Facelift - Sinno Plastic Surgery

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Often considered the ultimate step toward a more youthful appearance, many people speculate about having a face-lift. Some are reluctant—or maybe even a little afraid—to take the next step. At the Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery we feel information is the key to understanding what a face lift can do for you and whether it is the right procedure to create the look you want.

Dr. Sinno will work closely with you to answer all your questions, understand your goals and recommend the facial procedure that is right for you.

What is a facelift?
Who is a candidate for a facelift?
How is a facelift done?
What results can you expect with facelift surgery?
How can you prepare for your nose surgery?
What can you expect when you are healing?
How long will results last?
What are the possible limitations and risks?
Are there other procedures that can be done along with facelift surgery?
Will insurance pay for the procedure?
Are there any alternatives to having a facelift?
Next steps …

WHAT IS A FACELIFT?

A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to improve the most visible signs of aging on your face and neck. The procedure eliminates excess fat and removes sagging skin. Muscles are tightened to tone the skin.

A facelift will not stop your face from continuing to age. A facelift will not dramatically change your looks. However, you can count on having a notably more youthful appearance after your facelift is completely healed.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR A FACELIFT?

The effects of time, the sun and your family history all work together to age the skin of your face and neck. You may be a good candidate for a facelift if you are experiencing any of the following changes to your face and neck:

Loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone
Wrinkles
Deep creases forming between the bottom of our nose and the corner of your mouth
A tired look
Diminished jaw line
Sagging chin and neck

The best candidate for a facelift is a person whose face and neck skin still has some elasticity. Many patients get a facelift somewhere in their forties to sixties. Candidates for this procedure should be in good general health.

HOW IS A FACELIFT DONE?

The operation is done at the Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery on an outpatient basis. An overnight stay in a hospital can also be arranged, if indicated. The procedure time varies, depending on what you are having done. You may receive either a local or general anesthetic. Dr. Sinno will help you decide which would be best.

As shown to the right, an incision is made behind your hairline above your ear. It extends just in front of the ear and around your earlobe and ends in the hairline behind your ear, depending on what you and Dr. Sinno have decided would be best for you. Then, the lower levels of your skin and muscles are tightened, using sutures (stitches). The skin of your face is redraped and lifted, and excess skin is removed. A small incision in the crease behind the chin may be used for removing any "bands" in the front of the neck and excess fat in the area.

WHAT RESULTS CAN YOU EXPECT WITH FACELIFT SURGERY?

Your face will feel and look somewhat strange at first. Your features may be distorted from swelling. It may feel funny when you make certain facial expressions. You may feel self conscious about your surgical scars and the bruising (both of which will fade).

Once the procedure and the healing process are completed, you will appear more youthful and have a more rested, healthier and alert appearance. Many patients notice that their improved appearance gives them more self confidence and a better psychological outlook on life.

HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR FACELIFT?

Initial consultation
You will have a comprehensive consultation with the staff at the Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery that includes:

Discussion of your goals and expectations
Review of the various options involved in a facelift
Examination of face and neck
Evaluation of your skin condition, muscle tone, and underlying bones
Outline of how the surgery is done and what to expect afterward
Answer any questions you have

Be ready to provide the following information:

Complete medical history
List of medications you take, including use of aspirin and other over the counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements
Details about your tobacco and alcohol consumption

Before your surgery date:

Live right. The best way to prepare your body for any surgical procedure is to make healthy lifestyle choices in the weeks beforehand. If you prepare your body for surgery, your “back-to-normal time” is often reduced.
Exercise regularly.
Get adequate sleep.
Eat right.
Take vitamin supplements.
Reduce stress.
Let your hair grow. If you have really short hair, consider letting it grow longer to help hide scarring behind your hairline while you heal.
Depend on someone. Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. Get someone to help you at home for the first day or two while you recuperate

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT WHEN YOU ARE HEALING?

