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Facelift

What is a Facelift?

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As we age, skin laxity increases and soft tissues atrophy and descend. As a result, our face loses its youthful appearance with the loss of high projecting cheeks, development of jowls, deepening of the nasolabial folds and sagging neck skin. A face lift is a surgical procedure that restores the youthful appearance of the face and neck region.

Facelift

Why is a Facelift performed?

 

A facelift is performed to create a more youthful appearance of the mid-face, lower face, and neck in patients with facial aging.

 

Types of Facelifts?

 

There are numerous techniques used in facelift surgery. In general, all techniques address both the face and neck. Facelift procedures differ largely on incision location, incision length, plane of the surgery, and amount of tissue elevation. The best procedure depends on individual patient goals and physical characteristics.

 

Facelift incisions are strategically placed around the ear and hairline to minimize their appearance. In a Mini facelift, the incision is typically limited to the front of the ear and the primary focus is to address the lower third of the face to improve jowling. A full facelift addresses the mid and lower face as well as the neck. The supporting structure of the face and neck (SMAS) is exposed. The SMAS is then resuspended to lift the face and neck. Excess skin is trimmed, and the skin is redraped over the SMAS. Doing so, lifts the facial tissue providing a natural result without a pulled windblown appearance.

 

Concurrent Procedures:

While a facelift can have a dramatic effect on facial appearance it does not address all the changes that occur with aging. As such, depending on your aesthetic goals, Dr. Diaconu may recommend other procedures such as a chemical peel, filler, fat grafting, Botox, lip lift and eyelid surgery to improve facial harmony and create a natural look.

 

How to prepare:

  • Smoking cessation

  • Avoid any blood thinning medications

  • Good blood pressure control

  • Remove all makeup

  • Remove jewelry

 

What to expect: 

  • Most patient’s go home the same day of surgery

  • Walking is encouraged to minimize the risks of blood clots

  • You will have a compression wrap after surgery to assist with swelling

  • You will have two drains which are usually removed one day after surgery

  • Most patients return to work after 1 to 2 weeks

  • Dr. Diaconu will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions and will meet with you regularly throughout your entire recovery

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