Facelift
Wrinkles, sagging skin, laxity in the jowls and neck begin to appear after years of exposure to the elements, facial expressions and the natural aging process. A facelift is one of the most well accepted and most frequently performed cosmetic procedures in the United States. Dr. Potter preforms facelifts that can make you look longer and feel better.
Look as young as you feel with a facelift
A facelift provides an overall lift to the lower third of your face by tightening loose skin in the jowls, neck, and jaw line. If you have been considering a facelift to reverse the signs of aging, you should understand what a facelift can and cannot do. Although the incisions made for a facelift are hidden back in your hairline, it does nothing to correct the visible signs of aging in the upper face. Forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet or bags under your eyes will not be removed with a facelift alone. However, these can be treated during a facelift procedure. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss your condition, your expectations, and the probable outcome of your various treatment options. Before and After photographs of patients having similar conditions and we will explain the details of your procedure. Before and after photos may be taken of your face to document your results.
The Facelift Procedure
A facelift procedure may be performed in your doctor’s office or in an outpatient surgical facility. In order to relax the patient, premedication is generally recommended. Usually, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia with the patient asleep but can be performed using a local anesthesia. Your surgeon will operate on one side of the face at a time. The incision is placed in the natural crease of the facial skin and begins inside the hairline, in the temple area above and forward of the ear. It continues inside the ear, or in front of the ear around the earlobe and behind the ear. The skin is lifted outward, and the surgeon tightens and repositions the underlying muscles and tissues. Excess skin and fat may be removed. The incision is then closed with fine sutures and/or metal clips. If metal clips are used, shaving hair from the incision site may be avoided. A facelift can take between 2 – 4 hours depending on the extent of the procedure.
How long will results last after my facelift?
Your lifestyle choices, bone structure, skin type, sun exposure and heredity all play a role in determining how many years can be removed and for how long. If you are in your forties, the effects may last up to 10 years. If you are in your sixties, your results may last 5 – 7 years.
What happens after my facelift surgery?
After our physician performs your facelift, there will be bruising and swelling that will persist for a few days. Pain is normally minimal and can be controlled with oral medication. Bandages can be taken off by us in our office 1 – 2 days after surgery. You may go home and take a shower. To minimize scarring sutures may be removed in stages. Healing is a gradual process. Your face will feel completely “normal” in about 10 – 12 weeks. Direct sun should be avoided for several weeks. Most patients are delighted with their new, more youthful, and relaxed appearance.
