|
Should I have the facelift performed under local anesthetic or general anesthesia?
This depends on the patient. The percentage of people having the facelift under local anesthetic versus general anesthesia is just about even. The decision for one method over the other will be discussed during the consultation.
How long is the downtime after a facelift?
Downtime is defined by how long you will have to hide if you do not want anybody to know you had something done. The downtime for a facelift depends on how long you hair is at the time of the procedure. The majority of the bruising and swelling occurs around the ears. So the longer your hair is the better you can hide the swelling and bruising and the earlier you can go out without anybody knowing you had a procedure. I instruct most women that the downtime is about two weeks (see the next question).
How much bruising and swelling will I have after my facelift?
Everything we do before, during, and after the facelift is designed to minimize bruising and swelling. No matter how meticulous and delicate I am there is still going to be some bruising and swelling. There are two aspects to bruising and swelling. First, how much bruising and swelling will there be, and second, how long will the bruising and swelling last. Both how much and how long, depends mostly on the patient. The vast majority of patients will have resolution of their swelling and bruising by 2 weeks. Therefore, I instruct patients to expect 2 weeks of downtime after the facelift.
How much discomfort will I have after my facelift?
Most patients have little or no discomfort after the facelift. If patients have discomfort it occurs as a dull ache behind the ears and only lasts for a few days after surgery. Patients are given medications to control any discomfort they may have after the surgery. The patients only take the medication as needed and usually only take it for the first few nights.
What are my restrictions after a facelift?
You should keep your head of bed elevated for one week after the surgery. A couple of pillows or a recliner to keep your head above the level of your heart. Sleeping with your head elevated minimizes the swelling after the surgery.
No bending, lifting, straining, for one week after the surgery. Bending over for a minute to put your shoes on, for example, is fine. But no prolonged head dependent (head below the level of your heart) activities.
You can start mild, non-strenuous walking 24 hours after surgery. Mildly strenuous activities, such as light jogging can be resumed 3 weeks after surgery, and very strenuous activities can be resumed 4 weeks after surgery.
No driving for one week after the facelift. Therefore, you will need someone to drive you to your follow up appointments on the first and seventh day after surgery.
No activities that require vigorous head and neck turning, such as golf, tennis, or swimming for one month after the facelift.
If you color or perm your hair, you must have this done the week before the surgery. You will not be able to have your hair colored or permed until one month after the facelift.
Procedures / Treatments often performed in conjunction with a facelift?
The majority of facelifts are combined with a necklift and liposuction of the fat beneath the chin.
A facelift is often combined with volume replacement with injectable fillers. Areas that are often injected include the cheeks, marionette lines, and the hollowed areas in front of the ears. The injections can be done in advance of the surgery or they can be started one month after the surgery. The timing of the injections depends on the individual and is determined at the time of consultation.
|
