Face Lift (cont.)
How is facelift surgery performed?
The traditional facelift procedure is performed through
an incision starting in the hair or hairline above and in front
of the ear (the temporal region). The incision is extended downward
in front of the ear, comes under the ear and then upward behind
the ear ending in the hair or hairline behind the ear. The skin
and fatty tissues are then lifted off the underlying muscle and
fascia (connective tissue) as far forward as is necessary to correct
the loose skin problem. The underlying muscle and fascia can
be tightened with sutures if the surgeon feels it is necessary.
The skin is pulled back and upward and the excess skin removed.
The wound is then closed with sutures and skin staples. Some
surgeons leave a drain in the wounds to remove excess blood.
Bandages are then applied. There are surgical techniques which
go into deeper tissues rather than under the skin and fat. The
results are similar.
What are complications of facelift surgery?
Although infrequent, the risks and complications
of facelift surgery include:
- Bleeding, hematoma, bruising
- Infection
- Neurological dysfunction (loss of muscle function
or sensation), which is usually temporary
- Widened or thickened scar
- Loss of hair (around the incision site)
- Asymmetry (unevenness between two sides)
- Skin necrosis (loss of skin from tissue death)
Summary
Facelift is very satisfying to most patients. It
achieves a youthful appearance which lasts approximately 10 years.
The surgery is performed in an outpatient setting. This can
be done in the outpatient surgi-center or even in a well-equipped
physician's office. Pain and discomfort after surgery are minimal.
Once the dressings are removed after approximately 3-5 days,
the patient can resume social activities using makeup to cover
bruising and hair over the ears to hide the sutures.
- Facelift surgery helps to make the face appear
younger.
- Results last approximately ten years.
- Recovery time is usually one week but activities
can begin the day after surgery.
- Pain and discomfort are usually minimal.
- Additional procedures to supplement the facelift
may be necessary for the best results.
Last Editorial Review: 4/15/2002
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