The loss of youthful facial contours is a result of factors like thinning of skin, loss of facial fat, gravity, sun damage, smoking, hereditary factors, and stress. A facelift is a restorative procedure that removes signs of aging from the face and neck.
Also known as a rhytidectomy, facelift surgery creates natural results and does not alter your fundamental appearance. It expertly treats the following:
• Loose sagging facial skin
• Deepening fold lines between the nose and corner of the mouth
• Drooping fat and fat loss
• Jowls
• Excess fat and loose skin on the neck that forms a “turkey neck” or a double chin
It may be performed in conjunction with other procedures such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery for more comprehensive results.
Ideal Facelift Candidates
Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations from the surgery are ideal candidates for a facelift. It is important that they do not have medical conditions that will impair the healing process. Smokers are not ideal candidates, as smoking affects the healing and recovery.
If your facial skin has become loose, your cheeks are sagging, you have jowls, and you struggle with lost definition and excess fat in your neck, a facelift may be right for you. Similarly, those with smile lines, chin wrinkles, and visible vertical neck bands may consider this procedure.
Your Consultation with Dr. Morwood
During your consultation, Dr. Morwood will review your medical history and carry out a physical examination to determine the treatment option most suitable for you. He will also make you aware of the consequences of the surgery and will discuss your expectations from the procedure.
You will be advised to stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs before the procedure, as these can increase bleeding. You will need to arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up after the procedure.
What to Expect from the Procedure
For your facelift procedure, either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation may be selected. These will ensure a comfortable and pain-free procedure.
Incisions will then be made in your hairline, which starts at your temple and continues down and around the front of your ears. These incisions generally end behind the ears in your lower scalp. An incision may also be made under your chin to allow for improvements in the appearance of your neck.
Dr. Morwood will redistribute fat and tighten and trim underlying tissues in your face, jowls, and neck. Liposuction may be employed to remove fat. The skin is then carefully positioned over the new contours of your face and excess skin is removed.
Finally, the incisions are closed with stitches or tape. The procedure takes a couple of hours at most but may take longer if coupled with other procedures.
Your Recovery Process
Dr. Morwood will give you post-surgical care instructions, which you should follow as closely as possible for a complication-free recovery. Pain medications will be prescribed to help you deal with any discomfort during healing. Be careful not to expose your incisions to excess pressure or sunlight.
Complete recovery takes a little over a month. At this time, you will notice that you have a more youthful-looking and vivacious face.
Schedule Your Facelift Consultation
Dr. Morwood has over 20 years’ experience as a plastic surgeon, he is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, he is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and for years he has served as either the chief or vice chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery of Monterey.
For more information about Dr. Morwood or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us here.
View Before & After Photos
*Actual Patient
Disclaimer: there is no guarantee of specific results and the results can vary.
