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Facelift
(Rhytidectomy)
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Quick Facts about Facelift
Medical Names: Rhytidectomy, Facelift
Estimated Cost: $6,000 - $12,000
Type of Anesthesia: Local
Total Recovery Time: 1-3 Weeks, Down Time 1 Week
Procedure Location: Hospital, Plastic Surgery Center
Practitioner: Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Rhytidectomy, commonly known as a facelift, is a surgical procedure that restores contour, vitality and renewed beauty to the face by lifting and reshaping the visage.
Facelift surgery is successful in eliminating or reducing wrinkles, creases, jowl lines and skin folds around the neck due to the effects of loss of elasticity, muscles atrophy, stress and exposure to the sun. A facelift can address these problem areas by firming and tightening the skin of the face and neck. There were 108,955 facelifts were performed in 2005, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Did You Know?
For a more complete facial rejuvenation, facelift surgery is frequently combined with other procedures such as eyelid surgery, brow lift, nose reshaping, chemical peel or laser resurfacing.
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THE FACELIFT PROCEDURE
A facelift is performed under a local anesthetic in a hospital or plastic surgery center and is generally done on an outpatient basis. In certain circumstances, an overnight stay may be required by the plastic surgeon to monitor recovery. Facelift surgery lasts two to five hours depending on the complexity of the surgery.
The plastic surgeon will assess your facial structure, skin and hairline to determine the placement of incisions. Most facelift incisions begin in the hairline near the temple and follow the natural contours in front of and behind the ear and the hairline of the neck. The underlying tissue and muscle are tightened and excess fat and skin is removed. The remaining skin is repositioned and incisions are closed with either stitches or staples. The surgeon may insert a thin tube behind the ear to drain away fluids and wrap the head in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling.
Following surgery the patient may experience moderate swelling of the eyelids and other facial areas and numbness of the skin, which will disappear within a few weeks. It is important to keep the head elevated for two to three days to reduce swelling. Bandages and drainage tubes are removed within a few days. Most stitches are removed within five to seven days.
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FACELIFT PROCEDURE OPTIONS
There are various facelift techniques to suit the needs and skin conditions of the individual.
Subcutaneous Facelift
This technique is also called "skin-only" or traditional facelift. Subcutaneous facelift is effective on the midface and can be extended onto the neck or onto the forehead to raise and arch the brow. The incision follows the hairline and natural creases around the ear, skin is separated from the muscle and tissue and unwanted fat and skin are removed.
SACS Lift
This procedure is a newer version of the subcutaneous facelift with dissection taking place below the fatty layers and requires deeper layer penetration. Risk factors are low for this technique and the procedure is relatively quick.
SMAS Lift
SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) lift tightens the facial system layer and removes excess fatty layers. This method results in much firmer cheeks and neck areas and a more defined jaw line. In the SMAS facelift, no skin is stretched and the risks of hair loss are minimal. Due to the deeper penetration, the effects of an SMAS facelift are longer lasting than other techniques. Within this method, there are variations known as limited SMAS, extended SMAS and composite facelift. The use of these variations will be dependent upon the age of the patient as well as skin condition prior to surgery.
Subperiosteal Facelift
For patients looking for a facelift that repairs certain defects to the brow line or eyelids, these can be addressed with a subperiosteal facelift, also known as a mask lift. Tissues that are attached directly to the bone are removed in segments and no cuts are made near the ear.
Multiplanar Facelifts
Currently, the most common procedure involves a combination of methods. This is known as a multiplanar facelift. Your plastic surgeon may suggest variations on techniques, as it best suits your face and requirements. The final decision will be influenced by age, skin condition and various other health factors.
IS A FACELIFT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Ideal Candidaten for a Facelift
The ideal candidate is in good physical condition, is mentally stable and has realistic expectations of what can be achieved with a facelift. Men and women who have extensive creasing, wrinkles and jowly or slack jaw lines are prime candidates for a facelift. Candidates with good skin elasticity and strong bone structure will see the greatest results. There are no age restrictions for facelift surgery.
Other Considerations for a Facelift
A facelift is major surgery that takes time to heal. At your initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss the options, risks and limitations of each technique and make recommendations based on your choices, expectations and medical history. The surgeon will review your pre-surgery preparation instructions, the procedure process including anesthesia and the expected results and post-surgery instructions for maximum recovery. Make sure you discuss all of your questions and specific health issues with your plastic surgeon.
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FACELIFT PROCEDURE COST
Fees vary from state to state and from one plastic surgeon to another. The cost is based upon the type of surgery needed and the extensiveness of the procedure. Prices range from $6,000 to over $12,000 for facelift surgery and include surgeon, facility and anesthesia fees. Other important factors determining the final cost may include pre-operative lab fees and post-operative expenses such as prescriptions.
Note: A more expensive surgery price does not necessarily ensure a more skilled practitioner. You should ask for referrals and review testimonials before choosing a practitioner.
FACELIFT PROS & CONS
Pros
| Renewed and revitalized face and youthful appearance |
| Restoration of obvious damage from exposure to the sun |
| Significant removal and diminished appearance of wrinkles or creases |
| Much tauter and firmer skin on the face and neck |
| Recipients of facelift report greater self-esteem |
Cons
| Effects of the facelift will diminish over time, due to aging and gravity |
| Some discoloration, swelling and bruising; will disappear within one to two weeks |
| Loss of sensation in the face and around the scars; will return after a few weeks or months |
| Skin may feel dry and feel rough for a few months
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| Facelift surgery will leave visible minor scarring; will fade over time
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| Time off from work, generally one to two weeks
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ASK A PLASTIC SURGEON ABOUT FACELIFT - FAQ
What are the benefits that most people receive from a facelift?
A facelift will improve the overall appearance of the patient by removing wrinkles and creases or at least diminishing their appearance. A facelift may also make the patient look younger and feel better and experience a more positive self-image.
Who benefits from a facelift?
Anyone who has experienced normal and extensive wrinkling or creasing due to age, sun exposure or gravity can benefit from a facelift.
Is a facelift permanent?
Like any procedure that involves the removal of skin or the reversal of time, a facelift will last a very long time but is not permanent. Over time and as gravity or sun exposure takes effect, the face will start to wrinkle, age and crease. However, for a woman having facelift surgery in her forties, the effects will remain well into her sixties and even beyond if the face is cared for regularly.
What kind of anesthesia is used?
Local anesthesia is almost always used, unless the surgeon prefers a general anesthetic or the surgery will be extensive. It is important to discuss your preferences and medical history with your surgeon.
How long does it take to recover?
Total recovery is different for everybody. Following facelift surgery, you should be up and around within two days, however, the first week should be spent resting and recuperating. Generally there is not significant discomfort following the surgery, but your surgeon may prescribe medication for pain and swelling as a safety precaution. The surgeon usually recommends keeping your head elevated to reduce swelling and avoiding strenuous activities for at least two weeks to accelerate the healing process. By the third week, most swelling, bruising, and scarring has usually subsided and normal activity can take place.
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