As you age, your skin loses collagen and elastin, which can cause your skin to sag. If the skin on your face has begun to sag, it can make you look older than you feel and older than you want to look! Denver plastic surgeon, Dr. Richard Mouchantat, can perform a facelift to lift and tighten the skin on your face, which can make you look years younger.
What Is A Facelift?
Facelift surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic facial treatments Dr. Mouchantat provides in his state-of-the-art Denver surgery center. Facelift surgery helps improve the visible signs of aging in the face and neck for men and women. A facelift is ideal for Denver area men and women who show signs of sagging in the face, deep creases along the mouth or loss of skin tone.
A facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that lifts the skin on your face and raises the supportive tissue beneath the skin. A facelift targets your mid and lower face. It has pronounced effects on the jawline and the area around the chin, and has some effect on the skin of the upper neck.
Dr. Mouchantat can use a facelift to alter the following signs of facial aging:
- Sunken, hollow cheeks
- Sagging skin along the jawline
- Loose skin in the upper neck area
Facelift Options
A facelift can address many signs of facial aging, and alone, has a moderate effect on excess skin on the neck. If you have a great deal of sagging, excess skin, or banding on your neck, a neck lift can be performed at the same time as your facelift.
Additionally, if you experience sagging, loose skin on the forehead, you may wish to consider a brow lift along with your facelift for a total transformation.
The Facelift Procedure
A facelift is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Mouchantat will make an S-shaped incision around your ears and into the hairline. From this incision, he will first access and tighten the underlying structure of your mid-face (referred to as the SMAS). After he has surgically lifted this underlying tissue, he will re-drape the skin on the face and pull the skin taut. A small amount of excess skin will be removed near the incisions, and then the incisions will be closed.
Facelift and/or Necklift: Pre-operative Instructions
Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, herbal medications or vitamin E for 14 days prior to surgery.
Have your prescriptions filled before the day of surgery and take your pre-op medication as directed. Review the medication information and instructions for use from your pharmacy prior to taking medications.
Take the Arnica Montana as directed on the package starting 7 days pre-op and for 1-2 weeks post op.
Prepare some small bags with frozen peas or crushed ice for use post-operatively, I will write on the facilities discharge instructions if you are to use ice packs.
Wear comfortable clothing that does not pull over your head and slip on shoes on the day of surgery.
Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure and have someone stay with you for at least the first day.
Post-operative (after surgery) Instructions
Rest with your head supported in an elevated position, such as in a recliner. Sleep with your head and shoulders elevated on several pillows as well.
Have a non-strenuous activity level, no bending, straining or lifting. Walking is fine for a few minutes at a time. Don’t bend over to tie shoes, etc.
After your dressings are removed clean your wounds at the suture line using a Q-tip with hydrogen peroxide diluted in half with water twice a day. Apply the Bacitracin ointment to the suture line after cleaning. It is safe to shower after your drain is out and do not let the shower spray your face directly.
Suture removal is usually done in stages and complete within 7-10 days. You can expect swelling and discomfort in the first couple of days after surgery. Resolution of swelling and bruising is usually complete by three weeks from surgery. If you are experiencing increasing pain or pressure please call immediately.
Empty the drains and record the amount of fluid two or three times a day. Bring the record of output to your follow up office appointment.
Take medications as directed, try to keep some food in your stomach before taking pain medications as they can cause nausea. Pain medications can cause constipation, take plenty of liquids and an over the counter stool softener such as: Colace or Senna Kot can help prevent problems. Milk of Magnesia as directed on the bottle is safe if you are constipated.
Learn More About the Facelift in Denver
Are you interested in a facelift? If you wish to learn more, contact Denver plastic surgeon, Dr. Richard Mouchantat. We encourage you to schedule a consultation today.
