| Dr. Michele Shermak is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about FaceLift.
Q. What is a FaceLift?
A. This is a broad category encompassing a variety of procedures tailored to patient presentation and age, ranging from tightening along the jawline to lifting and rejuvenation of the face from the eyes down to the neck. Generally facelifts include resuspension and elevation of the soft tissues of the cheek and neck that descend with gravity over time, with removal of loose skin. Fatty tissue may be removed from the neck and/or fat may be injected to fill the face where deflation may have occurred over time and deep wrinkles have set in. Surface treatments like dermabrasion also may smooth fine wrinkles around the mouth at the time of surgery.
Q. What are the benefits of a facelift procedure?
A. Turning back the hands of time! Patients feel that their face does not communicate how they feel as they age: deflation, gravity, and wrinkles make them look angry or tired or low energy, when they actually do not feel that way. Facelift can freshen the face and reveal the true inner self they feel and want to communicate.
Q. Are there significant risks associated with facelift surgery?
A. Any surgery is associated with risks of discomfort, bleeding, scar, asymmetry, wound healing problems, infection. These risks are low. Bleeding risk is about 3% and higher in men and individuals with high blood pressure. There is also a risk of nerve weakness which occurs less than 1% of the time. There is also a risk that further revisions will be necessary in the future, typically minor skin revisions. Patients in poor health are not good candidates for facelift surgery.
Q. Can I expect permanent results from a facelift?
A. No. Facelift results last for 7-10 years, but facelifts do slow the aging process.
Q. Is there a common technique for facelift procedures?
A. Multiple techniques are available which is great for tailoring care on a case by case basis.
Q. Is a facelift performed under general anesthesia?
A. Sometimes. Different surgeons use different anesthetic options: something to discuss with your surgeon.
Q. How long after my facelift can I resume normal activities?
A. You should be walking around immediately. Return to work may occur in an short as a week or as long as several weeks depending on the surgery. Exertional activities should be stopped for a month.
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