Surgical Procedures
Facelift
Who is a candidate for a facelift?
Faces age in many different ways and at different rates. There are several factors that influence aging but the most common are: Inherent changes within the skin, facial muscles, loss of elasticity, and effects of gravity, soft tissue and bone loss. Because there are so many factors, there is not one simple solution. A facelift is indicated if one notices sagging, hollowing or sinking of the face. Loss of definition, deep lines and folds can also be corrected through facelift surgery.
Beautiful, natural looking results have replaced the tight, expressionless, “wind tunnel” looks of years past. Patients from mid forties well into their seventies can benefit from new facelift techniques.
How is it done?
It is a very detailed operation and specifically tailored to your desires and needs. It addresses the layers beneath the skin. Incisions are carefully made inside the hairline above your ear and around the curve of the ear. Repositioning, redistributing and reshaping are the key elements of returning you to a more rested, youthful appearance. The final step is to drape the skin over the newly sculpted foundation and reducing just the right amount of skin—a critical part of the surgery in avoiding the “pulled, wind tunnel” look. The incisions are closed using a combination of stitches, staples and skin adhesives.
Recuperation
Immediately following surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising and numbness. Your head will have a snug dressing around it with or without a drainage tube. You may be uncomfortable but rarely experience any severe pain. We recommend an overnight stay at a recovery center or have a certified medical personnel stay with you. Medication for pain and resting with the head elevated will help. You will need assistance the first couple of days but rarely after the third. Dr. Song will see you on the first, fifth and seventh day after the surgery. The stitches are generally removed between the fifth and seventh day after the surgery. In two weeks most of the bruising and swelling have subsided that you feel presentable to the public but it could take one month or more to completely heal. Again, every individual is different when it comes to healing so yours may be less or more. You will be able to resume normal activities in 14 days.
This information is intended to supplement, not replace, a consultation with Dr. Angie U. Song a board certified physician in El Paso, TX. To find out if you could be a candidate for one of these procedures or to learn more information about these procedures, we invite you to contact us at 915-533 FACE (3223) for a private consultation.
Ask Dr. Song
Q: How long will the results of my facelift last?
A: There is no way to give a definitive answer here because no rejuvenation will completely stop the aging process. A successful facelift can help you look younger than your years for more than a decade if you take very good care of your skin.
Q: I have heard endoscopic facelifts have fewer incisions and heal better. Why do a full facelift?
A: There is quite a menu of face “lifting” procedures available and the patient must be educated as to their effectiveness and application. For younger patients, a limited or mid-facelift procedure may be fine if only a small degree of correction is needed. An endoscopic facelift can only address muscle and is best reserved for brow lifts since facelifts must take into account muscle, fat and skin. A suspension lift is a relatively new procedure and could be appropriate for younger patients who need an interim step before a full facelift. None of these procedures mimic the results of a true face lift.
Q: What is a suspension lift? My dermatologist does them in her office in one hour.
A: A suspension lift, sometimes erroneously called a “lunchtime” lift uses minimal incisions and barbed sutures which are threaded and tightened to suspend the skin. Even in the most capable hands, there is swelling and bruising with this procedure and associated aesthetic and medical risks as well.
Q: What about scars?
A: You will have scars from a facelift because incisions are necessary if the surgeon is to get familiar with your facial “foundation.” Telltale scars are not as common as they used to be. At Song Facial Plastic Surgery we typically place incisions inconspiciously and so only your hairstylist may notice.
Q: Will a face lift take care of all my wrinkles?
A: A facelift is not the solution for wrinkles. While it will minimize deep lines and folds, wrinkles are best attended to with non surgical alternatives that can be requested as part of your procedure such as laser resurfacing.
Q: How can I be sure I won’t look like I came out of a wind tunnel?
A: A great face lift is dependent upon your anatomy, your choice of a surgeon and his or her artistic sense. Make sure you see plenty of before and after pictures of the surgeon’s work. You cannot control your DNA, but you can choose wisely and carefully. A board certified plastic surgeon, or facial plastic surgeon with a good reputation will minimize the chances that you will look unnatural or overdone.