Face Lift — Alabama Plastic Surgery

In time, the effects of gravity, sun exposure, heredity and the basic stresses of living are revealed in the face and neck. Modern surgery techniques can now reduce this aged appearance by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening the neck and facial muscles. eliminating most wrinkling and sagging.

How is the face lift procedure performed?
What will I look and feel like afterward?
What kind of follow-up care will I need?
Will I have to be in the hospital?

Download face lift Consent Forms and Postop Instructions (PDF)

How is the face lift procedure performed?

The facelift procedure is technically known as rhytidectomy. The procedure consists of the surgeon making incisions, separating the facial skin from the underlying fat and muscles, eliminating excess fat to contour, tightening facial and neck muscles, pulling the skin back and removing the excess, and closing the incisions. The result is a lifted facial structure and smoother, tighter skin.

In general, the incisions are placed within the hairline starting above the ear running along the natural skin fold in front of the ear, continuing around the bottom of the lobe, behind the ear and into the hairline. All of the incisions are strategically placed to be invisible or nearly invisible upon healing. When including a neck lift, a small incision is made under the chin. Exactly where the incisions will be placed and how the procedure will be accomplished from a technical aspect depend on your facial structure, your desired result and your surgeon's preferences.

What will I look and feel like afterward?

Every individual patient varies in degree of swelling, bruising and healing. Here is a general outline of expectations:

Most bruising and swelling can last up to 2 weeks, sometimes longer for the swelling. Resting with the head elevated will help minimize these conditions. You will be prescribed medication to control any discomfort.

For the first week after surgery, your activity should be restricted. You may be asked to wear a facial garment or wrap. Some sutures may be removed after 5 to 7 days.

After a couple of weeks, you may resume non-strenuous activities, and the remainder of the sutures will be removed. Swelling and puffiness will continue to subside.

You may resume normal activity after 4 to 6 weeks if permitted by your doctor.

As your incisions heal, you may notice some itching and possibly some numbness. These symptoms will diminish over time.

What kind of follow-up care will I need?

It is helpful to have someone help you for the first couple of days after surgery. You will return to your surgeon's office for a post-operative visit periodically to monitor your progress. The post-operative time is crucial for the long-term effectiveness of your procedure. It is very important to attend these visits to be certain you are caring for your delicate facial skin properly. It is important that you wear sunscreen and avoid sun exposure and other harmful activities such as saunas or steam baths.

Will I have to be in the hospital?

Depending on your health and your doctor's preference, you may have this procedure performed at an office based surgical center or in a hospital. Anesthesia for this procedure is most commonly local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. However, you and your surgeon may decide that general anesthesia may be the best choice for you. Both methods will ensure your ultimate comfort during the process.

If you would like to find out more about face lifts from our Birmingham, Alabama cosmetic surgeons, feel free to contact us today.