Face-lift
What is a face-lift?
A face-lift, also called a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves lifting and tightening the tissue around the midface and jawline. This procedure reshapes the facial contours and smooths the skin for a more youthful appearance. With proper skin care, face-lift results can last for 10 years and more, making it the gold standard in surgical facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Blumenauer takes a modern approach to face-lift surgery that involves collaborating with patients to ensure they achieve their aesthetic goals.
Who is a candidate for a face-lift?
Most candidates for face-lift surgery are men and women in their 40s to 60s. However, some patients are in their 70s and 80s, while others are younger than 40. Depending on your age and skin’s elasticity, Dr. Blumenauer may recommend a traditional face-lift or mini face-lift.
Candidates for face-lift surgery typically have one or more of the following:
- Sagging jowls
- Deep nasolabial folds
- Hollow cheeks
- Double chin
- Poor definition in the jawline
- Loose facial folds
Adults with droopy skin in the mid and lower face often experience sagging around the neck as well. Dr. Blumenauer can combine your face-lift with a neck lift for complete facial rejuvenation.
How do I prepare for a face-lift?
Dr. Blumenauer may provide special instructions to help you prepare for face-lift surgery. Before your procedure, he may encourage you to take the following actions:
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory pain relievers.
- Stop using certain facial products.
- Apply preoperative skin care ointments.
- Adjust your current medications.
- Avoid certain supplements.
When you arrive for your pre-surgery assessment, Dr. Blumenauer can guide you through the details of the procedure so you know what to expect.
What can I expect from face-lift surgery?
After the administration of anesthesia, Dr. Blumenauer will make incisions to lift and tighten the skin around your face. The exact placement of your incisions will depend on your level of skin laxity.
For a traditional face-lift, Dr. Blumenauer typically makes an incision along the hairline that extends from the temples to the earlobes.
After he makes the incision, Dr. Blumenauer elevates the skin and tightens the underlying SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), which allows the overlying skin to close with minimal tension. This approach yields better results than standard approaches.
Individuals with mild-to-moderate skin laxity may need a less aggressive procedure called a limited face-lift. This procedure involves making small incisions along the hairline behind the ear.
If you choose to combine your face-lift with a neck lift, Dr. Blumenauer will make small incisions in front of the earlobe that stretch behind the ear and along the hairline.