The first few days

Your head and neck will be wrapped in dressings after the surgery. Dr. Sinno will usually take the dressings off the next day.
Pain is not significant, and it can be treated with pain medication prescribed by Dr. Sinno.
Bleeding may occur in small amounts. The bulky dressing may be stained and the size of the stain may enlarge after you go home. This is normal. For persistent oozing, apply gentle pressure and call Dr. Sinno.
Numbness is normal and will disappear in the next few weeks.
Keep your head elevated and still as much as possible for a few days to help reduce swelling.
Most stitches will be removed from your face and neck after 7-14 days. Some stitches are absorbable.
Bruising and swelling decrease enough so you can go out after about 10-20 days.

Getting up and around
You should be able to get up and move around within a day or so. Plan to take it easy that first week. Be especially gentle with your face and your hair, as your face and scalp will be tender.

You may feel a little anxious at first about your appearance immediately after surgery. Rest assured that by the third week, you will look and feel much better.

Most people are able to return to work within 10-14 days.

The staff at Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery will give you specific guidelines about when you can resume strenuous exercise and heavy work.

Face care

Avoid saunas and steam baths the first few months.
Protect your scars with sunscreen for at least 6 months after surgery. Use an SPF 15 (or greater) at all times, every time you are outside. Put it on before applying makeup.
You can start using makeup 2 days after your stitches are removed.
Your face and neck will feel dry. Apply a good fragrance-free moisturizer frequently.
After 3-4 weeks, make an appointment at Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery to go over skin care routines to maximize the benefits of your facelift.

Hair care

You can wash your hair 24 hours after surgery. Keep the hair dryer on the lowest setting. Your scalp may be numb and you risk burning it if not careful.

Hair texture and manageability changes temporarily as a reaction to surgery. Wait 6 weeks before you color, highlight or perm your hair when it returns to its normal condition.

Diet and Nutrition
Good diet and nutrition will help your body heal better, and faster, after a surgical procedure.

Drink plenty of water or clear fluids; up to 64 ounces a day is recommended
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables with every meal
Eat small amounts of protein with every meal
Eat every 4-5 hours; do not wait longer to eat
Eat more frequent meals, with fewer calories per meal
Eat breakfast within an hour after you get up
Use vitamin supplements, especially antioxidants, to promote healing and renew energy

HOW LONG WILL RESULTS LAST?
A facelift will make you appear younger than you did before surgery. Your “new face” will continue to age after the procedure. You will enjoy the more youthful look for many years after the operation. Occasionally, small "touch ups" may be indicated to maintain or improve your appearance.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE LIMITATIONS AND RISKS?
All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for you can only be determined during your consultation with Dr. Sinno prior to performing the procedure.

You can reduce chance of risk by closely following instructions before and after the procedure that are provided by Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery.

Scars
Scars made within the hairline may cause the hair to move up and slightly backward when the facelift heals. The portion of the incision in front of the ear is partially hidden inside the ear canal and is least noticeable.

Scars generally turn from pink and firm to faded and soft in 6-12 months. Sometimes scars widen or become indented, raised or firm. These also will fade. All scars will be permanent and possibly visible.

Other risks
Other potential, but unusual, risks include heavy bleeding, post operative sagging of the skin (if your skin tone lacks elasticity), facial nerve injury, numbness, skin loss due to poor circulation, chronic pain.

ARE THERE OTHER PROCEDURES THAT COULD BE DONE ALONG WITH A FACELIFT?

You may want to consider additional plastic surgery procedures to enhance the results of your facelift. These might include one or more of the following:

WILL INSURANCE PAY FOR A FACELIFT?
This procedure is considered optional, or cosmetic. Therefore, health insurance will not cover it. You are responsible for full and timely payment.

ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES TO HAVING A FACELIFT?
You may be able to enhance your appearance without a facelift by using chemical peels, laser resurfacing and liposuction.

NEXT STEPS . . .
Please contact the Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery for a confidential consultation with Dr. Sinno. He will answer all your questions about having a facelift and review the options that will work best for you.