FACE LIFT
What Is A Facelift?
In time, gravity, sun exposure, and the stresses of daily life take their toll on our faces and necks. Deep creases appear beside the mouth, the jaw line slackens and becomes jowly, and the neck develops loose folds and fat deposits. Facelifts counteract these signs of aging by tightening muscle, removing fat, and trimming excess skin, giving your face a fresher, youthful look. After surgery, some patients look 10-15 years younger.
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Facelifts, technically known as rhytidectomies (literally, “removal of wrinkles”), rejuvenate the mid- to lower face and neck. Facelifts are most effective for patients who want to correct:
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Midface sagging
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Deep creases under the eyes
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Deep creases between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)
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Jowls due to loss of muscle tone
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Sagging areas of fat
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Loose skin and fat under the chin and jaw
Facelifts can produce a dramatic improvement in appearance for patients with the problems mentioned above. However, facelifts do not stop the aging process; in time, signs of aging will gradually appear once again.
Further, facelifts will not rejuvenate the brow, eyelids, nose, and some of the midface. Patients who want to improve these areas may consider combining a facelift with a brow lift or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).
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Injectable soft-tissue fillers, facial implants and skin resurfacing can also enhance the effects of a facelift.
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Candidates for a Blepharoplasty ProcedureThe best candidates for blepharoplasty are those individuals who meet the following conditions: -Are in good overall health -Do not smoke -Do not have any serious eye conditions -Have healthy facial tissue and muscle -If you have loose, sagging skin or puffy bags around your eyes, this procedure can help reduce these unwanted effects and leave the eyes looking young and fresh. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations before undergoing a blepharoplasty procedure in order to be satisfied with their results. While the procedure can enhance your appearance and may improve self-confidence as a result, it cannot alter your entire appearance or change the structure of your face.
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The Blepharoplasty ProcedureThe blepharoplasty procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation. General anesthesia may be used for anxious or nervous patients. Patients may choose to have this procedure on their upper or lower eyelids, or both. Depending on these choices, the procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours. If the upper eyelid is being treated, an incision is made along the natural crease of the eyelid. Once the incision is made, the surgeon may reposition fat deposits, tighten muscles and tissue or remove excess skin in order to leave the eye looking younger and refreshed. For the lower eyelid, an incision is made just below the lash line in order for excess skin to be removed. After the procedure is performed, the incisions are closed with sutures and usually wrapped in gauze to allow the area to heal.
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Recovery after a Blepharoplasty ProcedureAfter the lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedure, your doctor may recommend applying lubricating drops or ointment and cold compresses to aid in the healing process and minimize side effects such as: -Swelling -Bruising -Irritation -Dry eyes The eyes may be wrapped in gauze after the procedure as well. Patients can usually return to work within a few days, but should avoid exercise and strenuous activities for at least two weeks. Stitches are usually removed three or four days after the procedure. Swelling and other side effects usually subside within two weeks after surgery. Contact lenses and eye make-up may not be worn for two weeks after surgery. The doctor will give specific instructions on how to care for the eyes post-procedure.
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Results of a Blepharoplasty ProcedureResults of a blepharoplasty procedure are visible as swelling and bruising, but will subside and continue to improve for up to a year after surgery. This procedure is designed to produce long-lasting results. While surgery cannot prevent your eyes from aging, most patients are satisfied with their results and do not seek repeat procedures. The scars from the blepharoplasty procedure are usually well-concealed and will fade with time until they are virtually unnoticeable. The incision is hidden in the crease of the eyelid in an upper blepharoplasty, and just below the lashes in a lower blepharoplasty.