Facelift surgery, also known as a rhytidectomy, is designed to tighten and lift sagging skin to restore a youthful appearance. It can be performed with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as eyelid surgery or a brow lift, to further enhance the results.
Why Undergo a Facelift?
Many of the signs of aging appear around the face and some people notice more significant effects of aging than others. Loose and sagging skin, deep lines and folds around the mouth, loss of facial fat and volume, and loose skin around the neck can all give away your age. A facelift addresses these issues by lifting and tightening the skin. It is a restorative procedure and is completely customized for the patient.
Dr. Kilaru has helped countless patients achieve a more youthful appearance with facelift surgery. If you are a nonsmoker and do not have any medical conditions that would prevent proper healing, you may be a good candidate for this type of surgery.
The Facelift Procedure
The facelift is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Kilaru may perform a full facelift, a facelift with a neck lift, or use other techniques depending on your goals. The traditional facelift involves making an incision around the temples, right in the hairline. This incision goes all the way around and behind the ear and ends in the lower part of the scalp. This incision gives Dr. Kilaru full access to all the facial tissue where he can sculpt and reshape the face, reposition the tissues, and lift deeper layers of muscle.
Once the tissues have been repositioned, the skin can be re-draped over the new counters and any excess skin tissue is removed or repositioned. If a neck lift is being performed, Dr. Kilaru may need to make an incision under the chin to lift up the skin and reposition the tissues around the neck. Loose muscle in the neck can be cut out or tightened.
The incisions are closed with sutures. You may be fitted with small tubes to drain away any excess fluid. Healing times vary by patient but the initial recovery from a facelift can take up to 14 days with a full recovery taking several months after surgery. You will need to follow post-op instructions carefully, including sleeping and showering instructions, to ensure optimal results.
What to Expect with a Facelift
Patients who undergo a facelift enjoy restoring their youthful appearance and maintaining a refreshed, well rested look. Many feel more confident about their appearance and are able to maintain results with a healthy lifestyle and proper sun protection. Getting facial fillers or laser treatments after surgery, with doctor approval, can help enhance results.
Find out if you’re a good candidate for a facelift. Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Kilaru today.
