Facelift

Many people strive to eliminate or reduce the signs of aging as they get older, and there are a variety of cosmetic procedures available that can help you do so. One such procedure is the facelift. A facelift procedure is designed to reduce the signs of aging in the face and neck area and can only be performed surgically. The benefit of a facelift over other rejuvenation techniques is that it is more thorough, and the results are more natural-looking than other methods.

At The Vu Center, we offer a variety of plastic and cosmetic surgical procedures to help improve your quality of life and feel happier in your own skin. If you’re looking to improve the look of your skin and eliminate the signs of aging, then our board-certified surgeons are more than happy to help. Contact our Portland plastic surgery clinic to schedule a consultation and continue reading below to learn more about the facelift procedure.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

While some procedures are necessary to help improve your quality of life, the decision to undergo a facelift procedure is entirely personal. If you ultimately decide that you want to give your face a younger, more refreshed look, then our surgeons at The Vu Center can help!

To ensure the best possible results and recovery from a facelift procedure, we look for candidates with:

• Good physical health
• Good skin
• Realistic expectations

It’s important to keep in mind that a facelift is still major surgery, and you will be under anesthesia during the procedure. For this reason, we look for candidates who are healthy and take care of their bodies. This not only will help the operation go as smoothly as possible, but it will also make the recovery process easier. We advise caution for smokers and those with excessive sun damage, as both can cause during the procedure and recovery.

We also encourage our patients to set realistic expectations prior to surgery. While the results of a facelift can be astonishing and may take 10 years off your appearance, it’s important to keep in mind that the results are different for everyone. If you have any questions about the results of your procedure, please consult with one of our surgeons.

What to Expect

Once you decide you want to pursue a facelift procedure, you will need to schedule a consultation with your surgeon. This is a necessary step in the process because it will give you an opportunity to ask any questions about your surgery as well as give the surgeon the opportunity to explain the procedure and give you instructions on how to prepare.

During the Consultation

When you arrive at The Vu Center for your consultation, you will need to be prepared to discuss your medical history, your reason for seeking out this procedure, your current medications, and your goals for the surgery. Discussing these topics will help the surgeon determine whether or not you are a good candidate and what your options are to help achieve the best results.

Prior to your consultation, it’s recommended that you conduct research on your desired procedure and write down any questions you may want answered. This is your best opportunity to speak openly with your surgeon prior to the surgery, so it’s best to take advantage of the time and ask as many questions as you can to ensure that you are comfortable with the doctor and the procedure.

Before the Procedure

If the surgeon approves you for the surgery, then you will set an appointment for your facelift and the doctor will give you a set of pre-op instructions.

In many cases, you may be required to go through a medical evaluation to ensure that your body is healthy enough for surgery. Your doctor will also advise you on how to alter your medication regimen, if necessary. Some medications can cause problems during surgery, so your doctor may prescribe you with alternate medications or request that you stop taking any medication leading up to surgery. It’s also necessary that you take time before the procedure to arrange transportation and care with a family member or friend for after your surgery.

The Facelift Surgery

When the day finally arrives for your facelift, you will meet your doctor at the surgical center. As you wait for your surgery, nurses will attend to you, have you fill out paperwork, and give you any medication that is necessary for your procedure. There are a few different options for how your facelift will be performed:

• Traditional facelift – A traditional facelift starts with an incision beginning in the hairline at your temple, continues around your ear, and ends at your lower scalp. To give you a more rejuvenated look, the surgeon may sculpt or reposition the fat around your neck and jowls. It’s also common for the surgeon to reposition the deeper levels of your facial muscles.
• Limited incision – The doctor will make a short incision from your temple around your ear. This is an ideal approach for those who need minimal lifting due to less face relaxation.
• Neck lift – For a neck lift, the surgeon will make an incision in front of the ear lobe, around behind the ear, ending in the hairline. A neck lift is used to address sagging jowls and any fat accumulation under the chin. This is often combined with a facelift to give you more appealing results.

You and your doctor will determine which option will deliver the best results for you. It’s not uncommon for surgeons to recommend other procedures in addition to the facelift to deliver the best results.

Recovery

After your procedure, your surgeon will give you a set of instructions for how to care for your incisions, a list of medications you can take to help with any pain, and any other post-op instructions that will help your body heal as quickly as possible. You will most likely have a bandage around your face to help minimize the swelling and bruising, both of which are normal following a facelift procedure. In some cases, small tubes may be present to help remove any excess blood or fluid that may occur as a result of the surgery.

As mentioned earlier, it is required that you have a friend or family member present to help you after your surgery. Because you receive anesthesia during the procedure, it is not safe to operate a vehicle up to 48 hours after your procedure.

Have Any Questions?

If you have questions about the facelift procedure, or you would like to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact The Vu Center! Our board-certified plastic surgeons are ready to help you live a better life, so call our Portland plastic surgery clinic today.

We look forward to hearing from you!