Facelift - Overview
A Facelift Involves an incision that starts in front of the ear and extends around to the back of the ear and either into the scalp or along the posterior hairline. In addition, Dr. Berman often makes an additional incision behind the chin in the natural crease line so that a Liposuction can be carried out on the neck and / or tighten the neck muscles similar to a Neck Lift.
Whenever a Facelift is done, Dr. Berman tightens the facial muscles (this is called a SMAS for those who may have seen this term in the literature).
Mini Facelift - Overview
The mini Facelift is done in our office under local anesthetic with oral sedation. This is an excellent option for those that do not need quite as extensive treatment.
As people age, many begin to experience a loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone in their face and neck. Others notice the development of jowls and deep creases between the base of the nose and the corners of the mouth, referred to as nasolabial folds. The most noticeable improvement from the overall Facelift Procedure occurs in the neck, while the next best area to benefit are the jowls. By comparison, the weakest area for improvement is the nasolabial fold.
A Facelift will give you a more rested and youthful contour to the face and neck. For this procedure, most patients will take 2 weeks to recover.
After a Facelift, patients may experience some swelling and bruising. Dr. Berman provides a neck support garment to help contour the neck for several days, and he allows showering and the hair to be washed 24 hours after surgery. One week after surgery, Dr. Berman removes the sutures in front of the ear, and he removes the posterior ear incisions after 10-14 days.
Keep your head elevated on 3-5 pillows for a week. You can definitely lie on more on one side so you don't have to be perfectly on your back, if that is uncomfortable for sleeping.
You can shower after 24 hours and wash your hair etc. You should shower as you will feel better. Soap and water touching your face are fine. Replace the garment after your shower for the first 5 days. It should be comfortable.
Clean the suture lines in front of and behind your ear with dilute hydrogen peroxide (half strength) and then a thin coat of polysporin or bacitracin ointment (you can buy it over the counter at any pharmacy) twice per day.
No exercising for 7-10 days. Try and take it extra easy for the first two days but you can definitely go the kitchen and make yourself something to eat, walk around the house etc.
The sutures in front of your ear will come out in 5-7 days and the ones behind your ear, in around 10-12 days or so.
It is very common to get some bruising and 'funny" sensations as things heal
If you want you can put cool packs on your face to help with swelling but not required. Definitely do NOT put warm packs on your face. your skin will be somewhat numb and you can give yourself a burn.
Please feel free to text me on my cell phone at 703-405-5668 if you have any questions.
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