A facelift is a surgical solution designed to address visible signs of aging such as sagging skin jowls and deep facial folds. At New Image Cosmetic Surgery Center in Plantation Florida facelift procedures are performed in a state of the art facility equipped with advanced surgical technology and modern operating rooms. The center adheres to the most rigorous standards required to maintain licensing with the State of Florida ensuring patients receive care in a safe closely regulated environment. Each facelift procedure is customized to enhance natural facial contours while prioritizing patient safety, comfort and long term results for patients from Plantation Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas.
Face Lift
As we age the muscles of the face get weaker and the skin becomes less elastic hence wrinkles develop. The extent to which this occurs varies considerably between individuals and may be influenced by inherited factors and external influences such as sun exposure, smoking and weight loss.
What Can Be Done
Non surgical approaches include injections of Botox or dermal fillers and resurfacing techniques, lasers, chemical peel etc. A face lift is a surgical procedure which can tighten the skin of the face and hence reduce wrinkles, folds, and some fine lines. The effects can last up to ten years. It is best suited to treating the lower half of the face. A separate brow lift may be needed to tackle forehead wrinkles or droopy eyebrows. Problems with the saggy eyelids will also not be solved by a facelift and separate eyelid surgery blepharoplasty may be needed. These procedures may be done simultaneously.
What Does the Operation Involve
The operation involves a general anesthetic and takes between 3 to 5 hours. There are several different techniques that can be used but in general the surgery involves a scar that runs in the hairline of the forehead down in front of the ears and underneath the earlobe and into the hairline behind the ears. Extra scars along the chin may or may not be required. Using these incisions the surgeon can then peel the skin away from the muscles of the face. The skin can then be pulled tight stitched in place and the excess skin can be trimmed away and discarded. If you decide on surgery you will be required to undergo some simple health checks and photos will be taken to show the appearance of your face before surgery.
What Are the Risks and Complications
There are general risks associated with a general anesthetic such as aspiration of stomach content into the lungs which can cause serious illness or death. Therefore to help prevent this it is mandatory that you do not eat or drink anything usually 8 hours before your surgery. Other risks include DVTs clots in the veins of the legs which can break off and travel to the lungs this is known as an embolus and although very rare can be life threatening especially in smokers. You will be encouraged to get up and walk around as soon as possible to reduce these risks. Bleeding under the skin leads to bruising but excessive bleeding that collects under the skin is known as a hematoma. In some cases this requires a second operation to remove the hematoma and it also increases the risk of infection. For most people the scars will fade and become virtually invisible in the hairline. Some people have a tendency to form red raised scars and these can be a problem especially in front of the ears where they are most visible. Wounds can be slow to heal and this is particularly true if they become infected. Smoking also increases the chances of problems with the scars. Damage to the nerves which supply the muscles and skin of the face can lead to weakness and some altered sense of touch or numbness. Most patients are very satisfied with the outcome of surgery but it is not possible to know exactly what a patient will look like after the operations. It is important to talk to your surgeon about your expectations and the limits of surgery before the operation.
What Happens After the Operation
You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you the first 24 hours after surgery. You will have bandages around your face and head. There may also be some small tubes connected to a small bottle to collect any oozing or bleeding. These assist in your healing process and should only be removed by your surgeon. You may experience some discomfort which should be alleviated by the pain medications. You should expect your face to be bruised and to feel swollen and tight. This can take several weeks to subside. You will be given specific advice before you leave but in general you should avoid vigorous activity and bending down for a few days. It is advisable to sleep with several pillows to keep your head higher than the rest of your body. You will not be able to wash your face for a few days. Stitches will be removed within a week.
When Can Normal Activities Be Resumed
You can start wearing makeup after about 4 days. You can return to work when you choose but due to the bruising and swelling most people choose to have a couple of weeks off until things have settled down. You should avoid the sun for 6 weeks and after that always apply sunscreen.
Facelift Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate for a facelift?
Healthy adults who are experiencing sagging skin jowls or deep facial folds and who have realistic expectations may be good candidates for facelift surgery. All procedures at New Image Cosmetic Surgery Center are performed in licensed operating rooms that meet strict State of Florida safety and regulatory standards.
How long do facelift results last?
Facelift results can last up to ten years although the natural aging process will continue. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and proper skin care can help extend results.
Will a facelift look natural?
When performed by an experienced surgeon a facelift enhances natural facial features without creating an artificial or over tightened appearance.
Will there be visible scars?
Incisions are placed along natural contours and hairlines and most scars fade significantly over time.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Facelifts are commonly combined with brow lift eyelid surgery or non surgical treatments to improve overall facial balance. These procedures can often be safely performed together in a fully licensed surgical environment.
How does New Image Cosmetic Surgery Center prioritize patient safety?
New Image Cosmetic Surgery Center operates under the strict licensing requirements of the State of Florida and maintains advanced operating rooms with modern equipment. The facility follows rigorous protocols to ensure patient safety before, during, and after surgery.
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