Face Lift

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, can create a better balanced and more youthful appearance. Over time, the face is affected by age, the environment, stress, weight gain and weight loss. Our features tend to deflate and fall, which leads to a discrepancy between the structural support of our face – the bones – and the location of fat and skin. This causes a sagging appearance, which makes someone look even older. A facelift, which requires removing skin and sometimes adding lost volume, can help to restore balance.

Am I a good candidate for face lift surgery?

Dr. Surek will help you decide which kind of facelift is best for you. He can also recommend other procedures, such a brow lift or eyelid surgery, to help restore your face to a more youthful appearance. Most facelift patients are in their 40s to 60s, but age is not a limiting factor for the surgery.

For all elective surgeries, we recommend that patients:

• Are aware of the known negative effects of any surgery, including pain, cost, recovery time and scarring.
• Are physically and emotionally healthy. Surgery creates physical trauma, so it is important to be in good health before the procedure to ensure strong healing.
• Patients should have support systems in place at home and at work.
• Are non-smokers, as nicotine delays the healing process.

What should I expect during the consultation?

To begin the process, you will have a consultation with Dr. Surek and his staff. You will be asked to discuss your medical history, including past surgeries, current medications, drug allergies and tobacco use.

Before the consultation, spend some time looking at yourself in a mirror, both upright and lying down. You will need to be able to discuss three facial features that you like and the three that you dislike the most. It’s most helpful if you can also bring photographs of yourself from the past 10 to 15 years, so that Dr. Surek can determine which type of facelift will best restore your younger appearance. In addition, current photos will be taken during this visit.

At the end of the consultation, you’ll receive an estimate of the costs of the surgery, including fees for the hospital, anesthesia and any related procedures.

How is the surgery performed?

Facelift surgery is performed in an accredited surgery facility with full anesthesia administered under the supervision of a board-certified anesthesiologist. Your blood pressure will be monitored and controlled during the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding after the surgery.

Before surgery begins, Dr. Surek will mark your face for the planned incisions, and he will review photographs from your consultation. Also, you will receive medications to help reduce swelling and reduce anxiety. Incisions are typically made in the hairline at the temples, in front of the ear or within the ear canal, extending behind the ear to the back of the hairline. Another incision is often made under the chin, to allow access to neck and jaw line muscles.

Any additional procedures, such as eyelid surgeries or fat grafting, are done after the facelift is complete. The total surgical time is typically between three and six hours, depending on the procedures. When complete, a loose dressing and a light compressive bandage are applied.

You will need about an hour in the recovery room before being released to go home. You will have a follow-up appointment the next day in the office.

Ready to schedule your face lift consultation, or have additional questions about the procedure? Contact Surek Plastic Surgery today, and we’d be happy to help.