Face Lift Under Local Anesthesia
Face Lift Under Local Anesthesia and Neck Lifts have been traditionally performed by plastic surgeons under general anesthesia or IV sedation to prevent the pain associated with the procedure. Although these types of modalities are safe, they are still associated with some risk that sometimes can lead to complications. Patients unwilling to tolerate these risks are unable to enjoy the results of plastic surgery of the face and neck.
A Face Lift Under Local Anesthesia, or rhytidectomy, improves the appearance of the lower two-thirds of the face by tightening sagging facial fat and skin, smoothing wrinkled skin, and removing excess fat. This procedure is often combined with a Neck Lift for improvements under the chin.
A Face Lift Under Local Anesthesia and/or Neck Lift under local anesthesia with Dr. Long is a surgical procedure that provides patients with a rejuvenated, refreshed and natural look without an “operated look’ .
Face Lift and Neck Lift Under Local Anesthesia by Dr. Long is performed with minimal discomfort and no pain while the patient remains awake. This awake Face Lift and Neck Lift under local anesthesia avoids the risks associated with general anesthesia (going to sleep), IV sedation (twilight anesthesia) and/or heavy oral sedation.
During the procedure, Dr. Long a Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon and Craniofacial Surgeon injects the numbing solution (diluted local anesthesia) in your face and neck area with minimal discomfort or pain. Once all the face and neck is numbed, Dr. Long performs your Face Lift and Neck Lift without discomfort or pain. Since you are not sedated or placed asleep, you are able to breathe on your own (no need for a breathing tube or anesthesia machine). Additionally, by remaining awake, your body maintains your normal blood pressure stable through the procedure (general anesthesia agents usually lower your blood pressure). You and Dr. Long will be able to have a conversation during the procedure, making the experience a memorable one. Once the procedure is finished, light bandages / dressings are placed and then you are allowed to go home shortly thereafter.
Undergoing a Face Lift and Neck Lift Under Local Anesthesia allows your body to remain physiologically stable during the procedure (normal blood pressure, normal breathing, no pain). This decreases the risk of bruising, swelling, hematoma formation (acute accumulation of blood under the skin) during and right after the procedure. Therefore, Face Lift and Neck Lift under local anesthesia by avoiding the risks of general anesthesia, IV sedation or heavy oral sedation can be a very good choice for certain patients.
Face Lift and/or Neck Lift under local anesthesia FAQ:
Who is a candidate for Face Lift / Neck Lift under local anesthesia?
Patients that are otherwise healthy and have no anxiety conditions or take large amounts of anxiolytic prescription medications (eg. Xanax) are usually candidates to undergo Face Lift / Neck Lift under local anesthesia with Dr. Long.
Patients with certain medical conditions that preclude them from undergoing general anesthesia or IV sedation may be candidates for Face Lift / Neck Lift under local anesthesia with Dr. Long. These patients require medical clearance by their primary care physician (PCP), internist and/ or specialist ( e.g. cardiologist) in order to undergo Face Lift / Neck Lift under local anesthesia
Patients are not candidates for Face Lift / Neck Lift under local anesthesia if they have unstable coronary artery disease, unstable and uncontrolled hypertension, bleeding disorders, or are on Coumadin/Heparin and these blood thinning treatment can’t be hold for at lease several weeks before and after the procedure. Patient’s that are not cleared for these procedures under local anesthesia by either their primary care physician or specialist are not candidates.
How long does a Face Lift / Neck Lift under local anesthesia operation take?
A Face Lift and/or Neck Lift Board Certified Plastic surgeon Dr. Long may take from 4 to 6 hours. Dr. James Long. Prior to your surgery he will fully outline any pre-surgical requirements, what procedures will be performed and what you can expect afterward.
Are there any risks with a Face Lift / Neck Lift under local anesthesia?
As with any surgery, there are associated risks. Since patients are not required to go to sleep (general anesthesia), undergo twilight anesthesia (IV sedation) or heavy oral sedation, all the risks of these anesthesia modalities are avoided, thus making the procedure a very good choice for certain patients.
Dr. Long and his staff will be glad to guide you through this experience with a complete plan so that you can recover with the best results and fewest problems.
What can I expect after a Face Lift / Neck Lift under local anesthesia?
Bruising and swelling are common after your Face Lift . Each patient is different, but for most, these resolve within 2-3 weeks. We remove your bandages the next day after, and place you in a face and neck garment that should be worn for at least 7 days. Sutures are usually removed 5 to 7 days after surgery.
It is extremely important that your skin 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.
What is the recovery time for Face Lift / Neck Lift under local anesthesia?
Very likely, you’ll be able to return to work in 2 to 4 weeks. You should wait 6 weeks or longer before participating in strenuous activity and exercise. You may need makeup to camouflage bruising for a short time. Final healing may take up to 3 months and will continue to improve over the 12. We will closely follow your progress to ensure a smooth recovery.
When will I see results from my Face Lift / Neck Lift under local anesthesia?
Within a week, you should see a significant improvement. Once the swelling and bruising are gone, 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 and Neck Lift for many years. Depending on your age, you may have more than one Face Lift and/or Neck Lift in your lifetime.
Why choose Dr. Long for your Face Lift / Neck 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 / Neck Lift?
Practitioners who are not residency trained and Board Certified to perform Face Lift / Neck 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.