| Dr. James Wethe 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 facelift (technically known as rhytidectomy) can improve the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and redraping the skin of your face and neck. A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift or eyelid surgery.
Q. What are the benefits of a facelift procedure?
A. A facelift can make you look younger and fresher, and it may enhance your self- confidence in the process. It can improve the deep cheek folds, jowls and loose, sagging skin around the neck that come with age.
Q. Are there significant risks associated with facelift surgery?
A. Complications that can occur include hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that must be removed by the surgeon), injury to the nerves that control facial muscles (usually temporary), infection, and reactions to the anesthesia. Poor healing of the skin can happen but is more common in smokers.
Q. Can I expect permanent results from a facelift?
A. The chances are excellent that you'll be happy with your facelift-especially if you realize that the final results may not be immediately apparent. However, having a facelift doesn't stop the clock. Your face will continue to age with time, and you may want to repeat the procedure one or more times-perhaps five or ten years down the line. But in another sense, the effects of even one facelift are lasting; years later, you'll continue to look better than if you'd never had a facelift at all.
Q. Is there a common technique for facelift procedures?
A. Every surgeon approaches the procedure in his or her own way. Some complete one side of the face at a time, and others move back and forth between the sides. The exact placement of incisions and the sequence of events depends on your facial structure and a particular surgeon's technique.
I usually begin to make incisions above the hairline at the temples, extend in a natural line in front of the ear (or just inside the cartilage at the front of the ear), and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. If the neck needs work, a small incision may also be made under the chin.
In general, I separate the skin from the fat and muscle below. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve the contour. I then tighten the underlying muscle and membrane, pulls the skin back, and removes the excess. Stitches secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions; metal clips may occasionally be used on the scalp though I usually prefer sutures.
Following surgery, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin behind your ear to drain any blood that might collect there. I wrap your head loosely in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling and you wear this for 3 days or so.
The extent of surgery and technique are planned based on individual patient needs and wishes.
Q. Is a facelift performed under general anesthesia?
A. Commonly facelifts are performed under either general or local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. Some patients prefer general anesthesia so they can sleep through the operation. This decision is made in consultation with me.
Q. How do I find a qualified surgeon in my area?
A. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the best place to find a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. My website has been designed and is managed by the ASPS and has all of the information you will need to make an informed decision about your facelift as well as other plastic surgery procedures you might be considering. We invite you to visit my website at www.drwethe.com to learn more about him. For those patients out of the South Bay area, please use this link to locate a board certified plastic surgeon in your part of the country: http://www1.plasticsurgery.org/ebusiness4/PatientConsumers/findasurgeon.aspx. Remember, a web site is a place to find information. Prior to surgery you should plan to visit and get to know your surgeon thoroughly.
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