FACELIFT
SURGERY or RHYTIDECTOMY
There
are several factors that can lead to the drooping or sagging of the
skin around the face. Gravity, aging, sun exposure, and
pollution: all of these can damage the skin, making it cling less
tightly to the neck and face.
Technically
known as Rhytidectomy,
a facelift
is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face
and neck, such as sagging in the midface deep creases below the lower
eyelids and along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth. It can
also be done to correct fat that has fallen or is displaced, or loss of
muscle tone in the lower face,
as well as tighten loose skin and excess
fatty deposits under the chin and jaw commonly known as double
chin.
“A
facelift
is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for
yourself, and only if you are physically healthy, and most of all an
open mind with realistic goals to improve your appearance,”
says Dr. Benjamin Tan Alonzo, owner and cosmetic surgeon of Beaufaces
Cosmetic Surgery and Dermacure Center.
Dr. Alonzo will
evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health
conditions or risks factors, as well as discuss the likely outcomes of
the facelift procedure,
the risks and potential complications, and the type of
anesthesia that will be used. He will discuss options available to you
for a facelift and facial
rejuvenation, examine and
measure your face,
take photographs for your medical record, post-operative care and
follow-up, among others.
Moreover, prior to surgery, you may be asked to get lab testing for
medical evaluation, and stop smoking in advance of surgery, as they can
increase bleeding. You will be asked to avoid taking aspirin and
anti-inflammatory drugs, and prescribe special instructions like what
to do the night before the surgery.
Facelift,
The Surgery:
In
most instances, facelift
surgery are performed under
local anesthesia
with a sedative, which leaves the patient awake yet relaxed and
oblivious to pain. Dr. Alonzo will recommend the best for you. Surgery
usually lasts 3 to 4 hours, and is performed as an outpatient
operation, although some may be performed in a hospital.
Post
surgery and recovery:
After
surgery, your face
will be covered with bandages that are removed about
1 or 2 days afterwards, while the stitches are removed within a week to
10 days. Pain is usually minimal and medication is prescribed
to help. Swelling, bruising, and numbness should be expected
but these will disappear in time. You will be instructed to keep your
head elevated and use cold compresses to help alleviate these problems.
It may take several months for swelling to fully dissipate, and up to 6
months for incision lines to mature.
Recuperation takes one to two weeks, and patients can expect to return
to work within 2 to 3 weeks excluding strenuous exercise.
In
addition, a healthy lifestyle will also help extend the results of your
rejuvenated, more youthful appearance. Additional procedures that may
enhance good results are Sliteye Surgery, Eyebag Surgery, Browlift and
Botox.
F.A.Q.
See
Before and After Picture
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