Facelift

Facelift

APPOINTMENT

WHAT it is:

A Facelift, is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck such as sagging on the face and neck, deepening of fold lines and lost volume.

HOW it’s done:

Dr. Politis start by making an incision in the hairline at the temples and continues it around the ear ending at the lower scalp. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls and neck and underlying tissue is repositioned. Commonly, the deeper layers of the face and the muscles are also lifted. The skin is then redraped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away.

WHAT to expect:

You may experience temporary pain, soreness, and numbness of skin and/or incision discomfort. This is normal and will subside over the coming weeks to months. Unusual sensations, pins and needles, and occasionally mild discomfort may occur as these nerves regenerate over time.

Swelling will vary both patient-to-patient as well as side-to-side. Swelling may actually increase the first three to four days before subsiding. Most of your swelling should resolve over the first two to three weeks.

Bruising will vary like swelling from person to person as well as side-to-side. Most bruising and discoloration should resolve over the first two weeks. Make up, with Dr. Politis’s permission, can be applied ten days to two weeks after surgery.

AWAKE or ASLEEP

Take a nap with general anesthesia

RECOVER, RESULTS & FREQUENCY:

2-4 weeks

Long-term fix! Results last 10-15 years.

PRE-OP instructions:

Have all prescriptions filled prior to your surgical date (if ordered)
Do not take any aspirin, Plavix, ibuprofen (Advil,Motrin), Vitamin E, Fish oil, Coenzyme Q10 or medications containing these compounds for 14 days before your procedure.

Other medications prescribed by your personal physician should be taken as necessary.

Come with clean hair and skin. No face creams/lotions. No using body lotions or perfumes on the day of surgery.

Do not wear any jewelry, piercings or contact lenses.

Refrain from vigorous exercise on the day before your surgery.

Have a regular meal on the evening before surgery, and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcoholic beverages on the evening before surgery.

It is best to eat a small meal prior to your procedure

POST-OP instructions

Keep your head elevated the evening after surgery as well as for the first two weeks following surgery. This can be done by either sleeping in a recliner tilted at 45 degrees or sleeping with two pillows underneath the head.

Avoid rolling onto your face.

Sleep on your back for the first two weeks after surgery.

Decreased activity may promote constipation, so you may want to add more raw fruit to your diet, and be sure to increase fluid intake.

Take Ibuprofen as prescribed postoperatively.

Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.

No strenuous exercise for at least 7-10 days

No heavy lifting for two weeks.

Hair coloring should be delayed for two weeks after surgery.

Avoid hard chewing foods for 48 hours.
Avoid yawning or wide mouth opening for 48 hours