Facelift

During a facelift, excess skin is removed on the face and neck while the underlying muscles are tightened. However, every patient is unique and requires an individualized plan to provide the most natural and long-lasting results.

A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as eyelid and browlift surgery, to provide the most aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking results. Dr. Marcus believes the goal of a facelift is to remove many of the signs of facial aging while making every effort to keep you looking like yourself, only younger. Most facelift patients are between the ages of 40 and 60, although the procedure is also successfully performed on people in their 70s and 80s.

 Actual Santa Rosa Facelift Patient

During your facelift consultation, Dr. Marcus will assess the thickness, texture and elasticity of your skin, and the severity of the wrinkles and folds. The structure of your face will be considered to tailor surgery to you individually.

Your hairline will also be examined to determine where incisions can be placed for the least visibility. If your hair is short, you may want to let it grow enough to cover your incisions while they heal.

In most cases, an incision is hidden in the contour of the ear, extending around the earlobe and back into the hairline. Following surgery, incisions can be easily concealed by your hair or with makeup. There may also be a small incision hidden underneath your chin.

Depending on the procedures performed, surgery can take from two to five hours (and in cases more). In a facelift, the skin is separated from underlying tissues so muscles and other tissues can be tightened and excess fat removed. The skin is then pulled up and back, and any excess skin is removed. Dr. Marcus makes every effort to minimize scarring and places incisions in the hairline or along natural lines and creases whenever possible. Some scars are unavoidable, however, but these usually fade and become barely noticeable over time.

Dr. Marcus performs his facelifts in his private in-office surgical suite under intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia administered by a licensed physician anesthesiologist. Patients are advised to have someone stay with them for a day or two following surgery.

There is normally only minimal discomfort after surgery, which can usually be lessened by medication prescribed by Dr. Marcus. Dressings are removed within one to two days, and swelling and bruising usually subside within a week or two. Most stitches are removed within a week, and most patients are back to work within a week to ten days. Strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks post operatively for best results.

Although infrequent or usually minor, complications can occur. However, it is very important to follow Dr. Marcus’s advice before and after surgery. Any complications will be discussed thoroughly before surgery.

Facelifts can make you look younger, and the effects of even one facelift are lasting. For years to come, you will still continue to look better than if you never had a facelift at all. But remember, a facelift will not stop you from aging, and you might want to have minor “tune ups” in the years following.

Facelift – Quick Facts