Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)
A common misconception with patients seeking a cosmetic procedure to the face is that a facelift treats the entire face. There is also the belief that the aging facial muscles are the cause of sagging to the face. Actually, there are two main reasons for the aging effects of our faces. First, a fibro-fatty layer of tissue lies between the facial muscles and the skin. It is this layer that begins to slide downward as we age. This leads to deepening of lines around the mouth, jowling, and loss of volume to the cheek area.
The second reason is that skin loses elasticity as we age. This is the cause of sagging in the neck area. A facelift procedure targets the aging of the lower half of the face and neck area. The eyes, eyebrows, and forehead are not addressed but can be combined with the facelift procedure if needed. The facelift is primarily done to restore and tighten the jowling and neck area. It can also affect the deepened folds around the mouth and cheek volume. Dr. Antimarino prides himself on a natural-looking result that does not raise any suspicions of a surgical procedure.
The procedure uses incisions in front of and extending behind the ears to tighten the fibro-fatty layer and then the skin is re-draped. Any excess skin is removed. The benefit is a rejuvenated, rested look. The results should look natural and not pulled. Patients showing minimal aging effects who want to correct the problems early may be candidates for a mini facelift. The incisions for a mini facelift are typically shorter than the full face and can target the specific areas showing the first signs of aging.
SURGERY:
The facelift is performed under sedation by anesthesia. There is minimal pain as well as swelling and bruising. A mini facelift is performed under sedation as an outpatient procedure.
AFTER SURGERY:
Facelifts are done as an outpatient procedure. The downtime is approximately 2 weeks. Patients may return to exercise in approximately 3 weeks. The scars may appear as a light pink color for several weeks but can be covered with makeup by the first week. A mini facelift generally requires one week to ten days of downtime and patients may then return to work. Exercise may be resumed again as early as two weeks.
To answer all of your surgical questions and for detailed discussions, schedule a complimentary cosmetic consultation with Dr. Antimarino today.
Read more about Face lifts in our “Procedure of the Month” blog.
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