INTRODUCTION

It is hard to clarify when the aging process actually begins. We know that as people age, the skin, muscles, and ligaments of the facial area lose tone and relax, resulting in a sagging of the skin and the appearance of looking “older.” The speed at which this occurs depends time, gravity, sun exposure, stress, environmental factors, and genetics. Face/Neck Lift surgery tightens the underlying muscles and redrapes the skin of the face and neck to improve the visible signs of aging and restore a more youthful appearance.

ANALYSIS

The goal of surgery is to make you happy. At your consultation we will obtain a very thorough medical history. We will want to know if you have had any previous facial cosmetic surgery. We will want to know your goals of treatment, both in terms of the kind of look you would like to achieve as well as the kind of look you would like to avoid. We will carefully examine you and make measurements as indicated. Photographs are an essential aspect of the analysis, and we request that you bring previous photographs of yourself for review. We chose to consider the face as a whole, and believe that the very best and most natural results can only occur when the various areas or zones of the face are in harmony with each other. We specifically aim for natural results and avoid any form of exaggerated overcorrection. That kind of “overdone” look is totally contrary to our artistic goals and treatment objectives.

Following the analysis we will present to you a comprehensive treatment strategy. We will discuss the procedure(s) recommended in detail. We will also advise you of the potential risks and complications of surgery. We will outline your recovery period and make focused suggestions to make your surgery experience safe, easy, and as pleasant as possible.

PROCEDURE

The surgery takes between 2½ and 3½ hours to perform, depending on the needs of the patient and the desired surgical goals. You will be totally asleep for the surgery to minimize anxiety and to maximize comfort. Incisions are always made in front of the ear. The extent of incisions behind the ear depend on the amount of skin in the neck to be treated. In younger patients with limited redundant skin of the neck, the incision will be minimal behind the ear [“short scar” method]. In other patients who have extensive loose skin of the neck and jowels, the incisions will be more extensive behind the ear. Regardless of the incisions used, the skin is lifted and the underlying structures [muscle and supporting tissues] are tightened.  We chose to achieve the tightening by pulling on the underlying tissues and not the overlying skin.  As you might imagine, this results in a far more natural appearance with no "distortion" sometimes seen in patients who have had an "overdone," or "too tight" looking facelift.  A small incision is commonly made under the chin. A small drain device is placed on each side to evacuate swelling and bruising fluid in the first few days after surgery. Your head will be wrapped in gauze for the first 24 hours after surgery to discourage swelling.

AFTERCARE

Face/Neck Lift surgery is remarkably not associated with much discomfort. Recovery from surgery is a “process” and will depend largely on the amount of surgery that you had done, your motivation for success, and your dedication in precisely following our written after-surgery instructions. In most cases you will look “OK” at one week, “good” at two weeks, “very good” at four weeks, and “great” at six weeks. Facelift surgery cannot stop the aging process, but is the very most effective way in “turning the clock back.” Following surgery will recommend a customized program for maintaining your results. We recommend follow-up visits every two years to keep you looking your very best.