Why Should You Have Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery?
Some “Gen Xers” are beginning to join the “Boomers” as the mature group. Many appreciate that age is just a number and looking as good as you feel is important.
Facial cosmetic surgery has become more popular than ever and often no one can tell that you have had a facelift, yet you can look up to ten years younger and look younger naturally.
The contemporary facelift (often called a SMAS lift) performed by Dr. Leach allows correction of the aging face by repositioning the facial structure beneath the skin. This then allows Dr. Leach to smoothly re-drape the skin and carefully remove any redundancy. The result is a natural refreshed look rather than the pulled too tight look of some older techniques.
What are some benefits of having a Facelift?
The benefits of an expertly performed facelift are many. A facelift removes sagging skin of the face and neck offering patients a more youthful appearance. As we mature, our lower face and neck skin naturally loosens, and skin folds begin to show. For both men and women, a facelift is an excellent procedure to restore and renew a more vibrant facial appearance.
Dr. Thomas Leach advises his patients that a facelift will address:
- Loose, sagging skin along the jawline and cheeks
- Deep folds between the nose and mouth
- Jowls along the lower cheek and jawline
- Loose, sagging skin and excess fat of the neck (turkey neck or waddle)
Patients frequently seem overwhelmed when it is recommended that a “full facelift” is their best option for facial rejuvenation. Once a patient demonstrates a significant amount of facial and neck skin redundancy then the multitude of available minimally and non-invasive procedures are simply not powerful enough to provide the desired result. At the Princeton Center for Plastic Surgery, I routinely see patients that have spent thousands of dollars on procedures that he no realistic chance of success.
During your consultation, Dr. Leach honestly explains the specific steps of the surgery and usual post-operative care and course. The detailed explanation helps to allay most of the anxiety patients by dismissing much of the misunderstanding that accompanies a facelift.
An expertly performed facelift will remove aging and sagging skin and help you look years younger. The best candidates for a facelift are in good health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations about cosmetic surgery outcomes.
Real Patients, Expert Facelift Results
Before
After
Dr. Thomas Leach, board-certified plastic surgeon has performed hundreds of facelifts for men and women who desire to rejuvenate their aging facial appearance.
The facelift procedure is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical setting and does not require hospitalization.
The actual procedure involves precisely removing excess fatty tissue, tightening underlying structures, and smoothing facial skin. A facelift almost always includes rejuvenation of the neck. This may involve some fat removal as well as muscle and skin tightening.
Dr. Leach advises his patients that the overall goal of a facelift procedure is to achieve a natural-looking, refreshed facial appearance by addressing the visible signs of facial aging. Within 48 hours of surgery all bandages are removed, and patients can shower and wash their hair and face. Most facelift patients comfortable return to work with 2 weeks of their operation.
Enhance Your Natural Beauty
Dr. Thomas Leach advises that a facelift alone changes the lower sections of your face and neck, but if you desire you can combine it with other surgical procedures, such as a brow lift or eyelid lift to obtain an overall facial rejuvenation and optimal results during one surgical procedure.
For those patients who are not ready for a surgical procedure, there are some areas of the face that can be treated with a non-surgical facelift, often referred to as a “liquid facelift”. This temporary solution produces effective results using BOTOX® Cosmetic, advanced facial fillers; such as the Juvéderm® collection of dermal fillers and other skincare treatments (chemical peels) that result in facial fullness via the replacement of lost volume, the softening of facial wrinkles and folds and by smoothing facial skin.
Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgical Procedures
Facial Enhancements
More than a century from the first documented facelift, the surgical procedure and techniques have vastly improved resulting in longer-lasting and more natural-looking results. Today’s facelift is an easier procedure for the patients and results appear more subtle while still giving patients the desired refreshed appearance.
Exceedingly small incisions are placed around the ear and in the scalp which are easily hidden. Excess skin is trimmed, and deeper layers of the face and the muscles are lifted.
Sometimes a small incision will be made under the chin as well to remove excess skin and fat in the neck. The underlying structures are repositioned and tightened. The facial skin is then precisely re-draped and secured using small sutures. The incisions will heal without any visible scar tissue because they are concealed in the natural hairline and other skin folds.
There are a couple of variations to a traditional facelift – a limited incision or a neck lift alone. Also, there are many types of facial enhancement procedures that are surgical and non-surgical. Your facelift procedures will depend entirely on your aesthetic goals and your desired results. Dr. Thomas Leach can assist you in recommending the best procedure or procedures for your goals.
Dr. Leach performs a traditional facelift under general anesthesia in an accredited outpatient surgical center, though overnight accommodations can be made. Surgical time and recovery vary depending on the patient and procedure. As with any surgery, you must have someone take you home and look after you for a few days. Our office will give you detailed post-operative instructions.
Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgical Recovery
When you leave surgery, you can expect to have some bandages or other coverings to help minimize swelling and protect against infections. Swelling and bruising are normal for about a week, and you should plan to take oral antibiotics while you rest and recover. You might also have a tube for a day or so that helps drain excess fluid.
Dr. Thomas A. Leach is a Board Certified Cosmetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon serving the Princeton, New Jersey area for more than 29 years. His years of experience, surgical skills and his caring and warm demeanor will reassure that you have selected an expert surgeon who can help you achieve optimal facelift results.
