Facelift
Would you trust your face to anyone? Facial plastic surgery takes serious thought and can have dramatic results. As you age, the effects from gravity, sun, and daily stress can effect your face. Atlanta facelifts performed at Plastic Surgery Center of the South can help reverse the signs of aging. Do you have deep creases between the nose and mouth; a jawline that is loose and jowly; how about folds and fat deposits around your neck? Here, our board certified plastic surgeons work closely with you to achieve the most natural results based on your individual need; their expertise, artistry and skill can be surpassed by none. Call us today at 770-421-1242 to find out how we can help you look the age that you feel.
Facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a procedure to improve the signs of aging of the face by tightening the underlying muscles and tissues, removing or repositioning excess fat, and re-draping the skin. Your face will have a more youthful and rested appearance with smoother and firmer skin. A facelift may address problems of the face from the eyes to the jaw line; a necklift address excess skin and fullness of the neck; a forehead lift forehead wrinkling and heavy, low brows. These lifting procedures can make you look younger and fresher, and may enhance your self-confidence.
About the Procedure
Surgery is usually performed as an outpatient and may include an overnight stay depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s medical condition. The length of the operation will vary depending on the complexity of the surgery. The incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples and extend within the natural contours in front of and behind the ears. If a necklift is part of your procedure, a small incision may also be made under the chin. Through these incisions the deeper tissues are addressed, the skin is re-draped and the excess skin is removed. The incisions are closed with fine sutures. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin behind your ear to drain any blood that might collect. Your head may be bandaged loosely to minimize bruising and swelling.
Recovering from Facelift Surgery
After the surgery there are varying amounts of swelling and bruising about the face and neck. You will be advised to keep your head elevated and to restrict your activities in the early post-operative period. Fortunately, the post-operative discomfort is surprisingly minimal and easily controlled with medication. Some numbness of your skin is quite normal; it will disappear in a few weeks or months. If you had a drainage tube inserted, it will be removed after one or two days. Most of the sutures are removed within the first week, however, some stitches in your scalp may be left in longer. Don’t be surprised if you look pale, bruised and puffy. Within a few weeks your will love your new look. Be especially gentle with your face and hair the first couple weeks. Your skin will be both tender and numb and may not respond normally at first. Many patients are back to work within two weeks of the surgery depending on the level of activity needed for their job. Your physician will give you specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities and exercise. Above all get plenty of rest and allow your body to spend its energy on healing. By the third week you will be feeling and looking much better. Camouflage makeup can mask any remaining bruising. You will have some scars from your surgery, but they are usually hidden by your hair or in the natural creases of your face and ears. They will fade in time and should be barely visible.
Complications are infrequent and usually minor when performed by a qualified Marietta plastic surgeon. Individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, physical reaction, and healing abilities. Some of the potential complications may include a hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that may require removal), injury to nerves that control facial muscles (which is usually temporary), infection, reactions to anesthesia, and poor skin healing. Your plastic surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits with you prior to the procedure. It is important to talk about your expectations before surgery.
Your new improved facial appearance may be subtle or dramatic depending on your pre-operative condition. A facelift will make you look fresher and younger. Your improved appearance will last for years. Protecting yourself from the sun, and following a skin care regimen recommended by our esthetician will help you maintain your rejuvenated look. Even though the aging process continues, you will continue to look better than if you’d never had a facelift.
As with any procedure you are contemplating, it is especially important to make sure your plastic surgeon is board certified. All of our physicians at Plastic Surgery Center of the South are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. At your consultation visit your surgeon will discuss in detail the procedure, benefits, risks and your options. Be very frank and do not be afraid to ask questions. A thorough medical examination and medical history will help your surgeon provide you with the information needed to make the decision that is right for you. To make a consultation today for a facelifts in Atlanta, please call 770-421-1242. We treat patients from all over Georgia as well as other states and countries.
