Perhaps one of the most talked about cosmetic procedures, yet also one of the most poorly understood is the facelift or rhytidectomy.  Many factors contribute to the aging face.  Environmental exposure to harsh elements, such as, the sun and tobacco products, and even hereditary predisposition, are just a few.  These changes can give you a tired, aged and even sad appearance even if you feel young and vibrant. 

In its original design, the facelift procedure was a facial skin tightening procedure.  After years of reviewing our own patients’ surgical results, we discovered that by repositioning only the skin of the face, the procedure was short lasting, unnatural looking, and the surgical result was less than optimal.  We discovered that by tightening the deeper layers of the face, in conjunction with removal of excess skin the surgical results were not only superior and long lasting.  Areas of the face which are particularly well addressed with a  facelift operation are sagging jowls and cheeks.

The surgical goals and your expectations from a facelift will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation.  Dr. Schoenfeld feels strongly that the facelift procedure is not meant to completely alter your appearance, but to give you a refreshed, more youthful appearance. 

Areas of the face which are specifically addressed with facelift surgery are the neck, the jowls, and cheeks.  In order to achieve the best possible surgical result other procedures such as, midface lifting, eyelid and forehead lifting, neck lifting procedures, and liposuction or lipoinjection,  may also be suggested.  These other procedures will be discussed with you in detail at the time of your consultation.  Dr. Schoenfeld’s experience in surgical and non-invasive techniques of facial rejuvenation will give you the confidence that all procedures suggested are safe and have proven scientific merit.

The Procedure

Facelift surgery is performed with local anesthesia and I.V. sedation or under general anesthesia.  Preoperative planning for the facelift incisions is paramount to a successful surgical outcome.  Incisions will be carefully designed so that they are camouflaged within hair bearing skin of the temple and back of ear, and in skin creases around your ear and behind your earlobe where no hair is present.  The incisions are designed to also prevent distortion of the sideburns and the hairline behind your ear. Incisions for men and women differ to some degree and Dr. Schoenfeld will address these differences during your surgical consultation.

Postoperatively, a special facelift bandage will be applied to your face and, in men and women with thick skin or heavier faces, two small drains will be place to prevent postoperative bleeding.  The dressings will be remove the day following surgery.  A smaller facelift dressing will be placed and worn for one week after surgery.  Sutures and dressing will all be removed at your second postoperative visit, usually about one week following surgery.

Significant swelling and bruising following a full facelift generally lasts about two weeks.  Tightness, numbness, and subtle swelling will possibly last several months.  Discomfort following the procedure is mild.  Every effort will be made to ensure your comfort and to prevent bleeding postoperatively.  Detailed instructions will be given to you prior to surgery.  You will be instructed on the use of ice packs, keeping your head elevated while sleeping, avoiding aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory products, and, of course the avoidance of alcohol and tobacco products.

Minimal Incision Facelift (mini facelift, “weekend facelift”)

Many patients present with concerns regarding normal aging of their face.  Patients also have preconceived notions with regards to the extent of the surgery which may be necessary to properly treat their areas of concern.  Facelift surgery has undergone a renaissance and newer, less invasive approaches to the aging face with significantly shorter recovery periods have been perfected.   The trade-off is that the results are not as dramatic as more invasive full facelift techniques.  Minimal incision facelifts are well suited for patients in their early fifties or younger.

The Procedure

The minimal incision facelift or minilift can be performed under local anesthesia  with I.V. sedation.  The procedure takes approximately 1 to 11/2 hours to perform.  Minimal incision facelift uses a small incision placed inconspicuously in a skin crease in front of the ear.  A small amount of skin on the face is raised to gain access to the deeper tissues.  The majority of the repositioning of the facial tissues is through tension placed on the deeper tissue layer of the face called the SMAS (subcutaneous muscular aponuerotic fascial system).  Two permanent sutures are placed into this tissue and the SMAS is suspended in an upward direction, counteracting the forces of gravity.  The excess skin is then trimmed without tension.

Swelling and bruising following the minifacelift will last about one week.  Discomfort following the procedure is mild.  You will be instructed on the use of ice packs to the face to help with this swelling.  Avoidance of tobacco products prior to and after your procedure is essential to an uneventful and successful surgical outcome.

(301) 652-RENU (7368) • moreinfo@renudc.com