Throughout one's life, sun damage, stress, gravity, and other factors cause the skin to sag and fit more loosely.  Areas of the face and neck, in particular around the jaw line, are especially prone to the aging process.  Changes may be gradual, but wrinkles and other signs of aging can make individuals "look older" than their actual age.  To reverse the visible signs of aging, individuals often choose to undergo a facelift (rhytidectomy) procedure at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, P.A. to obtain a fresh, youthful appearance.
 
Your bone structure, skin texture and quality all play a role in how much improvement can be made by the surgery and how long it will last.  Dr. Dawkins performs a facelift operation through incisions that are strategically placed around the ear and are designed to keep the resultant minimal scars and well concealed even with a short hairstyle.
 
Internal soft tissue tightening is also performed to reshape the face.  The loose skin itself is then re-draped and the excess removed.  After facelift surgery, you will experience minimal temporary skin discoloration and some tightness or numbness in the face and neck.  Healing is gradual, so expect to wait several months for optimal result, but the patient will look normal 1 week after the surgery.  Since your skin will remain somewhat sensitive for a few months, protection from the sun, including daily use of sun block, is essential.  You can wear cosmetics about 1 week after surgery and most patients look really good 7 to 10 days after surgery with minimal bruises.
 
You will be seen the day after surgery for a dressing change and then 1 week after surgery for removal of the stitches.  After the stitches are removed, a concealer may be applied (if needed) and makeup may be worn.  If a neck strap was used, it may be removed at this time. Although you will see a tremendous improvement immediately after surgery, the final outcome of your facelift will not be visible until all of the swelling has resolved - which typically occurs anywhere from 1 to 6 months following the procedure. 
 
A face lift will not alter your forehead or eye area.  Low brows, excess eyelid skin and "bagging" require additional procedures such as a browlift and eyelid lift (blepharoplasty).  A facelift will not improve lines around the lips.  A combination with other facial procedures including blepharoplasty, and injection of fillers, and Botox® may result in an even more dramatic outcome. 
 
A facelift will "set the clock back" but it doesn't stop the aging process.  You may return to work in a few days.  You have no physical limitations after 2 weeks.  Some bruising may be present for 4 to 6 weeks.
 
Please call to schedule your consultation today! 1-800-553-2772