients will opt for a lesser procedure, such as blepharoplasty, and wait some years before contemplating a facelift.

- What improvements can I expect from a facelift?

It will rebuild and reshape your cheeks, correct jowling, smooth and tighten your neck and decrease nasolabial folds. It will not appreciably alter your brow, eyelid skin, lips or lines around your mouth. These areas are best improved with other procedures.

How long does a facelift last and can it be repeated?

A well-done facelift should last about 10 years. However, it is not uncommon to have a "touch-up" done in the first several years after surgery. Yes, a facelift can be repeated.

- What are the risks of the surgery?

There are a few risks specific to facelift surgery. Of course all the other general risks of surgery and anesthesia apply.

The most common complication is hematoma. This is when a collection of blood forms under the incision. It is often discovered when the surgical dressing is removed. It requires drainage and can often be accomplished without returning to the operating room.

A much less common complication is damage to the facial neThis is the nerve that controls the movement of facial muscles. If this nerve is damaged it may look as if the patient has had a stroke. Usually this is reversible, but might take months to resolve and in some cases is permanent.

Facial scars usually heal very well with good care and time. However, some patients form thick or unsightly scars which might require specific treatment and or surgical revision in the future.

- What about the new facelift I've heard about done with sutures and no incisions?

This procedure appears safe but does not give a long-lasting improvement. The most recent information shows that most all the results are gone after a year. It might be a reasonable alternative for patients who cannot afford the cost or do not have the recovery time available to undergo the traditional procedure. I feel it's an example of getting what you pay for.

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