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Facelift Surgery
San Francisco - Oakland - Santa Rosa
Facelift As people age, the effect of gravity, sun exposure, and the stress of daily life can be seen in their faces. A facelift, technically known as a rhytidectomy, can’t stop this aging process. What it can do is “reset the clock”, improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying structure, and redraping the skin of your face and neck. A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping.
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Facelift Indications During the natural aging process, sun exposure, stress and the effects of gravity take their toll on your skin. Unwanted wrinkles and sagging skin on the face can make many men and women look older than they are and feel unhappy about their appearance.
The most common areas for wrinkles and sagging to occur include the deep lines that form from the corner of the mouth up to the nose, called the nasolabial folds, loose skin and cheek tissue that forms around the jowls, and loose skin that forms on the front of the neck.
In order to combat these signs of aging, many men and women elect to have a facelift, otherwise known as a rhytidectomy. The goal of a facelift is to tighten excess skin in the problem areas as well as tighten the underlying tissue to visibly smooth the overall appearance of the face and neck.
Facelift Options & Results There are many options in facelift surgery that Dr. Delgado can perform to achieve the desired look you are after, including a threadlift and mini-facelift. A facelift is also commonly performed in conjunction with other facial surgeries that target problem areas on the upper half of the face. Although these procedures cannot stop or reverse the aging process, they can make you look as vibrant as someone years younger and the effects can last for several years. Regardless of the procedure, Dr. Delgado focuses on creating a natural look that enhances the features you have now to give you a symmetrical, balanced and youthful appearance.
Ideal Facelift Candidates Most facelift candidates are usually between the ages of 45 and 70, but many men and women who have aged prematurely also decide to have facelifts done. The ideal facelift candidate is someone who is in good health mentally and physically, has strong bone structure and good skin elasticity. For these patients, healing time is minimal and the skin can easily remain taut over the well-defined bone structure, vastly improve the appearance of the face for many years to come.
Facelift Consultation & Computer Imaging If you are considering having a facelift procedure, the first step is to contact Dr. Delgado's office for a consultation. At this meeting, you and Dr. Delgado can discuss the areas of the face you would like to improve as well as your medical history. Using this information, Dr. Delgado can decide what options are best for you and use computer imaging to show you what the realistic outcome of the procedures will be.
Pre-Operative Instructions Before you come in for the procedure you will be given a booklet of pre-operative instructions to follow to prepare yourself and your home. These instructions include stopping the use of aspirin and anti-inflammatory products for at least two weeks and taking vitamins and other homeopathic supplements to promote healing and limit the amount of post-operative bruising.
Anesthesia & Pain Management General anesthesia is used during the majority of facelifts, however a mix of local anesthesia and intravenous sedation is another option. Dr. Delgado and the anesthesiologist will consult with you to decide what the best option for pain management is prior to surgery. You will also be given all pain medications needed before surgery so you're not burdened with picking those up during recovery. These medications will minimize any pain you will have during the initial healing process.
The Facelift Procedure
During the procedure, incisions are made inside the cartilage at the front of the ear. This is to
ensure the small scars will be hidden. Through these and additional incisions just past the ear
into the hairline, the skin and underlying layer of tissue called the superficial musculoaponeurotic
system (SMAS) is tightened. This approach requires less pulling of the skin than the one-dimensional
procedure originally developed in the 1980s. It also provides more natural-looking, long-term results
that can last eight to 10 years.
To tighten the neck area, one additional incision is usually made under the chin. Through
this incision excess fatty tissue can be removed using liposuction. Then the platysma muscle,
which runs from the chin to chest, can be tightened and all excess skin and tissue can be
removed to smooth the appearance of the neck.
Post Operative Care & Recovery As with any surgery there are risks to consider. Although very rare, bleeding, infection and scarring can occur. Most patients are asked to stay in the hospital or ambulatory center overnight. The next day Dr. Delgado can conduct a brief examination and change the dressings before the patient is sent home. During recovery, patients will need to sleep with the head and back elevated to minimize swelling, which usually resolves in four or five days. Makeup can be worn after about a week and bruising should dissipate within two weeks. After two weeks most patients can resume all normal activity except strenuous physical activity and exercise, which should be avoided for four to six weeks.
Frequently Asked Face Lift Questions
If you are considering a facelift or a facelift in conjunction with other facial surgeries to improve your appearance and your life, contact Dr. Delgado today. His goal is to make you feel and look better about yourself by enhancing your natural features.