Men and women today are living longer, healthier and more active lives than ever before. Our lifestyles, the effects of sun exposure, daily life stresses and gravity combine to produce visible signs of aging. The face-lift procedure is done to restore a more youthful and rested appearance by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles and redraping the skin of the face and neck. The procedure can be done separately or in conjunction with eyelid surgery, a forehead lift or nose reshaping.

Although there are variations to the face-lift procedure, the incisions are hidden in the natural contours of the ear, around the earlobe and in the hairline. The facial skin is lifted and the facial muscles are tightened. If necessary, fat is removed from the neck and face. This may require an incision under the chin. Any loose skin is tightened and removed. Appropriate candidates include men and women whose face and neck show sagging skin, jowl formation and prominent facial lines. At your initial consultation, it's important to disucss your expectations with your surgeon.

Preoperative photographs, routine lab work and a physical exam will be completed. Typically a second visit is arranged shortly before your surgery date. Most patients will spend one night in our ambulatory care facility. Because of the custom nature of this surgery, exact times cannot be given. On average, surgery may take 3-5 hours. The surgeon will be able to give you a better estimate during your consultation.

In most cases, you will be seen in the office the day after surgery, again on day four or five and again at about a week. Usually, patients also are seen two weeks, six weeks, three months, six months and one year after surgery. These are at no extra charge to the patient, and more visits may be necessary.

Facelift surgery produces a more youthful appearance, but the beneficial effect of the facelift decreases with time as aging continues. Healing times vary from individual to individual. Generally, patients should refrain from strenuous activity for two weeks after surgery. Sutures are removed five to 10 days after surgery. Swelling and discoloration usually subside in two to three weeks, but it may be several months before all the swelling is gone. The scars usually fade over several weeks to months and in most cases are well hidden. In rare cases, the scars will heal thicker than normal and may require some secondary attention.