A facelift is an elective cosmetic surgical procedure that can remove excess skin, as well as tighten the skin. Individuals who want to address signs of facial aging may choose to undergo face lift surgery (“rhytidectomy“) to conceal age and restore youth. For many Miami facelift patients, the key issues corrected by face lift surgery include sagging jowls, loose neck skin, and fat accumulation under the chin (double chin). Face lifts are designed to reduce the slackness in the tissues of the face; a face lift tightens or excises muscle, fat, and skin. Generally speaking, face lift procedures only address the two-thirds of the face, although a surgery can combine both face lift and eyelid surgery or browlift.
Although there are some variations in face lift techniques, and will be chosen depending upon the specific individual facial constructions and the intended procedural outcome, face lifts work in essentially the same manner. Each method is designed to produce a more younger-looking, rested appearance.
Candidates For A Facelift
Good candidates for face lift surgery are those in their late 30s or older; however, age does not determine quality of a facial plastic surgery procedure. The most important factor is skin elasticity, which is the skin’s ability to stretch and heal. Miami plastic surgeon Dr. Hochstein will evaluate an individual’s goals and facial appearance to help him or her decide if facelift surgery is the best way to address the problem area(s).
In general, the sequence for a face lift is as follows:
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The incisions are made at the site where your skin will be stretched. The incisions are usually placed in the hairline, within the natural crease between the ear and face (in front of the ear and under the chin). The incision then continues around in front of the earlobe. At the top of the ear it curves back into the hairline. Some incisions extend into the temple hair above the ear and curves slightly forward. Incisions can also be made underneath the chin.
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The skin is then “lifted,” and carefully cut beneath the fat. The skin is gently pulled at the lip, cheek, and midline of neck. This is where the tissue is separated delicately. The thin fascia (connective tissue of the face) is also pulled back to provide deeper support to the facial skin, especially around the jaw line. This is called a “Deep” facelift.
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The tissue is then stitched behind the ear, and any existing fat is removed to give a sleek and clean look.
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Some wrinkles may also be removed by gently smoothing the skin back toward the ears.
Immediately after your procedure, you will experience some temporary swelling and bruising in your midface region, which may take several weeks to completely resolve. On the first night, it’s important to rest with your head elevated to decrease swelling and bruising. You can use a cold compress for comfort and to help control swelling. Additionally, pain medication may be prescribed for post-operative pain.
The facelift procedure addresses two-thirds of the face; therefore, additional procedures can help an individual achieve optimal results. In some cases, complementary procedures, such as eyelid surgery (“blepharoplasty”) or brow lift surgery (“forehead lift”) may be performed. Nose surgery (“rhinoplasty”) is also a common cosmetic surgery procedure performed in order to create an overall symmetrical appearance.
To see the outcomes of these cosmetic surgery procedures, including facelift surgery, please view before and after facelift photos featuring Dr. Hochstein’s patient results.
Contact Us For A Consultation
If you are a prospective Aventura facelift or prospective Ft. Lauderdale facelift patient, feel free to call (305) 931-3338 or use our on-line form to schedule a consultation visit with Dr. Hochstein. He can answer all of your questions at this time.
