If you are bothered by the signs of aging in your face, a facelift may be right for you. Technically known as rhytidectomy, a facelift is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as:
- Sagging in the midface
- Deep creases between the nose and mouth
- Fat that has fallen or is displaced
- Loss of muscle tone in the lower face that may create jowls
- Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw
A facelift is designed to correct all of these aging features, restoring a more youthful, rested appearance with uplifted contours and improved tone in facial skin and underlying muscle.The most significant correction occurs from the neck up to the cheeks. Although
eyelid surgery and
browlift can be done at the same time they are not part of a facelift.
The most common type of facelift is a two layers or SMAS facelift. This tightens the fascia and deeper muscle layer first and then redrapes the loose skin of the neck and face removing the excess. If there is only a little loose skin at the cheeks or neck than a mini facelift or skin only facelift can be performed. Some plastic surgeons may also call this a neck lift.
The excess skin or fascia removed may be used to augment lips or fill lines in the face.
Typical incisions begin within the hairline, above the temple and continue along or just inside the ear, down under the ear lobe, ending behind the ear. This allows access to tighten underlying tissue, remove excess fat and reduce sagging skin. A second incision under the chin is sometimes necessary.
Liposuction techniques may assist with removal of fat deposits.
A facelift needs to be designed for you individual need and to correct your specific concerns.
The same surgery is not always right for everyone. Remember the goal is to have you look rested youthful not pulled, tight, stretched or artificial.
A facelift turns back the hands of time but doesn’t stop time from moving forward. Secondary facelifts can be done reusing old incisions and retightening the skin that gravity and age has loosened.
Contact us for your personal consultation with Dr. Wesley Wilson and see what is right for you.
Case #1
36 year old female, 5’7″ She was seen in both the Scottsdale and Mesa plastic surgery offices for evaluation of her face, neck and brow. She had liposuction to the her neck prior to seeing Dr. Wilson. The neck skin was loose and she had a small chin which made the neck and jawline indistinct and full. Her brow was heavy and low creating hooding to her eyes and making them look small. Although she was only 36 years old she required a full facelift (rhytidectomy) to remove the loose skin in the neck and jowl area. A small chin implant was used to shape the jawline. An endoscopic brow lift was done to remove the tired look, open the eyes and raise the brow to a more aesthetic position. No surgery was performed on the eyelids themselves just brow. After surgery she made and interesting observation. She said that she felt more confident and people listened to her ideas more than prior to her plastic surgery. That is quite a positive comment on facial plastic surgery.
Case #2
62 year old female, 5’4″ She was seen exclusively in the Mesa plastic surgery office for evaluation of her face, neck, brows, eyes and lips. She wanted people to quit asking her if she was angry when she wasn’t upset at all. She also wanted to look as good as she felt. She underwent a full facelift (rhytidectomy) and her own tissue was used to plump up her upper and lower lips. She had an endoscopic brow lift with resection of the corregator muscles (those that cause excessive frowning). She had upper and lower eyelids. Skin, muscle and fat removed from upper eyelids. Fat was remove from the lower eyelids through and incision inside the eyelid (tranconjuctival incision). Look closely at the lower lids especially the side view to see how the puffiness is gone. She no longer looks angry and she has sent many other people in to see Dr. Wilson.
Case #3
48 year old female. 4’11″. She was seen at the Scottsdale, Mesa, Phoenix plastic surgery office for evaluation of her face, brow and lips. She wanted to look more youthful, awake, and vibrant. She also wanted fuller lips. She underwent a full facelift or rhytidectomy, an endoscopic brow lift, and her own tissue was used to plump up her upper and lower lips. She was kind enough to let us use her photos. Most patients with this type of plastic surgery prefer not to let anyone know that anything was done and attribute their youthful looks to good genetics.
