Facelift
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to smooth and firm the skin, providing a fresh, youthful facial appearance. Throughout people's lives, exposure to the sun, stress, gravity and other factors cause the skin to sag and hang more loosely. Areas of the face and neck, particularly around the jaw line, are especially prone to the aging process. Though these changes are gradual, wrinkles and other signs of aging can make people feel older than they really are. At this point, many people seek the help of plastic surgeons. In Montana, Nebraska and South Dakota, many plastic surgery patients can benefit from a facelift performed by Dr. Mary Snyder.
Reasons for Considering a Facelift
Facelift patients are usually age 40 or older, but the procedure can be performed any time signs of aging begin to appear. Though the reasons are personal and varied, many people consider facelift to correct any combination of the following conditions:
- Sagging skin, muscles, and fat in the face and neck.
- Excess skin and fat on the neck.
- Sagging jaw line.
- Crease lines along the nose, mouth, and chin.
Meet Dr. Snyder
Dr. Snyder is certified by both the American Board
of Plastic Surgery and the American Board
of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
For many patients, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, or other facial plastic surgery procedures can complement their facelift results.
General Procedure
Surgery for a facelift involves the contraction and realignment of facial and neck skin, and in some instances the removal of excess fat deposits. The standard facelift procedure commonly involves making small incisions just inside the hairline, following the contour in front of the ear, and continuing under the earlobe to the backside of the ear and to the lower scalp. Tissue and fat deposits are separated, the skin is stretched and tightened, and any excess skin is removed. If the neck line requires attention, an additional incision is made under the chin and the same procedure is again followed. Minuscule stitches are used to close the incisions and to reduce any chance of scarring. Metal clips or staples may also be utilized at the hairline.
A facelift may take several hours or longer depending on whether other cosmetic procedures are completed at the same time. Sometimes other procedures may be performed in separate appointments. There are several different facelift techniques that can be employed. Black Hills facelift patients can discuss with their physician which method is best for them when they come in for their consultation.
Recovery for Facelift Patients
Immediately after surgery, the face is fitted with bandages in order to decrease the recovery time and to reduce swelling. Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing and recovery process. The stitches, clips or staples are normally removed within a week. Patients sometimes report some minor pain associated with surgery. Any discomfort can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions given after the procedure.
Getting Started
Would you like to learn more about facelift surgery? Request an appointment online with Dr. Mary Snyder or call her at the office of Monument Plastic Surgery at (605) 721-5065.
