1. What is the basic procedure of Facelift?

A facelift operation softens the nasolabial fold (skin fold between the outer edges of the nose & outer corners of the mouth), corrects platysmal banding in the neck (turkey neck), removes excess neck skin and changes the facial contour from the trapezoid shape to a more youthful U-shape. This can only be achieved by raising the deeper tissues in the cheek vertically in addition to excess skin removal via an incision around the ears. Attempting to do so solely via removal of cheek skin from in front of the ears can result in bad skin scars, an unnatural pulled look and failure to improve the facial contour. Closure of the skin incision around the ear in the absence of skin tension & designing this incision in the shape of an omega yields the least noticeable scar.


2. Can I expect permanent results from a facelift?

The results are not permanent because the aging process continues before, during and after surgery. If you take care of your self by avoiding excess sun exposure, do not smoke etc. the procedure can last 5 to 10 years or more.


3. Is there a common technique for facelift procedures?

There are as many ways to do the procedure as there are surgeons doing it. In order to perform the procedure on younger patients than historically was the case, parts of the original procedure are performed as needed depending on how an individual ages.


4. Who is a good candidate for face lift surgery?

Good candidates for surgery:

. Are reasonably healthy and if elderly cleared for surgery by their internist

. Do not smoke

. Have a positive outlook and specific, but realistic goals in mind for the improvement of their appearance

. Are not having the surgery solely to save a marriage or a job or with the goal of having some effect on another person


5. Will face lift surgery eliminate all of my facial wrinkles?

It gets rid of excess skin and wrinkles related to the excess skin, but do not have an effect on the fine cheek skin wrinkles seen in advanced aging. These are best treated by chemical peels or laser some months after the facelift procedure.


6. Will it be obvious that I have had a face lift?

The better the surgeon and the more closely you follow his/her instructions the less obvious it is that you have had any surgery to someone who does not know you.