As we age, our skin begins to lose its elasticity and facial tissues lose volume. In the hands of a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon, you can restore the natural vibrancy to your appearance and even address the early signs of aging before they take hold.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift, technically known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that reduces unwanted wrinkles and lines in the face and neck by lifting and tightening facial tissues.
Facelift surgery can help restore the youthful contours of the face which may be lost due to age, heredity, stress and exposure to the elements. It can be used to correct a number of concerns including:
- Mid-face sagging
- Marionette lines
- Double chin
- Jowls
This type of cosmetic surgery reshapes the lower one-third of the face and can be combined with additional procedures such as eyelid surgery, a neck-lift and botox to achieve an even further improved surgical result.
How is a Facelift Performed?
Step 1: Anesthesia
The first step in facelift surgery is the administering of anesthesia. Typically, this cosmetic surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Ladak will be able to discuss your anesthesia options and concerns prior to surgery.
Step 2: Incisions
With a traditional facelift surgery, the incisions begin in the temple area, behind the hairline. It continues down in front of the ear and circles around the earlobe, back to the starting point in the scalp. Great care is taken to position the incision in a natural skin crease so it is not visible.
Step 3: Repositioning & Tightening of Connective Tissue
Once the incisions have been made, the skin is gently lifted and the underlying muscles are tightened and repositioned to create more aesthetically pleasing contours. Any excess pockets of fat or skin contributing to an aged appearance will be removed.
Step 4: Incisions are Closed
After the surgery is complete, the incisions will be closed using fine sutures and staples to promote healing.
Dr. Ladak, an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon, performs this procedure with extraordinary attention to detail so that patients are left with negligible scarring and beautiful, natural looking results.
What is the Recovery Period for a Facelift?
During the facelift recovery, patients should allow for adequate healing time and expect some postoperative swelling, numbness and skin discoloration for approximately two weeks.
Healing time: Most patients can return to work from a standard facelift in 10-14 days
Wound dressings: A sterile surgical gauze will be used to cover the incision sites. These bandages will remain in place for 1-2 days after the surgery. Sutures are generally removed after one week and healing of the incisions is usually visibly complete in 2-3 weeks.
Special requirements: During the recovery period, rest is very important to promote proper healing. It is also important to avoid excessive facial contact or movement; therefore the following activities should be avoided for at least the initial 2 weeks post-surgery:
- Vigorous exercise
- Heavy housework
- Sexual activity
- Smoking
What results can I Expect from a Facelift?
A facelift can in many ways turn back the clock. By lifting and firming loose skin, a facelift can give your neck and face a more naturally youthful appearance and more pleasing contours.
To further your results a patient should try to maintain a stable weight as the constant gain and loss in weight can have an effect on skin elasticity. A proper skin care regime, wearing SPF sunscreen and keeping healthy lifestyle will also ensure the results are optimized and last for years to come.
Dr. Ladak is an expert in facelifts and can perform a personal assessment to review the results you can expect from this procedure or other cosmetic procedures suggested to achieve for your desired look.
To receive more information on the costs, benefits and healing times of facelifts, or to book a consultation, contact Dr. Ladak today at (780)-407-6691.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Edmonton, Alberta and specializes in a variety of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures.
.jpg)
