Look and feel younger with a facelift performed by Dr. Tarak Patel.
Facelift procedures have become increasingly popular in recent years among both men and women who want to look as young as they feel. During the past decade, advances in facelift techniques have resulted in procedures that are safer and more reliable with recoveries that are faster and more comfortable.
As a leading board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Tarak Patel works closely with each patient considering a facelift to ensure they achieve the best possible results and the highest levels of satisfaction
Facelifts can effectively treat several visible signs of aging, including:
You are a candidate for a facelift if you have visible signs of aging, such as sagging, deepening folds, fallen fat, jowls in your cheeks and jaws, and excess fat under your chin.
Prior to your facelift, you’ll meet with Dr. Patel for an examination and evaluation. During your office visit, you’ll need to provide a complete medical history as well as a list of any medications or supplements you’re taking. You’ll also need to let the doctor know if you have allergies and if you’ve had prior surgeries. Dr. Patel will perform a very careful evaluation of your face, taking note of your skin tone and the areas that concern you the most. Before coming in for your visit, it can help to spend some time looking carefully in the mirror so you can describe the issues you’d like to have corrected. Next, he’ll review the facelift procedure and he may discuss other surgical options that can help you achieve the results you’re looking for. If you smoke or use any nicotine products, you’ll need to stop for at least 6 weeks before your surgery in order to be considered for the procedure. You’ll also need to stop taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for 2 weeks to prevent bleeding issues. Finally, depending on your age, general health and other factors, you may be asked to obtain a medical clearance from your family doctor or specialist prior to your facelift.
A Facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a procedure that involves moving your facial tissue, skin, and muscle to re-contour your face for a smoother, more youthful appearance. Not only is your skin lifted, but your face’s underlying structures are restructured and elevated for more defined facial contours. We may also use liposuction to remove any excess fat deposits. Your facial muscles and neck muscles are also tightened to improve tone to your face. A Facelift is an invasive surgical treatment and can achieve results that non-invasive treatments can’t.
During a facelift, Dr. Patel makes incisions in the hairline and scalp to minimize the appearance of scars after healing. The skin is not only lifted and re-draped but the underlying structures are also elevated and restructured for improved facial contours. When necessary, liposuction is also added to remove localized fat deposits, and muscles are tightened to improve overall tone and shape.
As facelift procedures are completely customized and scar length and the extensiveness of the surgery depend on the individual. Facelifts can also be performed in conjunction with other procedures such as upper and lower eyelid surgery, which can be discussed during your consultation.
During the initial few days of recovery, you will have swelling, bruising and redness. You will need to wear a compression bandage to help minimize swelling and discomfort. For the first two weeks, you will need to sleep with your head raised at a 40-degree angle to prevent swelling, and you should spend as much time as possible sitting up or walking around to minimize swelling and pressure. Your neck may feel tight for the first few weeks, and you will be given pain medication to manage discomfort. Although you can apply cool compresses to your eyes, you should not place anything other than the bandage on your face. At your first visit following your surgery, your bulky dressing will be changed. You will also be given very specific instructions on how to care for your face, your incisions and your hair during your initial recovery period. You won’t be allowed to drive for a week, and you should avoid bending and lifting during the first 2 weeks as well. From the third to the sixth week after your surgery, you will need to avoid swimming and strenuous activities. Most of the swelling will have resolved, but your scars will still appear red and firm, with gradual fading occurring over the next several months. You can expect some numbness around your incisions for a few weeks, and you will need to continue sleeping in a reclining position. You will also need to avoid using any face makeup until Dr. Patel says it’s OK. It is very important to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 as well as a hat and sunglasses while your face heals, which can take about six months. Protecting your skin from the sun will help with healing and avoid dark scars and discoloration.