Ans.: A facelift, technically called a Rhytidectomy, is a form of cosmetic surgery where the noticeable signs of aging that occurs in the lower two-thirds of the face and neck can be reduced. This is achieved by removing the excess, fat, tightening the neck muscles and removing drooping skin.

Ans.: Most people requesting surgical face lifts are between the ages of 45 and 60, although there are both younger and older patients. About three-quarters of patients are women, and most are honest about their reasons for desiring surgery. "I just don't like looking older." Some patients ask the surgeon to "take a few years off my face." To many people, a distressing feature of the aging face is the sagging crepe-like neck. "It makes me look so old!", many patients complain. Many people hope that an operation to rejuvenate their appearance will make them look as young as they feel. As a matter of fact, many people requesting face-lifts say, "Doctor, I'm tired of looking older than I feel!". They often feel that on the inside they are young and vital, but that somehow their appearances are betraying them.

When to have a face-lift is an important question; so is the issue of when not to have surgery. We occasionally see a patient who requests face-lift surgery when there are only minimal signs of aging. While such cases are rare, they do occur. Some people may exaggerate the first signs of aging. Fearful of getting older, they view the most minor facial crease or change in skin tone with undue alarm.

In another group of patients, the request for face-lift surgery is coupled with important psychological concerns. Occasionally, men request surgery, fearing they will no longer be able to compete with younger men at the office. This must always be evaluated carefully. There are situations where a youthful appearance is vital for job advancement or to maintain one's position. Many men, not necessarily fearful of aging, are afraid of losing their jobs to aggressive, younger men. For them (and for many people), self-esteem is tied to their work lives.

They must work in order to feel worthwhile, and they need to feel they are successful at their work. These are normal, commonly encountered feelings. Such people may be good candidates for face-lift surgery, provided they are not looking for something unrealistic in the surgery.

Occasionally, a patient will have unrealistic expectations about face-lift surgery. A patient may harbor the incorrect notion that a face-lift will not only erase years from his face, but will also turn him into a young dynamo. Unrealistic expectations about the results of facial rejuvenation can only lead to disappointment. A complete consultation will resolve such misunderstandings.

Ans.: Take into consideration if a facelift is right for you - physically, mentally and emotionally. The ones who get the greatest outcomes are those who have a well-defined bone structure, or whose face and neck have begun to droop, but whose skin still has elasticity. Facelifts have proven successful on those in their 70s and 80s; however the most popular ages for facelifts are in their 40s and 60s. Younger patients may not see the results that the elder patients notice as they have less wrinkles and more skin elasticity, so those under the age of 40 should think realistically before having a facelift. Younger patients may want a consult on a facelift if they have lost a great amount of weight or have genetic problems, as they could possibly be considered a candidate.

Ans.: Special considerations should be made for Caucasians, African-Americans, Asians, and other ethnic groups as the nose plays a big role for defining ethnicity and social class. It has long been a topic of debate and concern. Individuals do not want to 'stand out in a crowd' because of a peculiar shaped or huge nose; nonetheless they want to both unique and "normal". And so the nose became a chief focal point for the improvement of cosmetic surgery procedures.

Ans.: After a facelift, many patients are astonished by how small of pain there is after surgery. Usually the inability to breathe through the nose for several days, due to swelling, is the most uncomfortable part of the procedure and typically gets better within one or two weeks. For several weeks, expect some swelling around the eyes; however as the swelling goes away, you'll begin to see the surgery's progress. Special safety measures are necessary during your recovery. Bending or lifting can extend swelling and is not suggested for three weeks after surgery. Running, cycling, or exercises should not continue for four weeks. Contact sports should be stopped for six weeks because it can take that long for the bones to totally heal. Driving is permissible when the swelling goes down and does not get in the way of your vision. After two or three weeks you may fly.

Ans.: Before your scheduled surgery, we will review your medical background to make sure that there are no conditions that will interfere with the surgery or recovery after the facelift. Conditions that may be of concern are:

• Hypertension (High blood pressure) - specifically if it isn't under control.
• Smoking - a person who smokes does not heal as quick as those who do not smoke. You'll most likely be informed to abstain from smoking for a number of weeks before your surgery.
• Scarring problems from the past - including keloid scars and hypertrophic scars.
• Bleeding problems - a history with blood clotting, or lack of clotting must be brought to the attention of your surgeon as well as any medications (including over the counter) you are taking. Also, tell your surgeon about herbs and supplements that you take. Many patients feel it helps to open up their medicine cabinets and make an inventory before they go to see their surgeon.
• Plan for a ride home after your surgery.
• Try to arrange for someone to stay with you for the first several days after surgery. Ask your surgeon about a visiting nurse service if you live alone. You may want to stay at an aftercare facility for the first several days after your facelift.
• You should wear for both surgery and afterward clothing that has front closures (nothing than has to be pulled over your head).
• Grow out your hair a little longer if your hair is very short, as longer hair will make it simple to conceal healing scars.
• You should get ready a relaxed spot that you can utilize to recover from your facelift.

Ans.: If you've previously had a facelift and you are not satisfied with the results, then you can get the problems corrected with a revision procedure.

Ans.: Complications can include a hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin that may need to be removed), an infection or a reaction to the anesthesia. Injury to underlying structures is possible (though usually temporary) could happen even though the plastic surgeons are trained in techniques for safely manipulating facial skin and tissue. Facelift incisions can be unpredictable depending on the way the patient heals, however most are regularly not noticeable. Listening to the advice from your surgeon can considerably reduce the risks before and after your surgery.

Ans.: Meant to enhance your current look, a facelift will not halt the signs of aging, however it will 'set back the clock'. Previous patients usually opt to repeat the surgery after a good 5 to 10 years later. To help prolong your results, there are a few things you can do: maintain your weight, avoid exposure to the sun, and keep your skin appropriately hydrated.

Ans.: SMAS is short for Submuscular Aponeurotic System, which is a layer of tissue that covers the deeper structures of the cheek area and is associated to the superficial muscle which covers the lower face and neck, called the platysma. Some methods for facelift surgery lift and reposition the SMAS along with the skin. When doing this, the jowls are lifted, the neck is pulled taunt, and the cheeks are prominent.

Ans.: Rhytidectomy, which comes from the Greek word rhytid meaning wrinkle, is the medical term for facelift surgery.

Ans.: We will guide you regarding post-operative cover-up methods, such as unique camouflage cosmetics for both men and women that will assist to mask any healing bruising and scarring along the lines and discoloration.

Ans.: A facelift lifts drooping skin and muscle as it removes extra fat. Laser surfacing fixes fine wrinkles or lines on the surface of the skin, but it will not tighten skin or correct a droopy neck. Some patients may need both.

Ans.: The lower portion of the face including the cheeks, jowls, and the neck are what a traditional facelift surgery corrects. A facelift will not enhance the upper portion of the face, such as the location of the eyebrows, wrinkling between the eyebrows, or extra skin of the upper or lower eyelids or lower eyelid bags, unless a brow lift is performed. The surgery cannot rid wrinkles around the mouth and will not do much for the smile lines.

Ans.: Some patients experience a small discomfort in the back part of the neck, which usually clears up within a day; however many patients do not feel much pain following surgery. If there is any pain or discomfort, the patient can be comforted with oral medication.

Ans.: Your head will not be shaved, however many patients do choose to grow their hair longer in order to easily conceal any scars and stitches during the recovery phase.

Ans.: Yes, bandages may be applied to the head and neck with the purpose of maintaining the area and keeping it stationary. The bandages are usually removed a day after the procedure. Another light bandage may be positioned around the chin.