Facelift

The aging face is a composite challenge often requiring attention to various aspects of the face, using different techniques. Rhytidectomy (facelifting) is a surgical procedure mostly addressing the lower face and neck. Dr. Sparano does not believe the same facelift technique should be applied to every aging face. A customized approach should be embraced surgically, as well as pre- and post-surgically to help achieve a refreshed and natural rejuvenated appearance.

Specifically, a facelift can accomplish a significant improvement in appearance by correcting the sagging tissues of the cheeks, jawline, and neck. The techniques of facelifting have evolved extensively over the prior decade. Previously, the facelift surgeon would attempt to accomplish facial rejuvenation by pulling facial skin higher and tighter. This often resulted in an unnatural appearance consisting of a “wind-blown” or “stretched” look. The more refined techniques utilized by Dr. Sparano allow for the deeper tissues and skin to be manipulated independently from one another. Thus, the skin can be carefully redraped without undue tension and distortion leading to a more natural appearance and a longer lasting result.

The ultimate effect of a facelift is to clearly create a natural appearing refreshed and more youthful appearance. The type of lift necessary to create the desired result, and the duration the results will last, depend on the underlying anatomy, the desired result of the patient, and the degree of facial aging that is the starting point. Mini-lifts can accomplish impressive results with less dissection, a smaller incision, and a shorter recovery time. A mini-lift or a short-scar facelift is not the correct approach for everyone, however. A deep plane facelift involves a longer dissection with independent manipulation of the underlying deep tissues from the skin of the face and neck. For the right candidates, this will result in the most improved appearance, and will last longer than lesser surgeries.

Whichever type of facelift you and Dr. Sparano choose to pursue, you can expect to appear more youthful and rested. Our aim is always to achieve a healthy and natural look to any facial rejuvenation technique. The lower face and neck should always be considered together. You should expect improvement specifically along the neckline, jawline, and cheeks. Incisions are hidden at times in the hair above the ear, behind the ear cartilage, and in natural skin creases. These usually heal as thread-like fine lines which are easily camouflaged when visible at all.

After a facelift, you will return home or spend the night in a nearby hotel if traveling from a distance. About 10-14 days after surgery, you can expect to return to your ordinary social and professional activities, but with a more youthful appearance. The array of facelifts offered by Dr. Sparano can be performed in our office-based procedure room or in an outpatient surgical center.       

Frequently Asked Questions

What specifically does a facelift fix?
Generally, the facelift operation treats the lower portion of the face (cheeks and jowls) and neck. It will not treat the brows or eyelids, which can be helped by other procedures. Similarly, it will not help the wrinkles around the lips, which also can be helped with other procedures.

When is the best time for a patient to consider a facelift?
Most patients who choose to experience the benefits of the facelift operation do so between their 40’s to 60’s. That said, a facelift can be performed at any age.  

Where does the procedure take place?
Facelifts can be performed by Dr. Sparano in his procedure room, or in an operating room setting, depending on the kind of lift performed.

What type of anesthesia is used during a facelift?
Local anesthesia with oral or intravenous sedation is commonly used during facelift surgery, though general anesthesia is at times used instead.

How painful is the procedure?
Most patients experience mild pain or discomfort following the procedure. This discomfort is easily controlled with an appropriate pain relief medication.

What is recovery like after a facelift?
The face will be bruised, swollen, and sometimes numb in the days following the surgery. The bruising can last up to 3 weeks to resolve at times. The swelling usually diminishes over the first 7-10 days. Patients are advised to relax and avoid strain or stress during the first week after surgery.

Are there dressings or bandages that will need to be worn after surgery?
A specially designed dressing will usually be applied to the face and neck for the first day after surgery and removed by Dr. Sparano. Lighter dressings may at times be applied thereafter for the days that follow.

How much time off from work should I plan for after my facelift?
Patients will need to schedule time off from work, and are usually advised to take about 2 weeks off. 

How soon can I return to exercise after a facelift?
Exercise and strenuous work or activity should be avoided for 2 weeks.

When will my stitches be removed after a facelift?
Stitches are generally removed between 5-7 days after surgery.