As people grow older the skin begins to wrinkle and sag. A young person's face is firm and smooth due to fatty tissue directly beneath the skin. As we grow older, the skin begins to sag and fit more loosely. Skin folds become more prominent, particularly around the chin, on the jaw line and on the neck.

The facelift corrects these saggy conditions to give people the youthful appearance they desire. Facial and neck skin is tightened. Facelifts can include surgeries such as brow and forehead lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), chin augmentation, liposuction, and rhinoplasty (surgery of the nose). A facelift can be performed any time after signs of aging appear.

 

Before Surgery

Prior to surgery, a medical history is taken and physical examination performed to evaluate the patient's general health. Dr. Galoob will discuss with you the strategies he will use to address your specific concerns. Most patients want a pleasing natural appearance. Photographs are taken before and after surgery in order to determine the amount of improvement. He will also the type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, and the possible risks and complications. A general health screening is always done before procedures to make sure the patient is in good health.

The Procedure

The surgery is usually performed in Dr. Galoob's AAAHC accredited office surgical suite (www.AAAHC.com). Anesthesia in the office consists of IV Sedation and local anesthetic injections. A licensed nurse is specifically assigned to constantly monitor vital signs and give medications under the Doctor's direction. Patients are kept at twilight level of consciousness that allows them to relax and rest and the surgery to be easily performed. Most patients have no recollection of the surgical procedure, or if any does occur, it is not unpleasant. Occasionally the patient may go to an outpatient surgical center depending on patient needs and health concerns.

In the basic procedure, Dr. Galoob works on one side of the face at a time. Incisions are made inside of the hairline and the temple, running inside the ear then around the earlobe and behind the ear, ending in the hair of the scalp. Loose skin is separated form underlying tissue and is pulled up and back and excess skin is removed. Connective tissue and sagging muscles are tightened and in some cases, fat deposits are removed from beneath the chin and neck. Neck muscles are tightened if necessary. This may necessitate an additional small incision under the chin. Tiny sutures are used to close the incision. Dr. Galoob strives to place incision so that any resulting scars are completely hidden from view.

Following Surgery

After surgery, loose bandages are applied to the area and remain for a few days. Out of town patients are asked to plan to remain in the hotel for one to two days. Patients must have someone to drive them and to stay with them at the hotel. Pain connected with the surgery is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medication. The first suture removal occurs at 5-6 days, and again at 10-12 days. Scars from the incisions fade significantly with time and are for the most part inconspicuous because they are made within natural creases. Because the incision in front of the ear is carried inside the ear, no scar is visible in that area. Swelling and discoloration disappear in a week or two. Swelling can be reduced by elevating the head when reclining. Post operative ultrasound treatments can dramatically reduce swelling and bruising and speed recovery. A tightness or numbness of the treated area may be present for awhile, and there may be slight changes in the normal hair pattern around the incision. A limited amount of blood collection under the skin may occur temporarily but does not affect the overall results.

For several weeks after the surgery, patients are advised to avoid the sun as much as possible and to wear sunscreen when going out of doors. Healing is gradual and final results may not be apparent for several weeks. The amount of improvement varies, depending on the initial condition of the patient and the extent of surgery. In most cases, a single procedure achieves the desired results while in some cases, additional procedures may be indicated. Most patients who have had a facelift are delighted with their more attractive, rested appearance.

Each year thousands of facelifts are successfully performed. Complications connected with this surgery are rare, however, there are certain inherent risks connected with every surgical procedure which should be discussed with the physician prior to surgery. Patients can minimize complications by carefully following directions given by the physician.

Contact Us

If you are interested in learning more about facelift, call or email our office or leave your name and address on this web page and we will be happy to answer your questions.