Cheek, Temporal and Forehead Facelift,Secondary Facelifts and Tuck-ups

Foster Facial Plastic Surgery, Manasquan NJ, Toms River, NJ

Cheek, Temporal and Forehead Facelift

The technical term for a facelift is rhytidectomy, derived from rhytid, the Greek word for wrinkle, and the suffix -ectomy, which means "the removal of."

The term "facelift" is often incorrectly used to describe total facial rejuvenation, which is achieved by eyelid surgery, brow lift, facelift and often, laser or chemical peel. The facelift is divided into three parts: cheek, temporal and forehead components. Some patients require a full forehead lift during a facelift, while others do not. The extent of the procedure is decided at the time of consultation.

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Before	After Facelift and Eyelid Surgery

Candidates
Again, not everyone seeking facial rejuvenation is an acceptable candidate for facelift surgery. Patients with unrealistic expectations, serious medical illness, obesity, or short, thick necks are not good candidates. However, most people who seek a facelift have one of two motivating factors: to stop the aging process or to reverse the already existing signs of aging.

The improvements achieved through surgery are everlasting, however, the aging process persists. If the procedure is performed early in the aging process, the patient can expect a more refreshed appearance. If the aging process is further along, more dramatic rejuvenation of sagging and wrinkling is expected. However, in this case, more skin rebound often occurs.

Before	After Facelift

Secondary Facelifts and Tuck-ups
After an initial facelift on a patient with excessive skin laxity (sagging and "looseness"), a moderate degree of skin rebound should be expected. When aging or skin rebound causes the sagging to reappear, a secondary facelift, or tuck-up, may be performed. In some patients, this may be performed as soon as six to twelve months after the initial facelift. Often, the secondary facelift best achieves the desired lasting effect.

Before

After Facelift

Facial Tuck-up
Although the plastic surgeon attempts to "turn back the clock" with a facelift, the aging process relentlessly persists. An individual's first facelift results in the most dramatic improvement, however, it is limited by the amount of tension and skin stretching safely achievable.

Because of these limitations, a highly effective second minilift may be recommended when the signs of aging begin to reappear. This secondary tuck-up produces exceptional results and is longer lasting. In addition, this secondary surgical procedure is significantly "less extensive and less expensive." The old incisions and scars are reused and generally heal quite well.

Patients who undergo a facelift at a young age may choose to continue on a maintenance program of tuck-up procedures. This allows him or her to remain as young-looking as possible for the remainder of their life. You should understand that undergoing a facelift does not necessitate undergoing subsequent surgery - the effects of just one procedure are everlasting, with subsequent surgery being optional in most cases.

Before

After Facelift

Preparing for Facelift Surgery
Prior to arriving at the surgical location, patients are often prescribed special medications and instructions to follow. Twilight anesthesia is most commonly used during the procedure.

No hair is shaved in preparation for facelift surgery. Incisions are made in front of and behind the ear and are hidden in the hair. The tiny resulting scars blend into the natural creases and are camouflaged in the scalp. Occasionally, there may be temporary hair thinning along the incision lines. This usually resolves itself within six months. If a brow or forehead lift is necessary, the hairline may be pulled slightly upward. If the patient already has a high forehead, the incision can be made along the frontal hairline and may actually lower the existing hairline.

Before

After Facelift

After Facelift Surgery
A facelift is not painful. After the operation, a facial wrap is applied to help prevent swelling and bruis- ing. This is removed the morning following the procedure and usually replaced by a lighter dressing. Minimal swelling and bruising may appear around the ears and sometimes in the neck. Swelling and bruising peaks two to three days following the surgery and typically subsides in one to two weeks. It is recommended that patients be out of bed after twenty four hours and maintain the head of the bed elevated for the first week or two. Most patients are able to shower the day after surgery, and resume other activities the following day. Clips in the hairline or sutures around the ear are removed one week after surgery. Makeup usually may then be applied; driving may be safely resumed after two weeks. At this time, patients may return to work.

Before

After Facelift and
Eyelid Surgery

Facial Plastic Surgeon, rhinoplasty, nose job,eyelids,facelift,thread lift, Manasquan, Toms River, Foster Facial Plastic Surgery