Are you concerned about signs of facial aging that are no longer addressed through nonsurgical means such as BOTOX®, laser procedures, or spa treatments? It may be time to consider a surgical procedure to turn back the clock and restore a more youthful visage!
What is a Facelift?
A facelift at our Torrance, CA practice is an elective surgical procedure that creates a more youthful appearance. It can be done at any age, although most of our Los Angeles facelift patients are between the ages of 36 and 70, with the majority in their 50s and 60s. Both men and women, who are in good health and unhappy with signs of facial aging, are good candidates for a facelift.
Although many people assume that a facelift treats the entire face, in reality, a facelift addresses the mid-face and the neck. If there are deep wrinkles in the forehead, hooding in the brows, or bags beneath the eyes, we can treat these problems with other procedures at the same time we perform the facelift.
How Is a Facelift Performed?
Facelifts by our Torrance plastic surgeons are performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia in a local hospital or accredited surgical facility. After you are under general anesthesia, our surgeon makes the incisions. These are generally placed in the hairline at the temples and around the ears. After recovery is complete, the facelift scars are essentially hidden in the hairline and in the crease between the back of the ears and the head. For men, the incisions may be placed slightly differently, as they generally have less hair to hide incisions around the ears. The surgeon then tightens the tissues beneath the skin, called the SMAS, which is short for Superficial muscular aponeurotic system. The SMAS is a layer of tissue which, when tightened, lifts the jowls, elevates the cheek, and eliminates sagging in the neck.
Depending upon the exact facelift procedure to be performed, your surgeon may use an endoscope, which is a tiny camera inserted through an incision to guide your surgeon in repositioning tissues.
After the SMAS is tightened, the surgeon redrapes the skin and removes excess skin to create a smoother, younger appearance. Next, we close the incisions with absorbable sutures and apply a dressing. If the patient has elected to have a brow lift, eyelid surgery or other facial enhancement, the surgeon performs these procedures at the same time.
Most of our patients spend 2-3 hours in the recovery area following a facelift procedure and then return home to recuperate.
Recovery From a Facelift
Our Torrance facelift patients are surprised to find that recovery from a facelift is fairly easy. Sleeping in a chair or recliner for the first few nights can minimize swelling and the initial feelings of tightness. If the eyes are also treated, applying ice packs to the eyes for 15 minutes every hour also diminishes swelling. Your South Bay plastic surgeon may apply a compressive garment after surgery. If so, he or she will instruct you on how long to wear this supportive wrap. We advise against any activity that will increase blood flow to the face, such as weight lifting, aerobics, or running. Walking is a wonderful activity for anyone, including facelift patients, and will lift your spirits without compromising your results. Of course, it’s imperative to apply sunscreen or to use an umbrella and large-brimmed hat if you go out during the first 2-3 weeks following your facelift.
While you will see some improvement almost immediately, most facelift patients find that swelling has decreased within 2-3 weeks, and the final improvement is visible.
Patients who have taken care of their skin find that good skin quality enhances the beautiful results of a facelift. We suggest that, if you are considering facial surgery, you invest the time to meet with Barbara, our head aesthetician, to create a plan to get your skin in tip-top shape before your facelift procedure.
We look forward to seeing you at a facelift consultation. Simply call us at (310) 784-0644 or complete this discreet online consultation form.