Face-lift Surgery

The passing of time, sun exposure, tobacco, stress, modify the appearance of our face. Our skin becomes thinner, there appear the first wrinkles, deep creases form between the nose and mouth, folds and fat deposits appear and finally, increases the laxity of tissues, therefore diminishing the firm look we had when we were young.

There are many treatments to refresh our face, however, only surgery will allow us to reposition such tissues affected by gravity.

The surgery known as facelift allows us to reposition facial structures raising them to their original position and recovering facial volume lost throughout the years. This surgery is usually carried out together with a blepharoplasty (surgery of the eyelids) or a liposuction of the submandibular region.

Which are the main changes after a facelift?

• - Increase in the volume of the chicks and malar eminence.
• -Decrease of the nasolabial creases and folds (such creases extend from the nose downward to the corners of the mouth).
• -Decrease of the commissural creases (such depressions extend from the lateral comissures of the mouth downward to the chin).
• -Better definition of the facial contour, “chubby cheek” are diminished.
• -Definition of the neck and elimination of wrinkles.

During this surgery some fat deposits in the submental region may also be succioned.

It is important to achieve a facial rejuvenation keeping the natural and fresh aspect of the face.

Consulting about the surgery...

It is essential, in this surgery more than in others, to consult the surgeon prior to surgery, who will inform you about the benefits which may be obtained in every case in particular. Realistic expectations and a good doctor-patient relationship is the base for the success of the surgery. It is important to consult surgeon in advance so as to determine surgery details and magnitude.

What does this surgery consist of?

Rhytidoplasty is a surgery performed under general anesthesia. Incisions vary according to the magnitude of the operation, but they are generally made in front of the ear hidden in a natural crease. Surgery consists on tightening, elevating and repositioning such tissues which had fallen as a consequence of passing of time and gravity. Excess of skin is eliminated and in many cases fat deposits which may concentrate in the submandibular region may also be removed.

This surgery may be associated to a blepharoplasty (surgery of the eyelids) or to an eyebrow lift.

Postoperative care

In this surgery we recommend the patient to remain hospitalized for 24 hours. During that period of time, he/she will be placed a bandage and some thin aspiration devices which shall be removed before leaving hospital. The patient will be recommended a week rest in which he/she will suspend his/her work activities. It is not a painful surgery, but edema and hematomas may appear which will disappear after 2 weeks approximately, time in which the patient will not be able to sunburn. Stitches are removed 7 to 14 days after surgery. Physical activities will not be allowed until a month after the operation.

Bulnes 1937 PB "B"