Face Lift

Cosmetic Facelift Surgery in Orange County

A facelift is the common term used for a Rhytidectomy; a plastic surgery procedure that can improve the effects of the natural aging process. The procedure will not change the basic look and shape of your face, the signs of aging are simply removed by corrective surgery.

Specifically, facelift surgery can treat:

Sagging in the midface
Deep crease below the lower eyelid
Furrow between the nose and mouth
Loss of muscle tone in the lower face
Displaced fat on parts of the face
Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jowl
Double chin

Your Orange County surgeon will determine the facelift technique that is right for you. In general facelifts vary in the area of the face treated, the type of incision made, and type of tissue being treated, and the extent of correction needed. Sometimes other procedures, such as facial implant surgery or soft tissue augmentation are performed in conjunction with the facelift to enhance the result.

Face Lift Before Face Lift After

During the procedure, small inconspicuous incisions are made is along the natural crease where the ear meets the side of the face, around the earlobe, and into the lower scalp area under the hair. This makes it easier to hide the scar that will be visible till full healing takes place. Depending on the degree of correction needed, fat may be sculpted and the underlying tissue molded. Often muscles are also lifted. Excess skin is trimmed away and the remaining skin is repositioned over the face and sewn into place.

Good facelift candidates:

Are in over all good health
Have loose excess skin, jowls or fat in the folds of the neck
Have elastic skin
Have realistic expectation for their outcome
Do not have a life-threatening conditions or illnesses that can impair healing
Are Non-Smokers

Patients should discuss all their health issues with the doctor, such as the side effecst of any medicine. Any health issues that may be part of the patient’s present condition will be discussed. The facelift procedure will be explained and the instructions and medications related to the day of surgery.

Risks associated with facelift surgery include:

Infection
Bleeding beneath the skin (hematoma)
Scaring
Facial asymmetry
Injury to facial nerves

Facelift Surgery Recovery in Orange County

Immediately after your surgery at our Orange County center, a bandage will cover the area that has been operated upon. Temporarily a tube may be put in place to drain excess fluid like blood that may collect after surgery. Before being discharged, bandages may be removed and instructions given to the caregiver for post operative care such as medications to be applied or ingested to aid healing and prevent of infection; how to cleanse or bathe without hurting or wetting the area; how to identify signs of infection like swelling or redness; and any follow ups scheduled with the doctor. The skin around the incision site will look discolored for some time and facial movements may be difficult. Medications will deal with any swelling or feelings of numbness and discomfort. The head has to be kept elevated as much as possible to help the swelling to go down. Normal activity may be resumed after 2 to 3 weeks. However, be aware that healing will continue for several more weeks as swelling resolves and incision lines continue to improve. Use sun protection until the healing process is fully complete and following the doctor’s instructions are advised.

Facelift Surgery Results in Orange County

The positive results of a facelift may take weeks to become noticeable. Swelling and bruising could mask the effects of surgery. However, once you recover you will be able to see visible results. A successful face lift can make the person feel younger and facilitates increased confidence and a positive change in attitude. The natural aging process will become gentler with a facelift and the overall effects will last for about ten years.

Facelift surgery cost in Orange County

The costs of a facelift in Orange County can vary based on the type of technique used and the extent of the procedure. Dr. Doezie will determine your exact quote at the time of your consultation. Visit our patient resources page for more information.