Do you appear older than you feel? Significant advancement has occurred in surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Although temporary fillers can mask lines and wrinkles, just like any makeover, you need a good foundation. Facelifts have made a comeback after a temporary decline in popularity. People have realized that all the hype about non-surgical rejuvenation is short-term and have certain limits. Even though a facelift is not permanent, it will provide a longer lasting effect and provide a significant improvement and “wow” effect. A facelift is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck. A modern facelift allows you to appear well rested and more youthful rather than wind-blown.

Enhancing your appearance with a facelift

If you are bothered by the signs of aging in your face, a facelift may be right for you. Also known as rhytidectomy, a facelift is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as:

• Deep creases below the lower eyelids
• Deep creases along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth
• Fat that has displaced
• Looseness in the lower face may create jowls
• Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw making you appear to have a double chin
• Rejuvenation procedures typically performed in conjunction with a facelift are brow lift, to correct a sagging or deeply furrowed brow, and eyelid surgery to rejuvenate aging eyes.

A facelift does not change your fundamental appearance and cannot stop the aging process. But, it will usually make you appear 5, 10, or 15 years younger. A facelift can only be performed surgically; non-surgical rejuvenation treatments cannot achieve the same results, but may help delay the time at which a facelift becomes appropriate and complement the results of surgery.

Facelift Procedural Steps:

ANESTHESIA

Dr. Bidros typically performs this operation under general anesthesia, although, it is possible under intravenous sedation. Dr. Bidros will discuss those options with you during the consultation.

THE INCISION

Dr. Bidros will discuss the different options available. The best choice depends on your facial features, hair style, and skin type and thickness. Depending on the degree of change you’d like to see, your facelift choices include a traditional facelift, limited incision facelift or a neck lift.

FACELIFT

A traditional facelift incision often begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear and ends in the lower scalp. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls and neck, and underlying tissue is repositioned, commonly the deeper layers of the face and the muscles are also lifted.

Skin is redraped gently over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. A second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an aging neck. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions.

Even a “Traditional” facelift needs to be individualized. Plastic Surgeons usually a have preferred procedure; however, Dr. Bidros does not. The reason is that he feels that no ONE procedure is best for every person. Dr. Bidros is trained in many different types of facelifts using a variety of internal contouring techniques. He will inspect your anatomic features and present you with which option he feels will benefit you. Occasionally, these decisions occur during surgery.

Once healed, the incision lines from a facelift are typically well concealed within the hairline and in the natural contours of the face and ear.

A variety of other procedures can further enhance the outcome of a facelift. They include:

• Soft tissue augmentation to recontour the facial structure
• Resurfacing techniques such as a peel or dermabrasion to improve the  texture of facial skin
• Wrinkle reduction by injection of fillers or fat

THE RESULTS

The visible improvements of a facelift appear as swelling and bruising resolves. Your final result should not only restore a more youthful and rested appearance, but also help you feel more confident about yourself.

THE RECOVERY

When your procedure is completed, a bandage is gently placed around your face to minimize swelling and bruising. A thin temporary tube may be present to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect under the skin. Swelling and bruising are present for the first few days and you will start seeing improvements daily thereafter.