A facelift or rhytidectomy is a major surgical procedure done to remove the visible signs of aging in the face. The procedure is designed to help correct sagging skin around the face, deep facial creases and displaced fat that may make you appear tired or sad looking. Often times a facelift may be done in conjunction with a neck lift, which helps to tighten the skin and deeper tissues of the neck. There are multiple reasons people chose to undergo a facelift, including:
To enhance their appearance and self-confidence.
To better match their outward appearance with how they feel physically or emotionally.
To restore their original facial features and make them appear more rested.
To reduce excess hanging skin.
Surgical Candidates
Good physical and mental health.
Maintain realistic goals for surgical results.
Good family support.
Procedure
Performed under general anesthesia within a hospital or surgery center.
Patients may spend one night within the hospital or overnight center, or may even go home the day of surgery.
The procedure involves an incision beginning in the hairline at the temples, extends down in front of the ear, ending in the lower scalp area. Fat may be redistributed from the face, jowls and neck. Underlying tissue is repositioned. Skin is then redraped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. Another incision underneath the chin may be necessary to further improve sagging skin in that area. Sutures are used to close the incisions.
Patients will have a special jaw bra following surgery that works to support the face and neck and help to decrease swelling. Small drainage tubes will exit from behind each ear. The drain tubes assist in the evacuation of fluid and are usually removed in one to two days.
After Surgery
Oral pain medications are prescribed to control discomfort following surgery.
The following medications are also prescribed to assist in your recovery:
Antibiotics, ibuprofen and stool softener.
The doctor or her assistant will visit with the patient one to two days after surgery.
It is imperative to avoid any strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks, but may resume non-strenuous work with 2-3 weeks.
Dr. Burgess will follow your healing process closely throughout the weeks and months following surgery.
Traveling far distances is not recommended in the first month following surgery.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Elisa A. Burgess specializes in Lake Oswego face lift as well as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), liposuction, tummy tuck and breast augmentation. She serves the entire northwest Portland / Vancouver metro area and beyond.
