FACELIFT (Rhytidectomy)

Some of the most visible signs of aging first appear on the face. Although the changes appear gradually, there may come a day when you look in the mirror and decide that the face you see doesn't reflect the way you feel about yourself. If you'd like to look as good as you feel, a facelift can help. Also known as rhytidectomy, a facelift smoothes the loose skin on your face and neck, tightens underlying tissues and removes excess fat. As a result, your face will appear firmer and fresher.

You'll find basic information about a facelift on this site. However, the best way to get complete answers to specific questions that relate to your individual needs is to have a personal consultation with Dr. Mark Solomon, MD.

IS A FACELIFT RIGHT FOR ME?

Facelifts are most commonly performed on patients in the 40-60 age range. However, the procedure can produce good results for people in the 60s, 70s and 80s as well. You may be a good candidate for a facelift if you have any of the following types of conditions:

- A deep line that runs from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth
- Loss of a well-defined jaw line
- Deep wrinkles in the cheeks and sagging skin near the cheekbones
- Loose skin, wrinkles or excess fatty tissue in the neck

Facelift surgery needs to be approached with extra caution if you have any of the following medical conditions:

- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Blood-clotting problems
- The tendency to form excessive scars.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE CONSULTATION?

A personal consultation with Mark Solomon MD is the first step for every patient considering a facelift. During this meeting, Dr. Solomon will help you assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery.

HOW IS A FACELIFT PERFORMED?

The technique chosen for your surgery depends on your features, your preferences, and your desired results.

There are many variations to the facelift procedure. However, the incision is typically hidden in the natural contour of your ear, and then extends around the earlobe and back into the hairline. Following surgery, the incisions are easily concealed by your hair or with makeup.

Working through these incisions, the surgery frees the facial skin from its underlying tissues and pulls it upward and back. The excess skin is then removed.

HOW WILL I LEARN ABOUT THE SAFETY OF FACELIFT SURGERY?

Each year, thousands of people have facelifts and experience no major complications. However, it is important for you to be informed of the risks as well as the benefits. Dr. Mark Solomon will discuss the possible complications of facelift surgery.

HOW WILL I LOOK AND FEEL RIGHT AFTER SURGERY?

When surgery is complete, a bandage may have been wrapped around your face to help control swelling. Sometimes, small drainage tubes are placed beneath the skin to drain away fluids that might otherwise accumulate. Discomfort is usually minimal, but any pain you feel can be controlled with medication prescribed by Dr. Solomon. Although everyone heals at a different rate you can expect that your recovery will follow this general timeline:

THE FIRST DAY

In this early stage of healing, you should rest with your head elevated to help minimize bruising and swelling.

WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK

- Swelling reaches its peak, and then begins to subside
- Bandages will be removed and you may shower
- Stitches will dissolve or be removed
- You may return to light activity, but continue to sleep wit your head elevated
- You can wear makeup to conceal any discoloration

WITHIN TWO WEEKS

- Most of the bruising will disappear
- You may resume many of your normal activities including non-strenuous work

AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS

- You may resume exercise
- Swelling and puffiness will continue to subside
- Numbness in the facial area will diminish; however some numbness may persist for several months.

Throughout the healing period you should avoid exposure to direct sunlight and, for the long term be conscientious about using sun block preparations to protect your skin.