Physicians Institute for Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery
JONATHAN R. WEISER, MD
J. CRAIG UECKER, MD
Facelift Plastic Surgery in Hollywood, Florida
The following information is for your benefit. Here you will find answers to many of the questions that patients ask about plastic surgery of the brow, face, neck and eyelids.
WHY SHOULD I HAVE FACIAL SURGERY?
The purpose of aesthetic facial surgery is to make you look as good as it is possible for you to look.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT MY OUTCOME TO BE?
Following facial plastic surgery, you may look ten years younger or you may simply look rested, healthier, and more vigorous. You should not look “too tight” or expressionless, and it should certainly not be obvious that you have had an operation.
HOW DOES THE DOCTOR DO THE FACIAL SURGERY?
Face, brow, and neck lifting is performed by surgically lifting and tightening skin and underlying muscle. Lifting the facial and neck muscles (the SMAS and platysma) is an integral part of every operation. Excess fat is also removed giving a cleaner, tighter, more youthful look. Similar procedures are performed around the eyelids. Liposuctioning of the jowls and neck are usually done also.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF MY LIFE TO HAVE A FACELIFT?
There is no ideal age for facial rejuvenation. The best time to have a facelift is when you are physically and emotionally ready. During your consultation, the doctor should advise you as whether or not you have sufficient laxity to your skin and if you will benefit from an operation.
WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA WILL BE USED DURING FACELIFT SURGERY?
Patients are given either local anesthesia combined with sedation or general anesthesia. If either case, an expert anesthetist will be in attendance and will charge separately for his/her services.
WHERE WILL THE SCARS BE FOLLOWING FACELIFT SURGERY?
Any form of surgery, including plastic surgery, will leave scars. In aesthetic facial and eyelid surgery, the scars are placed either within the hair or in the natural folds and lines of the face so that they are inconspicuous or easily hidden by makeup or hair styling. The scars fade with time and are usually not noticeable. Nevertheless, you should be aware that scars are permanent, and their width, height, and color are not totally predictable.
ARE THE RESULTS OF FACELIFT SURGERY PERMANENT?
The results of plastic surgery are permanent. There is no sudden “falling down.” Surgery; however, does not stop the aging process. Although excess skin is removed and wrinkles are diminished, the skin continues to age, and with time the patient may feel the need to have a secondary procedure.
As a practical matter, the face and neck lift operation is generally not repeated before 5-10 years. Pouches beneath the lower eyelids usually do not recur; therefore, the lower eyelid operation is only infrequently repeated. As one grows older, if the skin on the upper lids becomes looser and creates additional folds, an upper lid “touch-up” can be done. There is rarely a need to repeat the brow lift.
Having one face lift does not obligate you to have another, and while secondary surgery is done for some patients, most have only one operation and remain pleased with their appearance.
HOW SOON AFTER FACIAL SURGERY WILL I BE ABLE TO RETURN TO WORK?
Some swelling and discoloration is expected following surgery but subsides 10-14 days following face lift and/or brow lift. Most people return to work and their usual activity with-in two weeks of face lift or brow lift surgery. Jogging, aerobics, bicycling, and other non-contact and non-ball sports are permitted three weeks after surgery. Strenuous sports (tennis, squash, etc.) are prohibited for six weeks.
HOW LONG DOES THE FACELIFT OPERATION TAKE?
The operation time varies depending on the amount of surgery. The facelift requires 3 to 4 hours, upper and lower eyelids together 1 hour, and the brow lift 1 hour.
DOES COSMETIC FACIAL SURGERY REQUIRE HOSPITALIZATION?
Facelifts and brow lifts may require an overnight stay, but usually are ambulatory with most patients choosing to recover in the comfort of their own home. Admission is done on the morning of the operation and discharge will be later in the afternoon of the same day, unless it becomes necessary to spend the night after surgery. Some patients choose to remain in the hospital two days after surgery for additional recovery time in a supervised environment.
You may have a private room or semi-private room shared with one other patient usually having a cosmetic procedure similar to yours. If you desire we can recommend a private duty nurse who will add to your comfort following the operation; however, this is not essential.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FOLLOWING FACIAL SURGERY?
A full head dressing is used following face lift and brow lift surgery. This is usually removed the next morning. Placement and removal of this head dressing is painless.
After eyelid surgery, ice compresses are applied for 48 hours, but the eyes are not bandaged. Medication used during surgery may cause blurred vision for one or two hours. Eye ointment is used for several days.
Whether at home or in the hospital, the patient should remain quiet. Visitors and telephone calls should be kept to a minimum.
