Facelift Surgery New York City

The Face/Neck Lift [Rhytidectomy]

Introduction:

The facelift operation is done in both males and females to reverse the signs of aging in the face due to the natural aging process, familial tendencies or environmental exposures which can cause facial skin damage. It is generally done after the age of 45 to correct sagging of the facial and neck skin [including jowl formation, neck bands etc] as well as to reduction of lines and wrinkles. The facelift is often done as part of a more inclusive approach to rejuvenate the entire face which may include any or all of the following cosmetic procedures to enhance the overall result:

• Liposuction of the neck and face to improve contour
• Eyelid surgery to reduce lower lid bags, excessive upper lid skin and improve crow’s feet
• Brow lift to restore a youthful brow arch
• Fat injections [using your own fat] to fill out creases and folds around mouth or to improve contour
• Chin enlargement, reduction or ‘lift’
• Dermabrasion or chemical peel around the mouth to eliminate lines
• Nasal profile recontouring
• Lip augmentation.

Goals:

The anticipated result is a more youthful, rested, natural appearance of the face that is compositionally and aesthetically pleasing without the telltale signs of having surgery. Very often, patients ask how long the results last. This question is subjective and difficult to answer as the aging process continues. As a rule of thumb, it has been established that after 6-7 year following surgery, most patients look younger than they did before their surgery, despite the continued aging process. At that point, patients may be happy with how they look or may want to repeat surgery to improve their appearance once more.

There is no one ‘cookbook’ procedure for all patients. Dr. Simone tailors each procedure to the specific needs of each patient.

In women, Dr. Simone not only rejuvenates he face but will maintain their natural look and improve the delicacy and feminine look through tissue remolding and repositioning. In males, there are different considerations. Scars are modified or placed differently and special attention focused on maintaining a h3ly male appearance, just younger looking and more refreshed. Because the male skin is thicker and heavier, more support is needed to give longevity to the procedure. Very often, the neck is a particular problem for men because the redundant, sagging tissue overhangs their shirt collars.

Modified Procedures:

Depending on the anatomical findings and the particular issues that a patient brings to attention to the plastic surgeon, a full face and neck lift may not be indicated. Some patients have good and attractive faces but heavy, redundant necks skin. This is corrected with a posterior neck lift with incisions starting at the earlobe and extending behind the ear into the back of the scalp. Deep muscles and underlying tissues are tightened with stitches, and the skin tightened as well. Liposuction of excess fat may be necessary. This is more common in males. In other patients, the opposite is true and a (short scar) anterior facelift is the treatment of choice to soften and rejuvenate the face.

Consultation:

Dr. Simone will review your medical history followed by a physical examination. He will assess the findings and then discuss what the best approach and plan of action will be as well as alternative options for surgery as well as non-surgical options. He will discuss how the surgery is performed and what you can reasonable expect as well as the risks and complications. Before surgery, pre-operative routine blood and urine tests will be requested as well as an electrocardiogram.

You will be also be sent a detailed list of preoperative instructions.

Surgery:

The majority of face lift surgery is performed at Dr. Simone’s fully accredited Park Plastic Surgery Center. It is performed using local anesthesia with ‘twilight’ intravenous sedation fully monitored and managed by an experienced anesthesiologist. Depending the corrections needed which vary with each patient, incisions vary in length and location. No shaving of the hair is necessary. Incisions may be located in the hairline of the temple, in and around the ear and into the hairline of the posterior scalp. All hairlines are maintained in the natural state. The surgery is performed at multiple layers for the best result: fatty tissue and muscles under the skin are re-suspended, the skin tightened to secure the lift and the excess, and redundant skin removed. Scars are well disguised and usually fade and heal extremely well.

Post Surgery Overview:

Patients are usually observed and monitored till the following morning by a skilled nurse. A bulky, mildly compressive dressing is worn overnight and removed before discharge. There is usually bruised discoloration and facial swelling that worsens over the first 48 hours and then slowly resolves with cold compress application. Typically there is little pain, managed with small doses of analgesics. An inclusive written list of specific post-op instructions will be given to you upon discharge. Sutures are removed in 7-10 days. Make-up can be worn at that time. It is best to allow 10 days-2 weeks, depending on procedure extent, to return to normal activities and work. If a patient can work from home, that can be started 2-4 days after surgery.

Facial surgery improves over time as the tissues go through the healing process. Your appearance will look better and better as time passes and tissues stabilize. This is normal for this and all other plastic surgical procedures.