:: Face Lift Palo Alto, CA

Facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to treat the signs of aging in the face, resulting in a younger, fresher appearance. Facelift surgery can be used to treat multiple signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging skin. Facelifts can also used to remove excess skin for patients who have gained and then lost significant amounts of weight. New advances in cosmetic surgery have made facelift surgery less invasive and more precise, providing the opportunity for optimal results with minimal recovery time. Although most rhytidectomy patients are 40 or older, the procedure can provide significant aesthetic benefits for patients of any age.

Facelift surgery is most often performed with a combination of local anesthesia and sedation, although general anesthesia is sometimes used. The procedure typically takes a number of hours to complete, depending upon the amount of change desired, and patients should expect to allow 10-14 days for recovery. During the procedure, small incisions are made in the hairline and behind the ears, allowing for minimal visibility. For patients who desire work to be done around the chin, an additional small incision is made underneath the chin to minimize visibility. After the incisions are made, the surgeon carefully lifts and tightens the skin and underlying tissue of the face and neck. More involved surgeries include tightening the muscles of the neck or the use of liposuction.

Because face lifts are a surgical procedure, it is important that prospective patients are in good physical health and free of infection. It is also important that patients allow up to 2 weeks for recovery time and follow skin care guidelines for full recovery. Bruising, swelling, and tenderness are commonly experienced following treatment and typically fade within 2-3 weeks. Stitches may be removed within the first week and patients generally find they can return to work within 10-14 days.

Click here to read frequently asked questions about facelift surgery

Men undergoing facelift surgery may find they have to shave in new locations, such as behind the ears, due to beard growing skin that is repositioned during surgery. Additional laser hair removal treatments may eliminate that side effect. After removal of stitches and initial recovery, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and excessive exposure to sunlight for a few months following the procedure to ensure full recovery.

As with any surgery, there are potential risks including adverse reaction to anesthesia, excessive scarring, bleeding, and poor healing. The chances of experiencing these side effects are small, but it is important to discuss them with a physician to determine your risk factors. Schedule a consultation with our office (link) to discuss this or any other procedure and decide if it’s right for you. You can also schedule a consultation with our offices to discuss non surgical options, including injectables (link), peels (link), and skin care (link) related issues.

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