Facelift
Rhytidectomy
A facelift rejuvenates the appearance of the face. The procedure focuses on treatment of the area from the middle of the face down to the neck. This surgery is often combined with other face and neck procedures to optimally correct the effects of aging, sun exposure, and lifestyle issues on these areas, making clients look younger, healthier, and refreshed.
Procedural Illustrations [Click to enlarge +]
Procedure
Facelift surgery may be performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or under general anesthesia. All surgery is done at Dr. Payne’s MediCare and California State Certified Pueblo Nuevo Surgery Center located within his office.
Incisions for the facelift operation may be placed within the temporal scalp or within the hair-bearing sideburn area. They continue down along the front of the ear and are often tucked slightly inside the ear (pretragal). They curve up behind the ear and may either end there or be extended back into the occipital scalp zone. Sometimes incisions are used under the chin in order to modify the front of the neck. There are a number of options for incision patterns, and these are discussed with each client ahead of time. Typically these scars are mostly hidden from view and the ones that are potentially visible are generally inconspicuous once healed.
The subcutaneous fat, muscle, fascia and SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) layers are modified in a facelift operation to improve the appearance of the cheeks, nasolabial folds, mouth, jowls, lateral orbits, temples, jaw line, and neck area. Different clients require different approaches, and each operation is tailored to the requirements of the individual client. In general, skin and soft tissue are mobilized, repositioned/lifted, and tightened, and excess skin is removed.
Results
Facial rejuvenation is an exciting part of aesthetic plastic surgery. Surgical techniques continue to evolve to produce ever improving results for clients. Many clients undergoing a facelift operation benefit from having other surgical and non-surgical procedures at the same time. These other treatments may include brow lifts, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, chin implants, laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, light therapy, topical skin care regimens, botox injections, and injection of soft tissue fillers. These additional treatments are part of a rapidly expanding field that continues to evolve with exciting new products in the pipeline for future enhanced results.
As people age, the skin in the face begins to lose its elasticity and smoothness. The skin can become thinner. Chronic sun exposure results in lines, wrinkles, and irregular skin color. The fat under the skin can begin to melt away or droop, and muscles lose tone and bulk. Even bone can begin to resorb and melt away. All of these changes result in the appearance of the aging face, which looks tired, stressed, anxious, uncertain, or aggressive. Following a facelift and facial rejuvenation procedure, clients look and feel younger. Facelift surgery (especially when combined with other treatment modalities) can make a dramatic difference in how clients view themselves and how others react to them. Often these operations will take 10 years or more of aging off the face, creating stunning results.
Dr. Payne's goal with the facelift procedure is to produce a “natural” appearance. Clients simply look good after surgery and not over-operated. When a client's face and neck look younger and better, one's self-esteem and confidence are boosted. Life is simply better, and the outside matches the inside. No results in plastic surgery are permanent, and it is recommended that clients maintain an optimal appearance by eating a good diet, exercising, refraining from using tobacco products, and generally leading a balanced life. Staying out of the sun and using a sensible skin care regimen is ideal. Clients will continue to need additional treatments as they age, including both surgical and non-surgical remedies.
After the Surgery
Facelift operations are not associated with much discomfort. There is usually some swelling and bruising after surgery that takes a few weeks to resolve, and camouflage makeup is made available to all clients. Most clients require one to two weeks off work. Gentle exercise can begin within a week and may progress to vigorous exercise within four to six weeks. Dr. Payne will provide each client with a detailed set of postoperative instructions to speed their recovery and minimize the risk of complications. He usually calls each client the evening of surgery and the day after surgery to make sure things are going well. Clients can also reach Dr. Payne or one of his staff 24 hours a day by contacting his office. All clients are followed closely until they are well healed and back to normal.
