Face Lift

A Face Lift, or rhytidectomy, improves the appearance of the lower two-thirds of the face by repositioning facial fat, smoothing wrinkled skin, and removing excess tissues. This procedure is often combined with a Neck Lift and significantly improves the jowls, jaw line and anatomy beneath the chin. Dr. Long performs the surgery usually under general and local anesthesia, but also performs it under combined sedation and local anesthesia as well. Face Lift surgery usually takes between 4 to 6 hours to complete depending on the complexity of the plan.

At our practice we use the most sophisticated techniques. When performed properly, a Neck Lift or Face Lift can have a profound effect on the appearance of age and is designed to make you look like a younger version of yourself. Dr. Long, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is also fellowship trained in Face Lift and Neck Lift surgery uses a comprehensive approach to facial surgery that addresses not only the skin, but also the underlying structure in order to create a rejuvenated, natural-looking, long lasting result.

Face Lift Surgery FAQ:

What is a Face Lift?

A Face Lift with Dr. Long is a surgical procedure to correct the changes caused by the natural process of aging. Facial skin can sag because of the effects of weight loss, gravity, smoking, sun damage or a combination of these factors. With a successful Face Lift, the smoothing of your facial skin and supporting tissues can “turn back the clock” making you look and feel years younger.

How can a Face Lift enhance my appearance?

A Face Lift can help you look as good as you feel, younger than your age, and restore smoother, more pleasing contours to your face. This is accomplished by:

Removing loose skin and excess fatty tissue in your neck
Defining a more youthful chin and jaw line
Softening deep wrinkles
Accentuating cheekbones
Repositioning fat to fill in deficient areas
Minimizing skin folds between your nose and the corners of your mouth

Who is a candidate for a Face Lift with Dr. Long?

You are an ideal candidate for a Face Lift with Dr. Long if you are in good health and do not smoke. If you have poor definition of your jaw line, loose skin or fatty deposits in your neck, or jowl formation you can expect a marked improvement. If you have strong facial bones and features (e.g., chin and cheekbones), and if you do not have undue skin damage or premature aging from sun exposure or smoking, you can see an even better result.

Although a successful Face Lift can temporarily set back the clock, no cosmetic procedure can permanently prevent the effects of aging.

In combination with your Face Lift, you may select other procedures to achieve the results you desire, e.g., a Endoscopic Brow Lift / Forehead Lift, Eyelid Lift surgery (blepharoplasty), fat injections (autologous fat transfer), chemical peel (TCA Chemical peel), etc.

How is a Face Lift performed with Dr. Long?

Dr. Long will perform your Face Lift with a complete examination as a part of surgical planning. Your skin will be evaluated based on thickness, texture and elasticity along with the severity of fine lines. Any damage to your skin from environmental influences will be assessed and may be treated before surgery. Most importantly, Dr. Long will develop a global plan based on your facial structure and shape.

Generally, Dr. Long performs the Face Lift with discrete, well-hidden incisions that curve behind the sideburn, down in front of each ear and back behind the ear. The incision is designed to allow you to show off your results without worrying about a scar. Through this incision, we restore a more youthful contour to your lower face and neck and smooth your skin. Liposuction is usually done for excess fatty tissue in the neck or jowls. After shaping the underlying layers, we remove all excess skin and redrape the skin over your face and neck for a well-rested rejuvenated look.

Where is the Face Lift performed?

Dr. Long almost always performs your Face Lift as an outpatient surgical procedure. Although some of our patients prefer to have general anesthesia, most patients are comfortable under local anesthesia without General anesthesia or IV sedation with Dr. Long. You will recover quickly after surgery and normally go home the same day. If you are having multiple procedures, you may need to stay overnight. You will need to have a close friend or family member drive you to and from the surgery center and assist you for the first 24-48 hours.

What other procedures may be performed along with a Face Lift?

Neck / Chin Liposuction is part of a Face Lift and is used to reshape a more youthful jaw line and neck.
Neck Lift: a crucial part of a Face Lift and may include repair of visible neck muscle bands, removing excess fat deposits, and smoothing loose skin.
Fat injection (autologous fat transfer) is a wonderful, minimally invasive way to restore shape and fullness to areas around the eyes, the cheeks, the temples, and lips.
Eyelid Lift surgery (blepharoplasty) is often performed to reduce heaviness and loose skin in the upper eyelids. Treatment of the lower eyelids will include filling out the deep creases to eliminate the tired look. This along with fat injection will brighten your eyes and energize your whole face.
Chemical peels (TCA chemical peel) may be done to smooth wrinkle lines in the lips, cheeks and forehead.

After facial rejuvenation, maintaining and improving the quality of your skin is very important. Periodic use of microdermabrasio, and peels along with daily use of a good skin care regimen are essential to maintaining your result. Skin care is often discussed as part of your surgical plan.

How long does a Face Lift operation take?

The Face Lift with Dr. Long may take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. Dr. Long will consult with you to fully outline any pre-surgical requirements, what procedures we will be performing and what you can expect afterward.

Are there any risks with a Face Lift?

As with any surgery, there are associated risks and they include;

The risks of anesthesia
Possibility of nerve injury
Delayed wound healing

Dr. Long and his staff will be glad to guide you through this experience with thorough planning and preparation so that you can recover with the best results and fewest unexpected problems.

What can I expect after a Face Lift?

Bruising and swelling are common after your Face Lift. Each patient is different, but for most, these side effects normally resolve within 2-3 weeks. We remove your bandages the next day and place you in a face and neck garment that should be worn for at least 7 days. Sutures are usually removed 5 or 7 days after surgery.

It is extremely important that your newly rejuvenated face be protected from sun damage after surgery. Avoid sun exposure, wear a broad-brimmed hat, and liberally apply SPF 50 or stronger sunscreen as instructed by Dr. Long.

How long is recovery for a Face Lift?

You’ll likely be able to return to work in between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on complexity. You should wait 6 weeks or longer before participating in strenuous activity and exercise. You may need special makeup to camouflage bruising for a short period of time. Final healing may take up to 3 months and will continue to improve out to 12 months. We will closely follow your progress to ensure a smooth recovery.

When will I see the results of a Face Lift?

Within a week, you should see a significant improvement. Once the swelling and bruising have faded, you may have minor scars that are hidden by your hair. These too, will fade over time. Gradually, your new, younger face will emerge a few weeks after surgery. Most of our patients enjoy the benefits of a Face Lift for many years. Depending on your age, you may have more than one Face Lift in your lifetime.

Why choose Dr. Long for your Face Lift?

Dr. Long is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, neck, breast and body. His residency and fellowship training followed by teaching at prestigious institutions have given him a unique set of skills to perform cosmetic surgery. Dr. Long helps his customers look their best and achieve their personal, social, and professional goals by providing natural looking results.

Why go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for your Face Lift?

Practitioners who are not residency trained and Board Certified to perform Face Lift surgery have been found to have a higher rate of surgical complications. Among the most common patient complaints are minimal to no improvement, asymmetries, wound healing problems or worse. Always look for a surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Look for the ASPS logo, The Symbol of Excellence.

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