What to Expect With Face Lift Surgery

A facelift (or rhytidectomy) provides total facial restoration by rejuvenating the forehead, eyes, cheeks, and sagging skin around the neck and chin.

Dr. Fortes will need to evaluate your skin and facial structure to determine if you are a candidate for a face lift, as well as for other procedures, such as endoscopic brow lift, eyelid surgery, fat grafts, laser resurfacing and rhinoplasty, which may be recommended in conjunction with a facelift. Facelift surgery usually takes several hours to perform. 

Facelifts begin with an incision being made at the temples just above the hairline. This incision is extended downwards in front of the ear, below the earlobe and behind the ear. Next, the skin of the face and the muscle is separated from deeper tissues. Dr. Fortes will tighten the underlying muscle and membrane and remove any excess skin. Sutures are used to close the incisions, and they should be ready for removal after about five days. Each patient's case will vary.

Most facelift patients usually experience some discomfort after surgery, but none that should be severe. You will want to minimize your movements in the first few days following surgery, and you also may be advised to keep your head elevated for a few days after surgery to help keep the amount of swelling down. Drainage tubes may be placed beneath the neck or behind the ears to minimize swelling during your initial recovery period.

Dr. Fortes will answer all your questions and address any concerns you may have before you undergo facelift surgery.