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Facial Cosmetic Procedures > Facelift
Pre-Operative Instructions and Post-Operative Instructions
Facelift surgery, or a rhytidectomy, is designed to restore a more youthful appearance by smoothing sagging skin and major wrinkles. It involves tightening of the facial and neck muscles as well as the removal of any excess skin. The skin begins to wrinkle and sag as a result of age, sun exposure and genetics. Personal habits such as smoking and sun exposure can also contribute to the look of aging. Over time, the skin sags and folds in the chin, jawline and neck become prominent. Not only does a facelift improve facial appearance but can also have a dramatic effect on the neck, enhancing its contour and profile.
Who makes a good candidate?
Understanding and discussing your goals of the facelift procedure with Dr. Kuhn is important. The goal is to improve the overall facial and neck appearance. Skin type, ethnic background, degree of skin elasticity, individual healing, basic bone structure as well as a realistic attitude are factors that will be discussed before surgery. Lifting procedures can be done as yearly as age thirty and as late as age eighty. Although aging will continue despite lifting the face, the procedure helps you look refreshed.
During your consultation, Dr. Kuhn may use digital images of your face and profile. He will utilize image altering technology to work with you to develop and understand what may be possible. It is important to note that computer imaging gives an idea of the intended result but may not represent an exact outcome.
Understanding the Procedure.
Dr. Kuhn begins the incision in the hairline around the temple, just above and in front of the ear and then continues around the lobe, circling the ear before returning to the posterior hairline. The skin is lifted off the muscle, and the muscle and surrounding tissue are tightened. The skin is redraped and tailored to fit the incisions. Fat may removed as well as excess skin. The incision is made in one of the natural folds of your skin making it practically invisible. Dr. Kuhn closes the incisions with fine sutures and/or metal clips which permit surgery without shaving hair from the incision site. The process usually takes three to four hours. Following the procedure, a bandage is applied to protect the areas of the surgery and help control swelling.
Safe and Simple Recovery.
Medication is usually prescribed after surgery. Swelling and bruising is unavoidable to some extent. Dr. Kuhn will instruct you use cold compresses to minimize swelling. Your bandage will be removed within one to two days. You will also be instructed to keep your head elevated when lying down, to avoid as much activity as possible and to report any undue discomfort.
All sutures are removed within five to ten days following surgery. Dr. Kuhn recommends that patients avoid any vigorous activity. Patients should prearrange support from family and friends following the surgery.
Recovery usually takes two to three months, though many patients go back to a normal routine in two weeks. However, scars are kept at a minimum and can be covered with makeup and by other means. Occasionally revisions are needed.
Before and After Photos
PATIENT 1
PATIENT 2
BEFORE:
The effects of aging can be seen, with deep folds from the nose to the chin. The jowl has become prominent and verticle neck folds have appeared.
LEFT:
Before skin facelift surgery.
RIGHT:
Facelift surgery has softened laugh folds and neck lines improving the overall appearance of the face.
LEFT:
Loose skin creates a loss of jaw and neck definition.
RIGHT:
After surgery the tissue is back to a more natural position, improving the jaw and neck line.
