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Facial aging begins in the mid-thirties with the formation of dynamic wrinkles. These are wrinkles produced by the continuous action of the facial muscles. As aging progresses further, the facial tissues will continue to lose elasticity and the collagen will weaken, other folds and wrinkles begin to develop. These are known as “static” folds because they are not subjected to muscular movement. Both kinds of visible aging can be vastly improved by a facelift procedure.
The majority of patients that undergo the facelift operation do so in their late fifties or early sixties. Occasionally, facial aging procedures such as neck lifts may be done earlier. Patients are many times confused about what exactly a facelift corrects. A facelift is able to correct both dynamic and static wrinkles is a more permanent way. Early on these lines may be corrected with minimally invasive procedures to fill in the depressions. However, as they become deeper, a facelift may be the most effective treatment.
The traditional facelift operation is aimed at improving the neck and the facial jowls. This procedure is appropriate for those patients that have a sagging neck and jowls but do not have midface descent. In this operation, the skin is raised from the deeper tissues in the face and neck. These underlying tissues, known collectively as the “SMAS” are then tightened. The skin is the draped back and the excess is trimmed. The surgery can take from two and a half hours if only the facelift is being performed to four hours if a blepharoplasty (eyelift) is being performed in conjunction. The surgery involves incisions in front of the ear, underneath it, and then in back of the ear and into the hair.
Post-surgery, the face will be wrapped with a tight bandage used to keep the skin flat. Pain should be minimal with medication, however; any significant pain should be reported to the physician immediately. If a blepharoplasty was performed, some bruising will be visible on the eyes. It is also recommended that the patient keeps the head elevated whenever possible, as this tends to reduce swelling. Ice packs applied without pressure to either side of the face might also be helpful. Mild swelling may be present for approximately two weeks. It is recommended that physical activity, such as running or lifting be resumed only after the fourth week. The remainder of the swelling typically resolves in the third week.
I am a cardiologist in Broward County and decided to travel all the way down to South Miami to have a consult with Dr. Perez. His bedside manner is impeccable, not only in making me feel comfortable with his skills, but also because his demeanor makes you feel so relaxed. He is confident yet humble, which is a hard thing to find in a doctor, much less a surgeon. I decided to have him as my plastic surgeon, and my results are amazing. From a doctor, to a doctor....he is the BEST. -Verified Patient
The final results of a facelift are visible between six and eight weeks post-op. The results of a facelift operation usually turn back the clock approximately ten years and the results last about ten years. A personal consultation with your plastic surgeon is the best way to gain information about how to treat your particular situation.
