Facelift in Mountain View
Individuals interested in facial rejuvenation may be candidates for facelift surgery. At his practice serving Palo Alto, San Jose, and surrounding communities, Dr. Robert Lowen can help patients understand facelift surgery and other options so they can make educated choices about their care. The links below include Dr. Lowen’s personal philosophy on facelift surgery and information on the goals of facial rejuvenation. Patients can also contact our plastic surgery center to learn more.
- Is a Facelift Right for Me?
- Personal Approach to Facelift Surgery
- Facelift Recovery
- Risks of Facelift Surgery
- How Much Does a Facelift Cost?
- Contact Our Office
- Facelift Q & A
Is a Facelift Right for Me?
The facelift, also known as rhytidectomy surgery, is a procedure suitable for patients who are looking for a long-lasting surgical solution to sagging facial skin and wrinkles. The best patients are in overall good health, since patients in poor health may be more likely to experience complications.
Ideal candidates for a facelift are non-smokers or are willing to quit smoking several weeks before the procedure date. Smoking makes skin less elastic and negatively affects skin health. This results in a prolonged healing period with an increased risk of complications.
A facelift can make a person look up to 10 years younger. It is very important to have realistic expectations in terms of this surgery’s results. Speak with Dr. Lowen regarding your expectations during your consultation.
Personal Approach to Facelift Surgery
Facelift surgery corrects the lower face and neck. The procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia. This prevents any pain or discomfort during the surgical session. Once this has taken effect, the required incisions can be created using a scalpel.
If there is excess laxity of the neck muscles further elevation and suspension of the neck muscle is done.
Often there is hollowing under the eyes, and loss of fat in the upper face. In such cases, fat transfer is done to the cheek, and the areas lacking fat above and below the eye, and temple.
Once the procedure is complete, the incisions will be closed using surgical sutures. Sutures will be removed during a follow-up appointment.
Facelift Recovery
Patients take off from work or social activities for two weeks. There is swelling for seven to ten days. Patients sleep with head elevated for several days. Small suction drains are removed after two days. Resolution of bruising is hastened by the use of arnica montana and bromelain. Patients must not take aspirin for three weeks before and after the procedure. Tylenol can be substituted.
Face Lift Risks
The risks of a facelift include bleeding, nerve injury, infection, asymmetry and healing problems including skin loss and excessive scarring.
Elevation of tissues is done in the fatty subcutaneous layer, decreasing the risk of injury to any branches of the facial nerve, which lie deeper underneath the SMAS.
With regard to skin loss, it is known that the traditional face lift is a risky operation for smokers. Dr. Lowen does not do facelifts for smokers.
In summary, good facelift surgery takes time, attention to detail, and appreciation of what looks younger and natural. We want minimal scar visibility, preservation of the normal delicate anatomy and position of the ear, and the ability to wear short hair.
New techniques, incorporating fat grafting, and vertical subcutaneous anterior lifting, avoid the swept back look of standard lateral approach facelift techniques, making a natural appearance after surgery a realistic possibility.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost?
A facelift is different for each patient, and because of this, there is no one set cost for the surgery. The price of your rhytidectomy will depend on a number of factors, including the techniques utilized, the amount of tissue removed, and the amount of time it takes to perform the procedure.
Contact Our Office
For more information on face lift techniques, contact our plastic surgery center. Dr. Lowen helps patients from across Northern California understand the many variables that need to be considered to maximize the results of their facial rejuvenation procedure.