A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that helps patients achieve a more youthful appearance. The procedure features the surgical elimination of sagging skin from various facial regions like the jawline and the cheeks.

During the procedure, the tissues beneath the skin are altered surgically to help the skin better fit the contours of the face, making the patient look much younger. This is further enhanced by the removal of excess skin.

The facelift treats the appearance of the mid and lower face. It is often combined with other cosmetic procedures to eliminate wrinkles from the upper part of the face for more comprehensive results.

Why You May Need a Facelift

As you get older, the shape and appearance of your face undergo many age-related changes. The skin tends to become loose and its elasticity becomes reduced. To make things even worse, fat deposition occurs in a non-uniform manner, leading to an odd look.

However, with a facelift, you can:

• Get rid of the excess skin in the lower jawline, also known as jowls
• Tighten the sagging skin on your cheeks
• Reduce the appearance of a number of lines and facial wrinkles

The Facelift Procedure

The facelift starts with administration of anesthesia. Typically, general anesthesia is used. Dr. Martin will consider your personal preferences before deciding which type of anesthesia to use for the procedure.

After the anesthesia is administered, Dr. Martin will begin making the incision. The incision for a traditional facelift originates from the temple, go down in front of the ear, and go back to the starting point after circling around the earlobe.

Once the incisions are made, Dr. Martin will lift the skin to access the connective and muscle tissues. He will adjust the position of the tissues and retighten them. After that, he will suture the tissues to hold it in place. Excess fat may also be shaped or removed at this stage.

After the tightening of the underlying tissues is completed, excess skin will be trimmed. Dr. Martin will carry this out in a precise manner to prevent any unwanted alterations to your facial proportions or features. He will then use fine sutures to close the incision. Staples and tissue glue may also be used.

The Recovery Process: What to Expect

Some mild tenderness and swelling are bound to be present for a couple of days after your facelift procedure. These can be addressed with the help of cold compresses as recommended. Painkillers will be prescribed to deal with any post-operative discomfort.

Most of the recovery occurs within weeks. However, you will have to avoid strenuous physical activities for a month or so, including sports and rigorous exercise routines.

Your sutures will be removed during a follow-up appointment a few days after the procedure. For more instructions on recovery and post-operative care, speak with Dr. Martin.

Are You Interested in Learning More About Facelifts?

Dr. Kurtis Martin is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience. He will be happy to meet with you so you can discuss your goals for your facelift procedure. Contact our office today to set up an informative consultation.