Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy) Overview
Facelift ranks among the most sought after cosmetic surgery procedures in the US today. The signs of aging usually become more conspicuous on the face before they are visible in other areas of the body. Many people are keen to reduce the wrinkles and tighten sagging facial skin in order to restore a more youthful looking face.
The most effective way to achieve this aesthetic goal is through facelift surgery or rhytidectomy. Dr. Bram Kaufman is a board certified plastic surgeon providing this procedure to patients in Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and other areas. Dr. Kaufman will discuss various aspects of the procedure during the initial consultation process.
Facelift Basics
Facelift cosmetic surgery primarily involves reduction of loose skin from the face, redistribution or removal of excess fat, and tightening of weak underlying facial muscles. The goal is to make the face appear rejuvenated with tighter and smoother skin and enhanced contour.
Depending on the situation, the cosmetic surgeon may recommend a facelift procedure in conjunction with neck lift to provide more uniform looking results. Rhinoplasty, brow lift, eyelid lift and other facial procedures may also be combined with facelift in some cases.
Who is a Magnificent Candidate?
As an experienced and board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kaufman will carefully evaluate before determining whether the patient is an ideal candidate for a facelift. He receives patients from Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding areas for facelift and other procedures. Candidates for facelift will typically be in the age group of 35 to 65 years.
Individuals who are bothered by the appearance of wrinkles, lines and folds on the face, and are keen to restore a younger looking face may be stellar candidates for a facelift. The patient should ideally have some amount of elasticity in the facial skin for best results. The ideal patient will be a non-smoker and not having any existing medical condition that could pose risk during the surgery.
Techniques
Facelift may be performed using the traditional technique, which can help improve conditions such as loose skin and fat pockets on the face, sagging mid face and jowls, lines beneath lower eyelids, laugh lines, and double chin. In this technique, the surgeon will remove excess skin and fat in the lower face, mid face and neck, and may also tighten the underlying muscles through an incision.
Another technique called the endoscopic facelift may involve somewhat less invasive surgery. Scarring may be lesser in this case, and recovery may be faster. The incision size is smaller in this technique, and the surgeon will insert a miniature camera through the incision. The underlying facial structure can be viewed on the monitor, allowing for more targeted surgery.
Recovery
The patient will experience some degree of pain and soreness in the treated areas, which can be managed with pain medications. Swelling and bruising will subside gradually on its own. Most patients can go back to work or resume their everyday activities within 10 to 14 days following the surgery. Strenuous exercises should be avoided for at least six to eight weeks to be on the safer side.
To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.