facelift surgery

facelift photos and intro

facelift surgery techniques

Facelift techniques vary depending on the degree of correction required. Minimally invasive surgery is associated with the speediest recovery and may be indicated in individuals with early aging changes. In the presence of advanced aging changes more extensive surgery will be required in order to achieve long-lasting results. Using the expertise and techniques he brings from California, Dr. Denton will tailor the approach to give you optimal results.

candidates for facelift surgery

Individuals with excess facial skin and wrinkling, heavy jowls (drooping skin at the jaw line) and fat or loose neck skin are excellent candidates for facelift surgery. Although a facelift does not treat the eyelids or the forehead, for optimal results it can be combined with rejuvenating surgery of these areas if indicated.

preparing for surgery

On the night before your surgery we ask that you not have anything to eat or drink (including coffee, tea and juice) after 12:00 am. This allows your stomach to empty thereby minimizing any postoperative nausea.

Two weeks prior to your surgery all blood thinning medications and supplements (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, ginko, ginseng and vitamin E) must be stopped. This reduces the amount of bruising and swelling experienced postoperatively. A prescription for antibiotics and pain medication will usually be supplied to you during your consultation visit and should be filled before the day of your surgery.

A simple blood test to measure your hemoglobin level is performed prior to surgery and, if you are over 50 years of age, a cardiogram is required for your safety.

your surgery

Surgery is performed in our fully accredited operating room under twilight anesthesia. After surgery, patients are taken to our specially equipped recovery area. Once recovered, all patients proceed home or to an after care facility.

follow-up

A snug compression dressing is applied following surgery to minimize bruising and swelling. This will be removed the day after surgery in the doctor's office. If drains were placed during surgery, they will usually be removed on the first postoperative day.

Stitches and surgical clips are removed over the first 7 to 10 days. It is normal for swelling to wax and wane over the first 7 to 10 days. Do not be concerned if one side of the face appears slightly more swollen than the other. This is normal and will resolve itself.

resuming normal activities

Following surgery, you should stay in bed with the back and head elevated for the first 24 hours. You may, of course, get up to eat and to use the bathroom but, at this stage, rest will help most to speed recovery. In most cases, you may shower and wash your hair two days after surgery.

Bending, lifting and straining are prohibited during the first 48 hours. Light non-cardiac exercise can be resumed one week following surgery and slowly increased over the next seven days. Most facelift patients are back at work 7 to 10 days after their surgery.

Typically there is very little pain following facelift surgery but a dull headache is not uncommon. You should not, however, hesitate to take the prescribed pain medications if you need them.

costs of facelift surgery

Following your facelift consultation, a quote is given which is good for one year. Our quotes include all costs: pre-operative tests, anesthesia, facility charges, the services of our staff, and applicable taxes. You are encouraged to make cost comparisons. In comparing, be sure you determine the total of all costs related to the surgery.

A deposit is required at the time the surgery is scheduled in order to hold a specific date for you. The balance is due two weeks prior to your surgery. For your convenience, we accept MasterCard, VISA and debit cards.

We have arranged a financing plan for our patients with an outside financial institution. Ask our patient care coordinators for details about how to qualify.

alternatives to facelift surgery

Not all age related facial changes require facelift surgery for correction. Botox™, soft-tissue augmentation (Restylane™, Perlane™ and Artecoll™), chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing for the treatment of facial wrinkles and facial liposuction are important options to consider. Occasionally, if excess skin is not a factor, facial liposuction can be used to improve the contour of the neck and jowls.

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