1. Is a facelift performed under general anesthesia?

Most of my facelifts and RefreshLifts are performed under local anesthesia and IV sedation. When a patient has significant platysmal neck bands, I recommend they have a general anesthesia so I may be very thorough and safely plicate them resulting in a much improved appearance. Sometimes I use general anesthesia because of patient requests as well. The majority of my facelifts, however, are done with "twilight" sedation.


2. How long before I can resume normal activities after my facelift?

Most of my patients return to normal activities between 7-10 days postoperatively. I discourage heavy exercise or sun exposure for the first few weeks. There may still be some swelling and bruising which usually subsides by 2 weeks.


3. How do I find a qualified surgeon in my area?

The best way to find a qualified facelift surgeon is to have a direct referral from someone you respect and trust, especially if they had a favorable experience and result. The plastic surgeon should be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The plastic surgeon should be very experienced in performing facelifts, have a great reputation and very good results. Websites with preop and postop photos are also very helpful. Finally, price should never be your determining factor.


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

Any healthy adult male or female who has undesirable facial and neck features or signs of aging they wish to improve is a good candidate for face lift surgery. It is important they don' t smoke 4-6 weeks preop or postop and have good nutrition.


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

Unfortunately, facial wrinkles around the lips, eyelids, brows and forehead may not improve with most facelift techniques. These patients also benefit from laser resurfacing or deep chemical peels to smooth and resurface the facial wrinkles at the same time as the facelift or as a separate procedure.


6. Am I too young (or old) for a face lift?

I generally do not use age to determine if a patient is a good candidate for a facelift. Healthy patients with facial deformities may be good candidates as young as 35 years old or as old as late 80 years old. Most patients tend to be between 50 and 75 years old. Therefore, age is not as important as the signs of facial aging that need to be corrected.


7. Will it be obvious that I' ve had a face lift?

Some facelifts are very unnatural and obvious. I pride myself in performing a very natural facelift with excellent scars and long- lasting results. My RefreshLift is my trademarked modified facelift which achieves these goals in patients of all ages. It avoids the tight swept look of most lifts while providing all of the benefits.