Understanding the facelift procedure
Facelifts improve signs of aging in the face and neck untreatable with non-surgical techniques. They cannot change your fundamental appearance nor stop the aging process. Rejuvenation procedures typically performed in conjunction with facelifts include brow lifts and eyelid surgery. Medically known as rhytidectomy, a facelift can treat:
- Sagging in the midface
- Deep creases below the lower eyelids
- Deep creases along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth
- Fallen and displaced fat
- Loss of muscle tone in the lower face, possibly resulting in jowls
- Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw causing a double chin in a person of normal weight
Who is a good candidate for a facelift?
Clients pursuing a facelift should be in good health with no major medical issues, and should have reasonable expectations for their outcome based on a detailed consultation with Dr. Ridha.
The average age of a facelift client is between 40 and 60, although there are plenty of successful procedures performed on those in their 70’s and 80’s. Those under 40 who have recently lost a significant amount of weight may also be candidates for the procedure.
For those seeking more definition in the cheekbones than the facelift can offer, Dr. Ridha may suggest cheek implants, and is happy to discuss this option during your initial meeting.
Stunning, natural results
One of the top fears clients have about getting a facelift is that they will look “done” or that others will be able to tell they’ve received plastic surgery. Saratoga Springs facelift specialist Dr. Ridha is especially fine-tuned to this issue and applies a nuanced, conservative approach that preserves the organic spontaneity in the facial expression while minimizing age-related flaws. He is very careful not to over-operate, which is responsible for the majority of revision facelifts.
For Dr. Ridha, performing a successful facelift means that friends, family members and co-workers will comment that you look relaxed, well-rested and rejuvenated, but they will not necessarily be able to pinpoint exactly why that is the case. Subtlety, elegance and natural beauty are Dr. Ridha’s guiding principles.
Call and make an appointment
As part of your Saratoga Springs consultation, Dr. Ridha will perform a careful medical evaluation, arranging for any necessary diagnostic testing. It is imperative that each patient undergoing a facelift is in good health, both mentally and physically.
Conditions that may affect your surgery include:
- Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Issues with scarring (both keloid and hypertrophic scarring)
- Issues with blood loss (includes blood clotting problems and medications or herbs that may cause problems with blood clotting)
- Active smoking (smoking may prolong the healing process and make the body more vulnerable to complications)
What can I expect?
You will go into surgery with a detailed plan created by yourself and Dr. Ridha. Surgeries are unique to every patient, but most include the following steps.
Facelift surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, which means you need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery. Also, someone must be with you for at least the first night following surgery.
The procedure is performed while you are sedated or under general anesthesia. Depending on your unique procedure, your facelift incision happens in one of three places. A traditional facelift incision often begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear, and ends in the lower scalp. A limited-incision facelift uses shorter incisions starting at the temples, continuing around the ear, and ending at the lower eyelids or under the upper lip. The neck-lift incision typically starts in front of the ear lobe and wraps behind the ear to end at the lower scalp.
During the procedure, fat may be sculpted and redistributed in the face, jowls, and neck. Underlying facial tissue and deeper layers of muscle are commonly repositioned. Skin is then redraped over the uplifted contours, and excess skin gets trimmed away.
Internal incisions are closed with layered sutures, and ones close to the skin are closed with sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape. Once healed, the incision lines are concealed within the hairline and natural contours of the face and ear. Surgical incisions must not be subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during healing. A bandage may be placed around your face to minimize swelling and bruising, and a thin tube may be used to drain excess blood and fluid from under the skin. Dr. Ridha provides easy-to-follow instructions to care for yourself after surgery, which include a follow-up visit.
Visible improvements from a facelift appear as swelling and bruising subside, which may take several months. Incision lines fade within six months. Lifelong sun protection helps to maintain your rejuvenated appearance.
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72 Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866