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Facelift

& Necklift

Facelift & Necklift

face-procedure-plastic-surgery-1 copy

Actual Patient

The face and neck are often the first areas we notice signs of aging. As we age we see in the face the loss of skin elasticity, the effects of gravity, damage from exposure to the sun, and the stresses of daily life. The Face and Neck Lift, restores the chin/neck line, smooths the lower face and eliminates the “jowls.”

By convention we call this procedure a “Facelift,” even though a great improvement is seen in the neck. Dr. McClure utilizes numerous techniques and approaches to achieve the desired result based upon the patient’s specific facial anatomy and the amount of skin laxity.

Every patient is different so every operation is a “custom” operation. The ideal facelift, as he performs it, achieves a “refreshed” younger appearance that is natural looking; avoiding the overly tight caught-in-the-wind-tunnel look.

Depending on genetics and environmental factors such as sunlight exposure and nicotine, facial aging can begin in our 30’s, though typically it is first noted in the 40’s or early 50’s. Many younger patients are bothered by signs of aging but have not progressed enough to require a traditional facelift. These patients are often candidates for the Lite-Lift. Many Facelift patients are candidates for complementary or adjunct procedures which can enhance the results. The most common complementary procedures are blepharoplasties, Brow Lift, Chemical Peels (TCA), and BOTOX® Cosmetic or dermal filler injections such as JUVÉDERM® XC.

These operations are done as an outpatient in our nationally certified surgery center usually under local anesthesia with sedation.

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Are You a Good Candidate for a Facelift at Napa Solano Plastic Surgery?

If you are in generally good physical health with a positive attitude and realistic expectations about the benefits of cosmetic surgery, you are likely to be a good candidate for a facelift at Solano.

Most of the patients that visit our practice are in their forties to sixties, but facelifts can be performed successfully on people in their seventies or eighties, as well as younger patients who need professional help with facial ageing.

FACELIFT

Frequently Asked Questions

A facelift is a complex procedure that requires the medical skill and aesthetic artistry of an experienced professional such as Dr. McClure and Dr Klink. Here’s what you need to know:

What is a facelift?

The facelift is a surgical procedure that is used to rejuvenate the face and neck, and give them a more youthful appearance. Your facelift is customized to your anatomy and your goals. The placement of incisions, amount of skin removed, direction of lifting and direction of incisions are all tailored by our surgeons to ensure optimal results.

What is the best age to have a facelift?

Most patients at Napa Solano Plastic Surgery are 40 or over, but there is no “right” age for this procedure. If you have sagging tissues and wrinkled skin and are healthy enough to undergo surgery, then a facelift may be right for you, regardless of your age. Whether or not a facelift is appropriate for you and what type of facelift is indicated, will be determined during your preliminary consultation.

Though facelifts do give one a more youthful appearance, the other goal is to give one a more refreshed look. It’s not unusual to do a facelift on much older patients who don’t necessarily want to look younger, but rather don’t want to look “worn out.”

Who is a good candidate for a facelift?

A good candidate is a patient who wants to reduce sagging skin in the face and neck. Ideal candidates have a certain degree of elasticity left in the skin and a strong bone structure, and are close to their ideal body weight.

What type of anesthesia is used for a facelift?

Depending on the exact technique, a facelift procedure is often performed using local anesthesia with sedation. General anesthesia can also be used.

What results can I expect from a facelift?

No two facelifts will yield the same results, as each person’s facial anatomy is unique. That being said, our experience with a broad range of facial types and characteristics enables us to predict with accuracy what results can be expected.

How long do the benefits of a facelift last?

The duration of the benefits of a facelift depend on a number of factors: skin quality, sun damage, weight changes, age, genetics, hormonal changes, etc. For some people, the results last a lifetime, while others may need touch ups. Our surgeons and staff talk to patients about taking care of their skin and making certain skin-friendly lifestyle changes following surgery to help maintain their facial rejuvenation benefits.

What is the recovery like after a facelift?

The recovery for a facelift procedure is not as difficult as many patients anticipate. Patients go home the same day as their surgery. They can shower and shampoo the next day. Soreness is expected the first few days. There is swelling and bruising which diminishes quickly. Most patients feel comfortable being face to face with others by 12 to 14 days. We ask patients to refrain from vigorous activity for about three weeks.

What are the risks of facelift surgery?

There are risks associated with all operations However with facelifts, and all the cosmetic surgery we do, serious complications are extremely rare. Your doctor will review with you possible complications and how we treat them. Also explain how we strive to minimize complications.

Are there scars after a facelift?

Yes. Surgical scars are unavoidable. Whenever an incision is made in the skin, there is a scar. That being said, your surgeon has the skill to ensure that the scars are place in a way to hide them. Using plastic surgical techniques the surgeons can minimize scars. On occasion a patient may experience a more noticeable scar behind the ear or on the hairline of the neck (behind the ear). Scar revision can be done in those uncommon instances.

How to Prepare for a Facelift

The first step towards having a facelift at Napa Solano Plastic Surgery is a preliminary consultation with our doctors. During that time, he answers your questions, takes a detailed medical history and performs a physical exam. He also shares a list of pre-operative instructions that include:

  • If you are a smoker, we’ll help you  quit this will promote better circulation and healing.
  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal medications that can increase bleeding.
  • Stay hydrated before and after surgery for safe recovery.

What To Expect Before and During the Facelift

As soon as you contact Napa Solano Plastic Surgery, you’ll be in the hands of skilled, caring, and compassionate professionals. We work together to ensure that all your experience will be comfortable and positive.

Prior to surgery you will have a preoperative appointment where you will fill out a few final forms and have photos taken for before-and-after comparison. You’ll again meet with the doctor to go over the details of your procedure. You will also have a chance to ask any other questions.

During the operation you will sedated and anesthetized so you will be comfortable and not be aware of what’s happening. Because of the local anesthetic, you won’t feel anything. On occasion the doctor and patient may decide to do the operation under a general anesthetic.

What to Expect After A Facelift

After the procedure, patients may have soreness for the first 24 to 72 hours. There is usually tightness of the neck. There will be swelling and bruising of the treated areas which will peak on the second day after surgery. Most patients feel presentable by the 12th to 14th  Day.  There can be mild numbness over the treated areas, and occasionally temporary firmness.

While you can return to most normal activities within a day or two. We we ask patients to refrain from strenuous activities for approximately three weeks after the procedure. You may shower and shampoo the day after surgery, and drive in 3 to 4 days.

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