Rhytidectomy (Face-Lift/Mini Face-Lift)
You feel young and vital, but as your skin ages, your face tells a different story. As skin ages, it loses elasticity, creating sags, creases and jowls in the mid- and lower portions of the face and neck, resulting in a tired, worn-out appearance. A lift may be the solution to more youthful-looking face and neck contours. This versatile and long-lasting surgery is typically performed under conscious sedation on an outpatient basis, although patients may choose general anesthesia in a hospital operating room. Most patients return to normal activities in about two weeks.
Face-Lift FAQs
A face-lift addresses primarily the neck and jowls. The difference between a face-lift and a mini-lift is in the length of the incisions. The mini face-lift requires a short scar incision, which is hidden in the front of the ear and runs up the back of the ear. A face-lift is more for treating aged neck and jowls. The incision is hidden in front of the ear, runs behind the ear and is extended into the hairline. Once healed, both are very difficult to detect.
For all facial procedures we recommend a two-week healing period. Initially, you will have swelling and bruising. By week one, most of the swelling will have subsided and by week two most of the bruising will be gone. If any bruising remains it is easily concealed with makeup. You will want to sleep with your head elevated during recovery and any discomfort is managed with medication. You can resume most everyday activities after two days; walks are encouraged at this time. More rigorous activities are not recommended for three to six weeks. As with all our facial surgeries, you are offered five CureLight treatments to speed your recovery.