Anti-Aging Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

Face lifts are intended to tighten facial skin and underlying muscle to restore a more youthful appearance to the face.  This surgery also removes excess fatty deposits that can appear with age.  Since the nature of the surgery is cosmetic, scarring is minimal.  There are a number of different approaches to the surgery which are tailored to the needs of different patients.  There is the full face lift, the lower or mid face lift, and the mini or life style lift.  Many of these surgeries can be done using endoscopic techniques.

Surgical Procedure

The surgery begins with the incision, generally made behind the hair line, and the separation of the skin from underlying facial structure.   Excess fat is removed, and the skin is tightened and the excess is cut off at the incision site.  Underlying muscle structures are tightened for improved facial contours.  The skin is place in proper position and the incisions are closed.  The area of the incisions is then covered in bandages.  The tightening of the skin and muscles and removal of fatty deposits results in a reduction of facial wrinkles and crease and an overall more youthful appearance.

In a traditional face lift procedure, the recovery period typically lasts several weeks.  Pst surgical swelling, bruising and pain may restrict a patient's activities during the recovery period. A prescription for pain relief is usually required.  Scarring resulting from the surgery is minimal and is normally covered by the hair line.  The recovery period is longer for older patients requiring more invasive surgery. Traditional face lift surgery requires a longer recovery procedure than endoscopic surgery.  Your surgeon will advise you on the best surgical technique and your expected recovery period.

Use of Anesthesia

Most cosmetic facial procedures, including face lifts, can be performed under local anesthesia.  With a local anesthesia, the patient is awake during the surgery.  General anesthesia can be used, but has more risk of adverse reaction. A combination of local anesthesia and sedation is another option.  In the more invasive procedures, it may be necessary to use general anesthesia.  Options for anesthesia should be discussed with the surgeon.  Local anesthetics are not advisable for prolonged surgery, as there is a risk that the anesthesia may wear off before the procedure is completed.

Minimizing Visible Scars

Any deep cut or incision in the skin leaves a scar.  In cosmetic surgery the goal is to minimize the scar and to place it in a location wear it is not readily visible.  In face lift surgery, incision are most commonly made under the hair line wear they will be covered by the patient's hair.  Incisions can also be made in the crease of the ear or around the ear lobe, wear they will blend with the normal skin creases.  Most procedures involve  incisions which start at the sides of the head below the hairline and above the temple and continue along the crease of the ear, then wrap around the ear lobe.

Incisions for mini lifts and endoscopic surgery will be different.  These surgeries typically use small multiple incisions which are place below the hair line or in the crease of the ear.

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