Who is a Candidate?
Men and women who have sagging skin in their midface, jawline, and neck, and with deep creases, wrinkles, and loss of youthful volume in their face can often benefit from a facelift procedure. Facelift candidates should be healthy, both physically and mentally, and have a realistic outlook on the results of their surgery. A consultation with either Dr. Homas or Dr. Brostrom is needed to determine if this procedure is right for you.
The Procedure
Depending on the amount of correction needed, there are different facelift techniques that can be used. These include the traditional facelift, or limited incision facelift.
Traditional Facelift: The incisions for a traditional facelift begin in the hairline near the temples, continue around the ears, and end in the lower scalp. Fat will be redistributed to sculpt the face and jowls and underlying tissues will be repositioned. Any excess skin will also be trimmed away.
Limited-Incision Facelift: The incisions for a limited-incision facelift will be shorter, and will start at the temple and continue around the ear. This facelift is used for patients with less skin relaxation, as results are not as drastic as a traditional facelift.
The type of facelift that is appropriate for you will depend on the amount of facial sagging that needs to be remedied. The most effective treatment option for you can be discussed during your consultation.
Recovery
Following a facelift, drains are usually placed for a short time, and a dressing is placed over the incisions. A compression garment is typically worn for a few weeks after the surgical dressings are removed. Bruising and swelling is to be expected, and pain medication can be used to lessen any discomfort. To minimize swelling, patients should recline rather than lie down flat. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for six weeks after surgery. You should also avoid direct sun exposure to prevent any sunburn or irregular pigmentation.
Patients in the San Antonio area who are interested in learning more about the facelift options can contact New Image Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.