Facelift Surgery
There are many different types of face lifts, or rhytidectomies, available. These multiple options benefit the patient in the various stages of the aging process. Some of these types of rhytidectomies, or names they are known by, are:- The Standard Facelift
- The Facelift with tightening of the muscles (platysma) and/or SMAS ( a fascial layer of tissue also known as the sub muscular aponeurotic system) of the face and neck
- The Minilift
- Deep Face Lifts
- Subperiosteal Facelifts
- Midface Subperiosteal Facelifts
- Short Incision Facelifts
- “S”-lift
- Endoscopic Facelifts
The Harmonic Scalpel is one of the most exciting recent developments in not only plastic surgery, but surgery in general. The Harmonic Scalpel uses ultrasonic energy to cut tissue while simultaneously sealing blood vessels. This results is less blood loss peri-operatively, and a dramatic reduction in bruising and swelling post-operatively which drastically reduces healing and recovery time. Dr. Rothaus has been using the Harmonic Scalpel in all facelift cases. It has in fact, become the new standard of care. The difference in recovery time dramatic. Using traditional surgical technique, patients typically require at least three weeks for the bruising and swelling to subside, but by using the Harmonic Scalpel, patients can return to work within days.
Most surgeons will, in addition, perform liposuction of the neck and under the chin at the time of the face lift surgery. The placement of the incision for the same face lift procedure can also vary from surgeon to surgeon. The trends in face lift surgery today include limiting the size of the incision, placing incisions in locations that are less visible, supporting the underlying tissues as well as the skin, and, perhaps, starting these rejuvenation procedures at an earlier age with less extensive procedures, thus creating a more natural look.
For example, the classic location of the scar for a facelift at one time was several millimeters in front of the ear. Today, most surgeons will place the incision "inside," or along the edge, of the tragus (fleshy protrusion at front of ear). A younger patient with early signs of aging may benefit from a minilift procedure where the incision is only along the edge of the ear as described above and extends minimally above the ear. Patients with deepening of the nasolabial fold, descent of the cheek, and ptosis (or dropping) of the lateral eyebrow below the rim of the orbital bone may get significant improvement from the limited incision temporal brow lift, the endoscopic brow lift or the subperiosteal midface lift.
The minilift and limited incision facelifts permit the patient, in most instances, to return to work relatively soon after the procedure. The deep plane and subperiosteal procedures, on the other hand, require long periods of time for all the swelling to resolve.
Most facelift procedures can be performed as an outpatient under a local anesthesia with sedation by a board certified anesthesiologist. With this type of anesthesia, it is as if the patients are asleep but do not require the placement of a breathing tube as required for general anesthesia.
Patients can usually return to work one week after all the procedures with the exception of the deep plane and subperiosteal procedures. Aerobic exercise is limited for the first 3 weeks after the procedures.
Face lift procedures are contraindicated or prohibited in smokers. The patient must stop smoking at least 14 days prior to the procedures. Procedures that are often done at the same time as the face lift include upper and lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), laser or plasma resurfacing, and rhinoplasty ("nose job").
The treatments listed are not intended to be complete or comprehensive. The specific risks and the suitability of these procedures for a given individual can be determined only after a personal consultation. Please email us at info@RothausMD.com or call us at 212.737.0770 to schedule a consultation.
