What's involved with a Facelift/Necklift?
As we age, the face suffers the three “D”s – decent, deflation, and deterioration. The facial soft tissues descend due to the effects of gravity. We often lose volume in the face where the youthful fat pads deflate like a balloon losing air. Finally, the exposure of our skin to the environment and UV radiation causes deterioration of the skin quality. A facelift and necklift is often combined together to create a harmonious appearance that looks smooth and natural. The goal with a facelift and necklift is to restore the soft tissues back to where they were and remove some of the excess skin, while creating a soft and youthful appearance. Sometimes fat grafting is done to help counteract some of the deflation in the face. The neck can sometimes have excess skin, and bands along with excess fat that can be addressed to get a smoother and more refined appearance. The procedure is typically done under a general anesthetic with the incisions placed just in front of and behind the ear that make them well-concealed.
Dr. Sharma will sit down with you to discuss your goals and review the procedure along with the risks and benefits with you in detail. Most patients are interested in a refreshed but natural appearance to their face and neck and we strive to get you the look that you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Am I a Good Candidate?
Good candidates for these procedures are men or women who:
- are self-conscious about the excess skin in the face and/or neck
- find that they have prominent creases, folds, jowls, or hallowing
- are willing to have a more permanent correction of the effects of facial aging with well-concealed incisions
- want a natural and more refined look
- have realistic expectations
- have few other medical problems and who are absolute non-smokers
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What happens on the day of surgery?
Surgery takes place in the operating room with you asleep with a general anesthetic or under deep sedation, and can take around 4 hours. Markings are first made with you upright to plan out the approach and the locations of the incisions. The stitches will stay in place for about 1 week and all post-operative instructions and prescriptions will be given to you before going home. You will be able to go home the same day of surgery with a responsible adult.
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What happens after surgery?
Recovery is a gradual process. You are encouraged to take it easy without strenuous physical activity. The first 3-4 days you may need some of the prescribed pain medications, and there will be some swelling and bruising of the face and neck. You will be able to shower the next day and apply a light layer of polysporin ointment to the incisions. Generally it is a good idea to take 1-2 weeks off work, depending on what type of work you do. At 3-4 weeks from surgery you will typically feel fully recovered with most of the bruising and swelling resolved. You will have to avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise up until about 4 weeks from surgery. The final results can take up to 3-6 months to ultimately see.
What Our Clients are Saying
