FACELIFT (RHYTIDECTOMY)

As we age, many facial changes occur that lead to a "tired appearance". The skin begins to loosen on the face and neck, and forehead lines and crowsfeet gradually become deeper folds. The jaw line softens into jowls, and beneath the chin, vertical folds appear at the front of the neck. We know that genetics play a major role as to how and when the face ages. In addition to the (natural aging process) there are a variety of environmental factors that can contribute to how quickly facial aging occurs. Some of these include: sun exposure, personal habits, cigarette smoking, large fluctuations in weight, and the pull of gravity. The Rhytidectomy (facelift surgery) is a procedure that can address any of these changes on the face and has become the third largest most desired facial plastic surgical procedure.* (American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery).

Achieve the natural look with our facelift procedure.

While the term "Face-lift"may conjure up images of an extremely aggressive procedure, the truth is that not all Birmingham face lift techniques are alike. What you may have seen on television is probably different from the procedure that we utilize at our clinic. We employ a technique that is designed to give long-lasting results, while avoiding the appearance of an "operated look". Most of our patients do not want a stretched or "plastic"look. The result is a natural, rested appearance. The technique is not overly aggressive, which helps to minimize bruising, discomfort, downtime and the risk of nerve injury. This allows the patient to return to their normal activities as quickly as possible. We use a procedure that has been refined over the past 17 years. The technique involves not only tightening and removing excess skin, but also tightening the muscle layer under the skin of the cheeks and neck. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fatty deposits in the jowls and neck areas. Forehead and brow laxity can be lifted giving a more rested appearance.

Before	After 2 months post-op Facelift and Browlift
Before	After 2 months post-op Facelift and Browlift

In order to address cheek and neck laxity, the procedure begins with incisions which are hidden in the folds around the ears. The incisions are placed in a fashion that help to minimize many of the scars often seen with other face lifting techniques. The skin is raised and the underlying connective tissue (SMAS) is tightened and secured using sutures under the skin. This layer of SMAS connects to many of the muscles in the face and neck. Elevation and suspension of the SMAS layer gives a longer lasting and more natural result, while simultaneously decreasing tension on the skin incisions. (During this portion of the procedure, a strip of SMAS is usually trimmed away. This strip is an excellent source of natural collagen that may be used to plump up other areas of the face, such as the lips.)

Liposuction is used to remove excess fatty tissue from the cheeks and neck. Any loose muscle bands present on the front of the neck, can be tightened and trimmed through a small incision under the chin. After trimming the excess skin, the incisions are closed with fine sutures and/or metal clips.

Endoscopic techniques are used to minimize scarring and speed recovery of the brow and forehead areas. There is usually no need to use a large incision on the forehead. Using three small incisions (about 1/2 inch each) hidden up in the hair the endoscope is used to tighten the forehead, reducing horizontal lines and crowsfeet. Corrugator muscles between the eyebrows can be sculpted to minimize vertical frown lines.

Before	After
Before	After

What To Expect After Surgery

Most patients experience very little pain after surgery, while there may be a sensation of tightness for a short period. There will be some temporary numbness around the ears, chin and forehead that usually resolves within a few weeks. Swelling and bruising can be minimized with the help of cold compresses applied during the first 24 hours. Recovery takes approximately two weeks, with most patients returning to work at that time. Scars are usually not noticeable after enough time has passed for them to mature. As with any surgery, risks exist, however the risks are few in facelift surgery and thousands of procedures are performed every year.

Again, the goal of the Facelift procedure is to achieve a natural, rested, more youthful appearance.