Facelift
Q- What types of facelifts are performed by Dr. Sandel?
There are several different types or techniques used to perform facelifts. Although each patient is different, the most common facelift technique used is called the SMAS flap technique combined with a corset platysmaplasty. This provides patients with a long lasting lift without giving them an unnatural or pulled appearance. The muscle layer just beneath the skin is called the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system). This is the layer that is lifted. The skin is simply re-draped over the lift in a very natural way.
The corset platysmaplasty is a term used to describe the treatment of the neck and the angle beneath the chin and jawline. This is the key to defining the chin-neck angle, getting rid of the bands of skin, and supporting the facelift. Only a very small incision beneath the chin is required.
Q-What incisions are required in order to perform a facelift?
Facelift incisions are made so that they can be hidden as completely as possible. The most noticeable scarring can occur in front of the ear. Because of this, Dr. Sandel designs this incision to hug the earlobe in a natural skin crease, extending inside the front of the ear, and curving around into the hairline. In men, this incision is left in front of the ear to avoid facial hair growth on the ear. The incision behind the ear is placed just above the ear crease to prevent scar bands. It is then gently extended into the hairline high enough to not be noticeable.
There is also a small incision placed just beneath the chin in order to effectively treat the neck. The incision is placed in the lower chin crease and is virtually invisible after it heals.
Dr. Sandel wants patients to be to able to style their hair any way they like after the procedure. Thus, it is crucial to keep scarring minimized and well hidden.
Q-What is the recovery period like after a facelift?
Dr. Sandel suggests that patients expect to be off work or in a restful environment for the first week after the surgery. Many patients will have mild to moderate swelling and bruising in the lower face and neck during this time period. The second day after surgery, we encourage our patients to shower and wash their hair. You may be taking a mild prescription pain medication during the first few days. This can be quickly exchanged for an over the counter pain reliever as the patient is able.
After the first week, all sutures are removed. You will be asked to continue to keep your incision sites clean with peroxide and moist with Aquaphor on a daily basis. On the tenth day, we have our patients undergo a complementary make up sessions. At this point, you will feel like yourself and be interested in returning to work. Although you may have some residual swelling, most people around you will not notice. The healing process will continue for the next few months, and we will follow your progress for one full year.
Q-Does Dr Sandel perform a one-hour or “lunchtime” facelift?
Although some patients are candidates for cheek lifts, neck lifts, or treatment of the jowls it is almost impossible to obtain a full facelift result with a one-hour minimal procedure. Many of these types of “minimum” facelifts are skin-only lifts or suture lifts. These procedures do little to address the neck and jowls. They also have a much greater tendency to break down after a short period of time and thus not give lasting results. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Dr. Sandel’s philosophy is to only offer treatments that have proven results. His goal is to provide results that last. In the long run, it can be much more expensive to undergo multiple small or “minimal” procedures rather than have your cosmetic concerns addressed appropriately the first time.
Q-What are the risks or complications associated with a facelift?
Although very rare, there are risks associated with any procedure. The risks specific to facelifts include bleeding or hematoma formation, infection, skin breakdown (especially in smokers), mild loss of sensation, and the possibility of a repeat operation. Dr. Sandel takes great care to minimize these risks throughout your surgery and during your time of healing. He will go through these in detail at the time of your consultation.
