Facelift
PURPOSE OF PROCEDURE
The goal of facelift surgery is to rejuvenate the midface down to the neck so as to improve the appearance of these areas.
This surgery is often combined with other face and neck surgery to optimally correct the effects of aging, sun exposure, and lifestyle issues on these areas so as to make patients look younger, healthier, and refreshed.
Brief Description of this Procedure
This surgery may be performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or under general anesthesia. All surgery is done at Dr. Payne’s MediCare and California State Certified Pueblo Nuevo Surgery Center located within his office.
Incisions for the facelift operation may be placed within the temporal scalp or along its anterior distribution, in front and back of the ear, occipital scalp and sometimes under the chin. There are a number of options for different patients as to exactly which incision pattern is selected and these are discussed with the patient ahead of time. Typically these scars are mostly hidden from view and the ones which are potentially visible are generally fine and inconspicuous once they are fully healed.
The subcutaneous fat, muscle, fascia and SMAS layers are modified in a facelift operation to try to improve the appearance of the cheeks, nasolabial folds, mouth, jowls, lateral orbits, temples, jawline, and in the neck. Different patients require different approaches and each operation is tailored to the requirements of the individual patient. In general, skin and soft tissue are mobilized, repositioned/lifted, tightened, and excess skin is removed.
Likely Outcome and Longevity
Facial rejuvenation is an exciting part of aesthetic plastic surgery. Surgical techniques continue to evolve to try and produce ever improving results for patients. Most patients undergoing a facelift operation will benefit from other surgical and non-surgical procedures being performed simultaneous to the facelift. These other treatments may include brow lifts, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, chin implants, laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, light therapy, topical skin care regimens, botox injections, and injection of soft tissue fillers such as restylane, juvederm, perlane, collagen, radiesse, artefill, sculptra, and other injectables (this is a field that is rapidly expanding so new products will continue to come online over the coming years).
Following a facelift/facial rejuvenation procedure patients look and feel younger. The aging face communicates a variety of negative connotations include looking tired, sad, anxious, angry, unhealthy, and unfit. The goal of facial surgery is to try to turn the clock back and restore an image of youth and vitality.
Facelift surgery (especially when combined with other treatment modalities) can make a dramatic difference to the individual patient in terms of how they view themselves and how others react to them. Improved appearance leads to increased self-esteem. Looking good makes people feel good and improves their life experience. By matching ones internal view of oneself with an improved exterior patients more fully enjoy their lives.
Surgical results are intended to produce a “natural” appearance. Ideally it is best if patients simply look good after surgery and not over-operated. No results in plastic surgery are permanent and it is recommended that patients continue to do the things which are necessary to maintain an optimal appearance. This includes eating a good diet, exercising, refraining from using tobacco products and generally leading a balanced life. Staying out of the sun and using a sensible skin care regimen is ideal. Patients will continue to need additional treatments as they age and these will include both surgical and non-surgical remedies.
Recovery Issues
Facelift operations are not very painful. There is usually some swelling and bruising after surgery and this will take a few weeks to resolve. Camouflage makeup is provided to any patient that wants to use it. Most patients require a minimum of 1–2 weeks off work.
Each client will be given detailed postoperative instructions informing them as to what they need to do at home to minimize the risk of complications and to speed their recovery. Dr. Payne usually calls each patient the evening of surgery and the day after surgery to check up on them and make sure there are no problems. Patients may reach Dr. Payne or one of his staff 24 hours per day by simply dialing his office phone number.
Patients are followed closely for the first few weeks after surgery to make sure they are healing appropriately and getting the optimal care they need. All patients are followed until they are fully recovered.
Patients may resume exercise within one week after surgery and are usually back to a normal strenuous workout by 4–6 weeks following surgery.
Cost
Please contact our office for information regarding cost. You can get a ballpark non-binding quote over the phone for this surgical procedure. The cost of the consultation is $100 and will be applied to any surgical procedure that you have. Once you have had your consultation with Dr. Payne the final details of the operative game plan will be made. At that point you will be given a final fee quote. There are multiple options for each patient hence cost may vary from person to person.
Consultation/Scheduling
Please contact our office if you wish to make an appointment to see Dr. Payne for a consultation. Our office will be happy to talk to you in detail about this procedure. Feel free to ask lots of questions.
Your initial consultation will be with Dr. Payne. This generally will take about 1 hour. You may visit the office prior to this consultation to have preoperative digital photographs taken. If you would like you can view our Before and After album filled with multiple examples of this type of surgery and other facial cosmetic procedures. You will be given multiple brochures and other paperwork which will help to prepare you for your consultation. All your options will be discussed with you at the time you make your first appointment.
