Facelift Surgery

Aging of the face is inevitable. As the years go by, the skin begins to loosen on the face and neck. Crow’s feet appear at the corners of the eyes. Fine forehead lines become creases and then, gradually, deeper folds. The jawline softens into jowls, and beneath the chin, another chin or vertical folds appear at the front of the neck. Heredity, personal habits, the pull of gravity, and sun exposure contribute to the aging of the face. As the aging population grows, it is obvious why rhytidectomy has become the third most desired facial plastic surgical procedure.If you ever wondered how a rhytidectomy, or facelift, as it is commonly called, could improve your looks or self-confidence, this pamphlet can address many of your concerns and provide you the information you need to begin considering facelift surgery.

Dallas TX: Is a Facelift or Mini Facelift Right For You?

The goal of a facelift or a mini facelift is to improve the overall facial appearance. Skin type, ethnic background, degree of skin elasticity, individual healing, basic bone structure, as well as a realistic attitude are factors that should be discussed prior to surgery. This procedure is sometimes performed on patients in their thirties to patients in their seventies, and successful surgery has been performed on patients in their eighties. Please discuss with Dr. Sule whether you would benefit from a facelift or Minilift procedure. A facelift helps your face look its best and give you a look of health and a more youthful appearance. A side benefit is that many patients experience increased self-confidence. Before deciding on a facelift, you should discuss with Dr. Sule whether the overall effect will be more successful if additional changes are made in the chin and neck areas through other facial surgery. Many patients decide to have facial liposuction to remove excess fatty deposits in conjunction with a facelift. If several flaws need correction, more than one procedure may be necessary for the best overall result.

Understanding The Surgery

Dr. Sule begins the incision in the area of the temple hair, just above and in front of the ear, and then continues around the lobe, circling the ear before returning to the point of origin in the scalp. This is done to hide the incisions. The skin is raised outward before the surgeon repositions and tightens the underlying muscle and connective tissue. Some fat may be removed, as well as excess skin. For men, the incision is aligned to accommodate the natural beard lines. In all cases, the incision is placed where it will fall in a natural crease of the skin for camouflage. This is what separates Dr. Sule from other plastic surgeons. After trimming the excess skin, Dr. Sule closes the incisions with fine sutures and/or metal clips, which permit surgery without shaving hair from the incision site. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the process can take from two to four hours. When the procedure is performed with a combination of mild sedatives, local anesthesia, and a mild intravenous anesthesia, the patient will experience little discomfort. Following the surgery, Dr. Sule will apply a dressing to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made.

What To Expect After The Surgery

Even though most patients experience very little pain after surgery, Dr. Sule will still prescribe medication. Some degree of swelling and bruising is unavoidable, and Dr. Sule may instruct you to use cold compresses to keep swelling to a minimum. If a dressing has been applied, it will be removed within one to two days. You should keep your head elevated when lying down, to avoid as much activity as possible, and to report any undue discomfort. Though there are few risks in facelift surgery and thousands are performed every year, some risk exists in any surgery.Recovery usually takes a couple of weeks, though many patients go back to work in one to two weeks. Scars are usually not noticeable after enough time has passed for them to mature. Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is done purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve genetic deformity or traumatic injury may be reimbursable in whole or in part.

Your Next Step

If you have any questions about Facelift surgery, please call our office at (972) 960-2950 to arrange an appointment with Dr. Sule.