Facelift & Neck Lift (Rhytidectomy)
Surgery performed by Dr. Schenden and Dr. Elswick
The ideals of universal beauty change across time, cultures, ethnicity, and gender. Facial beauty is achieved when good taste, balance and proportion are in harmony. As people age, the effects of gravity, exposure to the sun, and the stresses of daily life can be seen in their faces. Creases, sometimes deep, can form between the nose and the mouth; the jawline may become slack, forming jowls, and fat deposits may appear in the area around the neck. Though a facelift cannot stop this aging process, what it can do is set back the clock, improving the most visible signs of aging.
Our objective is using modern surgical techniques to restore the youthful balance to your facial features and to give you a rested appearance. We combine safe and effective surgical techniques, resulting in a high degree of patient satisfaction.
A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery or nose reshaping. A consultation can determine which procedures may be right for you.
GENERAL INFORMATION
A facelift and neck lift involves enhancing the contour of the face and neck by adjusting the proportions to achieve harmony. We begin by analyzing the overall appearance of the face. The patient’s ethnicity, body habitus and general proportions of the face are all considered.
Our surgeons will analyze patient’s facial volume, skin texture, muscular activity and bony skeletal support. After a thorough physical examination and a detailed analysis your facelift and neck lift is individualized to improve deep cheek folds, jowls and loose, sagging skin around the neck that come with age or weight loss.
THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR FACELIFT & NECK LIFT
The best candidate for a facelift is a patient with excessive skin laxity in the face and/or neck region seeking to improve contour, symmetry and skin laxity. The age range of those who seek out a facelift is vast. Most patients are in their late 40s to 80s. A facelift can make you look younger and well rested, and it may enhance your self-confidence in the process. Ideal candidates are seeking an improvement but not perfection and have realistic expectations, and are healthy, nonsmokers, and off select medications (ask your plastic surgeon).
PLANNING YOUR SURGERY
Facelifts are very individualized procedures. In your initial consultation, Dr. Schenden and Dr. Elswick will examine and evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying bone structure, and discuss your goals for the surgery.
Our doctors make sure your questions are answered and your goals are understood. Patient expectations are important to discuss at the consultation. Surgical technique is individualized to each patient based on facial shape and anatomy. Be sure to mention smoking, medications, medical history and previous surgeries.
Our practice offers the Renuvion skin rejuvenation system which is commonly paired with this surgery. Renuvion is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to tighten and smooth your skin. Areas of treatment include the neck, stomach, back, arms and legs. It works by delivering a precise stream of Helium plasma energy underneath the skin using a long thin tube called a cannula. Renuvion causes collagen to contract and skin to tighten, enhancing the appearance of the skin. More Information About Renuvion
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
Our qualified staff will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. Detailed instructions on activity after surgery will also be discussed. Following these instructions carefully will increase the success of your surgical outcome.
If you smoke, plan to quit at least four to six weeks before the scheduled surgery. Avoid sun exposure before and after surgery as it may interfere with your incision healing.
WHERE YOUR SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED
Surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis, but some patients may elect to be hospitalized for one day after surgery. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should be monitored after surgery and may also require a short inpatient stay.
Patient preference will be incorporated into this decision. The facilities we are privileged to operate from include Columbia Surgical Center (our private surgical suite) and William Beaumont Hospital of Troy, MI where Dr. Schenden is currently Chief of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Elswick has privileges at William Beaumont Hospital Troy and Royal Oak as well as McLaren Macomb Hospital.
TYPES OF ANESTHESIA
General Anesthesia (complete sleep) or I.V. sedation with local anesthesia (twilight anesthesia) may be individualized based on complexity of the procedure and patient preference.
THE SURGERY
A facelift usually takes three to five hours, depending on complexity and combination with other surgeries such as eyelids, neck or fat grafting. Incisions usually begin above the hairline, extend in the natural creases in front of the ear and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp.
If the neck is also treated, a small incision may also be made under the chin. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned around the neck and chin to improve the contour and jaw definition. The muscle under the chin is tightened to improve the contour of the neck. Excess face skin is pulled in multiple directions to achieve the optimal aesthetic appearance and sutured along the edges of the ear and behind the ear along the hairline. Most of the scars will be hidden within your hair and in the normal creases of your skin. Two small drains may be placed and removed in one to two days after surgery.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
Bed rest with head elevation is encouraged. Swelling, bruising, headaches and pain are expected but controlled with medications. Detailed activity and wound care instructions will be provided at the consultation. Temporary numbness of the skin is expected but will return to normal in a few weeks or months. Sutures will be removed at five to seven days after surgery.
Normally you may return to work after two weeks but with light duty and no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for six weeks. Swelling is expected with the majority of the swelling will improve within the first four weeks after surgery. Expect the final outcome of the facelift at six months after surgery. Any scars will continue to mature (color change) up to 12 months. Short and frequent follow up visits will be scheduled after surgery to ensure appropriate healing during recovery.
YOUR NEW LOOK
Most patients achieve a high satisfaction of the facial and neck rejuvenation after surgery. Initially there will be swelling and bruising followed by changes in skin color, dryness, and sensitivity. The final results of the facelift and neck lift will take three to six months. Your more youthful appearance will show both physically and with added confidence. Our surgeons will often recommend skin treatments at our medical day spa after your surgery to maintain/improve your skins tone and texture.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FACELIFT & NECK LIFT
Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications associated with them. In addition, every procedure has limitations. An individual’s choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience complications, you should discuss them with your plastic surgeon to make sure you understand all possible consequences of facelift and neck lift.
WHY CHOOSE REVITALIZE PLASTIC SURGERY
Offering advanced procedures, our surgical practice is led by first-class surgeons and a highly skilled medical team. Combining education, experience and skill with a focus on both the science and the art of medical aesthetics, we take a holistic approach to each patient’s treatment plan. Patient education, safety and, of course, results, are our utmost priorities.