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 good option for you if you are physically healthy and have a positive outlook yet realistic goal to improve your appearance. In most instances, facelift surgery isdone under local anesthesia with a sedative, which leaves the patient awake yet relaxed and oblivious to pain. Surgery usually lasts 3 to 4 hours, and is performed as an outpatient operation, although some may be performed in a hospital. During Consultation, Dr. Alonzo will evaluate your health condition and the possible outcome of the facelift procedure. Available option will be discussed, and you will be asked to get lab testing for medical evaluation. Also stop smoking few days before surgery, and you will be asked to avoid taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs. Special instructions on what to do the night before the surgery will be given.
Your face will be covered with bandages. It will be removed after 1 or 2 days. 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. 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. A healthy lifestyle will help extend the results of your rejuvenated and more youthful appearance.
Additional procedures that may enhance good results are Sliteye Surgery, Eyebag Surgery, Browlift and Botox.