:: Face Lift Frequently Asked Questions Palo Alto, CA

Question: What is a facelift?

Answer: A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the most visible signs of aging by rejuvenating and improving the appearance of facial skin. For a facelift, the skin and soft tissue of the face and neck are lifted, tightened in a deep plane and the excess is removed. The muscles of the neck may also be tightened and fat in the neck removed with liposuction.

Question: Who is the best candidate for a facelift?

Answer: The best candidate for a facelift is a physically healthy man or woman who has realistic expectations and is looking to improve the appearance of sagging skin of the face and neck.

Question: Do you have to be a certain age to undergo a facelift?

Answer: Facelifts may be performed at any age, though most patients tend to be in their forties to their sixties.

Question: Are there any limitations to what a facelift can achieve?

Answer: Because a traditional facelift treats the lower two-thirds of the face (the neck, jowls and cheeks), areas of the upper face cannot be improved. In addition, facelifts typically do not improve wrinkles around the mouth.

Question: Are facelifts performed in a hospital?

Answer: Facelifts may be performed in a hospital, a surgeon's office-based facility, or an outpatient surgical center.

Question: How long is the surgical time for a facelift?

Answer: It generally takes several hours to complete a facelift, though complicated procedure may take longer or may even need to be performed in two sessions.

Question: What is the anesthesia used for a facelift?

Answer: Facelift surgery is most commonly performed with local anesthesia and sedation, though general anesthesia is sometimes used.

Question: Where are the incisions made for a facelift?

Answer: The incisions for a facelift are concealed in the hair and around the ear. In cases where the neck needs work, an additional small incision may be made under the chin.

Question: How is a facelift performed?

Answer: After the incisions are made, the skin and soft tissue of the face and neck are lifted, tightened in a deep plane and the excess is removed. When the neck requires work, a small incision is made under the chin and the neck muscles are tightened. Fat in the neck may also be removed with liposuction.

Question: Is there much pain with a facelift?

Answer: Patients may experience some mild pain or discomfort after facelift surgery. Prescription pain medication can help to control any discomfort.

Question: Are there scars after a face lift?

Answer: The incisions made for a facelift will result in scars, though they tend to be well-concealed behind the ears, in the hairline, and in the natural creases of the skin.

Question: What sort of recovery can I expect after a facelift?

Answer: Some swelling and bruising is common after a facelift. Though most patients heal within one week, some bruising can remain for two to three weeks. The stitches are typically removed within one week after surgery.

Question: How soon after facelift surgery are the stitches removed?

Answer: The stitches are typically removed within a week after facelift surgery.

Question: When will I be able to return to work after a facelift?

Answer: Patients are typically well enough to return to work within ten to fourteen days after a facelift.

Question: How soon after a facelift can I exercise?

 

 

Answer: Exercise and strenuous activity should be avoided for at least two weeks. In addition, saunas, steam baths and alcohol will need to be avoided for several months.

 

Question: What are the risks or complications that can occur with a facelift?

Answer: Adverse anesthesia reactions, asymmetry, bleeding, excessive scarring, hematoma, infection, nerve injury, and poor healing are some of the potential complications that can occur with facelift surgery.

Question: Does insurance ever cover the cost of a facelift?

Answer: Facelifts are generally not covered by insurance as they are typically considered a cosmetic procedure.

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