Aging, gravity, sun exposure, smoking, and genetics are all factors that can really accelerate facial aging. Skin thins and loses its elasticity with progressive descent of the skin and soft tissues. It is very disheartening to look in a mirror and feel many years younger than the person looking back at us. Some of the visible signs of aging in the face and neck may include:
- “Sagging” of skin in the mid-face area
- Deep wrinkles under the lower eyelids
- Sunken soft tissue over the cheek bones
- Deep hollow wrinkles along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth
- Loss of facial volume resulting in a gaunt look
- Loss of the youthful jaw line from sagging tissues sometimes referred to as “jowls”
- Excess fat deposits and loose skin which creates a “double” chin
- Skin laxity in the neck which gives a “rooster” neck appearance
Every person has facial features that make them a unique individual. A face lift should be considered a “customized” approach so that each person’s features remain unique, results are natural looking and the face doesn’t look “pulled” or “stretched.” A face lift procedure can effectively refreshen your appearance and restore confidence and self-esteem.
What is Face Lift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery?
A face lift is a repositioning procedure. Sagging skin and cheek fat is lifted toward the original anatomic positions to give a fresher, rejuvenated appearance. The outer skin texture is not significantly affected. Smoother skin with better color balance can be addressed with a daily skin care program and resurfacing procedures, such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing.
There are various face lift techniques, but generally the skin from the cheek bones down over the jaw line and under the chin is lifted and tightened as one unit. The eyes and forehead are treated separately through blepharoplasty or brow lift as needed.
Who is a Good Candidate?
- Exhibiting loss of facial volume in the mid-face area resulting in a gaunt look
- Overall loss of muscle tone and “sagging” of skin
- “Jowls” over the jaw line that give the face an aged boxy look as opposed to the youthful V–shape to the face
- Someone with deep wrinkles below the lower eyelids, along the nose and around the mouth
- Good skin elasticity gives better results
- A healthy individual
- Non-smoker
- Realistic goals and expectations
“Dear Dr. Parva,
I couldn’t have asked for a surgeon with more compassion and genuine concern for their patients.”
The Face Lift (Rhytidectomy) Procedure:
In order to disguise the scars, face lift incisions are made within the natural creases around the ears. The incisions are placed in the crease in front of the ear, around the ear lobe, in the crease behind the ear and into the scalp or along the hair line. The skin is then elevated off the deeper tissues and lifted up and out to reposition the tissues and tighten the loose skin. As the skin is redraped, the extra skin is trimmed away and closed along the incisions around the ears. Often, deeper tissues are also tightened to help position the deeper tissues and elevate the jowls.
The neck is also lifted with the traditional face lift.
A short scar or S-lift technique is also available in select patients who are looking for a limited scar that primarily contours the jaw line.
A small drain is placed under the skin to remove fluid and is often removed within 1 to 2 days. A head wrap around the chin and face helps cover and protect the surgical sites and absorb any secretions from the incision sites.
Recovery and Healing:
- Head elevation is important
- No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 2 weeks
- No heating or cold over the facial skin until skin sensation improves
- No hair treatments or coloring for at least 6 weeks
Results:
Swelling and bruising is typical for the first several weeks.
Results will be noticed as swelling subsides but it may take several months to see the full benefits of the face lift.
Results will last for years but keep in mind that the aging process and environmental factors continue to impact our skin.
Schedule Your Face Lift Consultation
Please contact Parva Plastic Surgery for your complimentary face lift consultation with Dr. Parva, board certified plastic surgeon today.