FaceLift

The facelift, or Rhytidectomy, is the third most common facial plastic surgery performed in the United States. As we age, crow’s feet become visible near our eyes. The near-invisible lines on the forehead become prominent, and the jawline sags. Some people experience the emergence of a “second chin.” Unfortunately, we must all deal with these negative aspects of gravity that come with age.

Choosing to get a facelift offers a boost in both appearance and self-esteem. We have the technology, it’s up to you to learn more and make the next step into a more youthful you. Our facelift can do wonders for your face, taking years off and tightening loose folds, and can also be combined with a number of other procedures for an overall rejuvenated, younger look.

The Evening and Morning before the Procedure

You will need to refrain from drinking or eating anything the night before your Facelift, usually beginning at midnight. You need to shower with an anti-microbial soap the evening before the procedure and again the morning of the procedure. This removes dangerous pathogens from your body.

The Surgery

The surgery begins with the use of general anesthesia. This will allow for the best surgical experience. An incision will then be made along the hairline and in the natural creases of the skin near the ear to hide any possible scars. Depending on the amount of work being completed, additional incisions may be made in the upper lip or lower eyelids, or under the chin. Through these incisions, fat and underlying tissues are sculpted and redistributed to form the desired contours. Muscles and other deep tissues may be lifted, tightened, or otherwise altered. Excess skin is trimmed away to reduce sagging, and then the remaining skin is pulled tight across the new contours of the face. A less invasive alternative to this traditional facelift technique is the limited incision facelift, wherein the procedure is performed through shorter incisions at the temples, around the ear, and potentially through the lower eyelids or upper lip.

If you selected to have any other procedures performed while under anesthesia, Dr. Duerr will move on to them at this point. After closing the final incisions and placing dressings, Dr. Duerr will send you into a specialized recovery unit. On occasion, drainage tubes will be inserted to remove excess fluid from the incision sites.

Recovery

Following your facelift surgery at Doctors Memorial Hospital, you will awaken in the recovery room. You may experience pain or nausea; inform the nursing staff, and they will administer medications to relieve the problem.

Stick to a soft, bland diet for the first few days after your procedure. If you are able to tolerate other foods, you may advance your diet. Depending on the location of your incisions, you must follow any other specific dietary restrictions given to you at the time of discharge.

Promote proper healing and circulation by staying minimally active during the days following your procedure. This reduces the chances of developing complications, such as pneumonia or DVTs—dangerous blood clots in the deep tissues of the body. Don’t over-exert yourself, and don’t lift anything without being cleared to do so by your physician.

You must keep your head elevated when you sleep for a minimum of two weeks after your procedure. This reduces the amount of swelling and promotes proper healing of your incisions.

Your face will swell significantly for the first few days after your surgery. If you notice any abnormal or excessive bleeding, elevated temperature, excessive pain, or severe bruising beyond the expectation, contact Dr. Duerr or go to an emergency medical center immediately.

After one to two days, Dr. Duerr will remove the bandages or drains. Avoid getting these wet when you still have them because the moisture promotes the growth of bacteria.

While a facelift provides an amazing opportunity for rejuvenation and enhanced self-confidence, combining this procedure with other procedures (most often a necklift) can give you the best possible result.