Facelift

A facelift (“rhytidectomy”) will help to create a more youthful-looking facial appearance by removing fat deposits in the face and neck, tightening facial muscles, and removing excess skin. This procedure is not permanent because the face will continue to age; however, it is a long-lasting solution to looking younger and refreshed. Rhytidectomy can be performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as eyelid surgery, laser surgery or a brow lift.

Ideal Facelift Candidates

The best patients for a facelift are those who have excess, saggy skin with good bone structure, but whose skin still maintains some elasticity. Typically, patients receiving facelifts are between the ages of 40 and 60, but this procedure may also be performed on patients in their 70s and 80s. Individuals who are not good candidates for a facelift surgery are those who are in poor health, have serious medical conditions, and have poor mental health. Additionally, bad candidates are those who have false expectations.(It is important to keep in mind that a facelift cannot stop the process of aging.)

What to Expect From This Procedure

Typically during surgery, a long incision will be made behind the hair line at about the temple. It will stretch in front and around and then behind the ear and extend to the lower hair line. The skin of the face will then be separated from the facial muscles. The tissue overlying the muscles known as the SMAS layer will be tightened next. The skin will than be pulled to lay over the newly-tightened SMAS layer, and stitched or stapled into place. Any scars will be hidden within the scalp. Finally, your face will be wrapped and dressed. If necessary, a tube will be inserted for drainage. A few days later, the stitches or staples will be removed.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim can help to determine if a “mini-facelift,” or “mid-facelift,” is best for your condition.

Possible Risks Of A Facelift

In general, potential problems that might follow include:

Visible scarring Asymmetry between the sides of the face An irregular hair line The appearance of prominent blood vessels on the face Skin discoloration Irregularr neck contours

Numbness and loss of muscle control is possible after surgery, but will resolve if no nerve damage has occurred. Other cosmetic risks include the distortion of the earlobe and, specifically in men, the distortion of sideburns and the growth of hair behind their ears.

Although typical complications can occur, such as infection or excessive bleeding, other potential complications include a collection of blood under that skin that must be surgically removed (hematoma). Dr. Kim will help you understand any possible complications or uncertainties before you decide if plastic surgery is right for you.

Recovery

You will be swollen and bruised after surgery, but this can be lessened with the use of cold compresses. The pain around your ears as well as your face can be alleviated with medication.

During your first few days of recovery, you will need to sleep and rest with your head elevated, and you may not be able to shampoo for two to three days. Patients will also be required to limit their activity during this time. It will take about two to three weeks to return to normal, and may take longer for the total results to appear.

Dr. Kim is a board certified plastic surgeon with a private practice in the Los Angeles / Beverly Hills area. He specializes in rhinoplasty, facelifts, eyelid surgery and various areas within the cosmetic surgery field.

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