A facelift, also known as a Rhytidectomy, is a procedure that removes excess skin, tightens underlying tissues and muscles and re-drapes the skin of the face and neck, resulting in a rested and youthful appearance.

A facelift can correct the deep creases or folds that form from the corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth, an undefined jawline with excess skin or loose jowls and loose and excess fatty tissue at the neck.  Considered a restorative surgery, a facelift will not change your fundamental appearance and cannot stop the aging process.

The Procedure

During this procedure Dr. Patrick Swier will make incisions at the temples on each side of the scalp.  The incisions will run down in front and around the ear and end at the lower scalp.  This is usually one continuous cut.  Dr. Patrick Swier will then redistribute fat, reposition deep tissues, lift muscles, and trim excess skin.  If needed additional incision may be made under the chin and excess skin removed to lift the neck area and create a more youthful appearance.

A facelift can also be combined with other rejuvenating procedures such as a blepharoplasty and use of fillers such as Botox® Cosmetic and Juvéderm® XC to enhance results.

Key Facts

Good Candidates: Facelifts are most commonly performed on adults 40 – 80.  Patients should be healthy and not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that would impair healing, should not smoke and have a positive outlook but realistic goals in mind.

Anesthesia: General anesthesia

Length of facelift procedure: This procedure takes approximately 2-3 hours but times may vary from patient to patient depending on several factors.

Length of stay: Typically the patient will go home same day

Discomfort: Minor swelling, soreness and bruising around the eyes can last several days and may take 1-2 weeks to resolve completely.  Pain level may be mild to moderate and controlled with pain medications but will vary from patient to patient.

Recovery: The patient will be required to rest quietly, keep head elevated for several days and wear sunglasses to protect the eye area until initial swelling has subsided. It is very important to precisely follow post-op instructions given by Dr. Patrick Swier to ensure proper healing and exceptional results.  Patients are typically able to go back to work 1 week after surgery.

Final result: Improvement can be seen immediately but final results after the healing process can take up to 3 months.

Duration of results: Typically 10 years with normal aging as long as the patient follows all post-op instructions and maintains a healthy lifestyle.  Patients are encouraged to limit sun exposure and not use tobacco products, as these factors will reduce longevity of results

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