• 
  American Society
  of Plastic Surgery
• 
  American Society of
  Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
• 
  American Association for Accreditation
  of Ambulatory Surgery Facility

SELECT A PROCEDURE: Face Lift | Mid-Face Lift (Cheek Lift) | Cheek Augmentation | Endoscopic Brow Lift (Forehead Lift) | Neck Lift | Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift) | Lip Augmentation | Otoplasty | Rhinoplasty

Face Lift in Salt Lake City, Utah

A facelift or "rhytidectomy" is a procedure designed to alleviate some of the changes to the face that occurs with aging, gravity, and the effects of the environment. The operation is performed through incisions placed in natural skin creases in front of each ear. These extend up into the temporal hair and also up into the hair behind the ear. The skin of the face and the underlying deeper tissue are tightened, eliminating most of the wrinkles and creases. An incision may also be made under the chin to remove fat from the neck and tighten the neck muscles. In most cases, this operation is combined with other procedures to more completely rejuvenate the face. Schedule an appointment for a facelift in Salt Lake City, Utah today.

Surgery

At times, a mini-facelift or cheek lift can be performed if the amount of wrinkling is not extensive. This is a less extensive procedure taking less time and costing less and can be decided in conjunction with your physician. An upper and lower eyelid lift or "blepharoplasty" may also be performed. A browlift may also be performed to elevate the eyebrows, which droop with age and gravity, and to eliminate wrinkles and creases from the forehead. Any combination of these procedures may be performed depending on your individual condition and your individual goals.

Anesthesia The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or under heavy sedation and local anesthesia as an outpatient. In some cases you may stay at the surgical facility overnight or in a nearby hotel with a private nurse. The anesthesiologist and the surgical facility will bill separately for their services.

Duration of Surgery The operating time will vary depending on the patient and the extent of the procedure, and whether any additional procedures are performed. Generally the time is approximately 4 hours.

Before Surgery Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen or products that contain aspirin for at least 3 weeks prior to surgery. Also refrain from consuming any energy drinks and herbal supplements, as some may have an effect on increasing bleeding during the course of surgery. Remove all makeup and mascara from your eyelids. If you wear contacts lenses, it would be preferable that you wear glasses when you arrive to the surgery center.

Photographs Photographs are taken at the time of your consultation. These are important aids in the preparation of surgery and become a permanent part of your record. Post-surgical photographs are also taken. Schedule an appointment for a facelift in Salt Lake City, Utah today.

After Surgery

A bulky dressing is applied after the procedure and this is changed to a light type dressing in 2-3 days. A small drain is usually placed and is removed in 3 days. Sometimes an elastic wrap or support is used to give gentle compression to the operated areas after the dressings are removed. Ice packs are applied to the sides of the face to help reduce discomfort and swelling. There is usually a moderate amount of swelling and bruising after a facelift. You should try to sleep with your head and shoulders elevated to help reduce the amount of swelling. You may bathe the day after surgery, but do not get the dressings wet. You may shower and shampoo your hair once your physician has removed the dressings. You may remove the elastic support to shower or bathe. Men should be able to shave after approximately 3 to 5 days.

Initial discomfort is controlled with oral medication but typically the pain is minimal. Stitches are usually removed in 5 to 7 days.

Return to Normal Activity Most people return to their usual activities and to work approximately 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. It is acceptable to apply make up after 3 to 5 days. Strenuous sports and other activities should not be performed for 3 to 4 weeks. You may drive when driving does not cause pain, or when you are no longer taking pain medication. This usually takes 3 to 6 weeks.

Scars You should expect a scar in front of each ear, with an extension upward into the hair of the temple region and downward around the earlobe and into the hair behind the ear. The location will vary slightly depending on the hairline. The scars are placed in natural skin creases and will fade with time. This usually takes 6 to 9 months. All scars are however permanent. The width, height and color of scars are unpredictable. Wear a sunscreen of at least SPF of 30 or greater when outside to protect the scars from sunlight during the healing process.

Diminished Sensibility As with any surgical procedure, small sensory nerves to the skin surface may be cut when the incision is made or when skin is undermined. Portions of your face will feel numb or have less than full feeling. The sensibility in these areas gradually returns, usually with 2 to 3 months as the nerve endings spontaneously heal. During the healing process the skin of the face may become hypersensitive for as period of time. Some diminished sensibility may last indefinitely.

Swelling and Bruising Swelling and bruising of the face and neck or any site following surgery is normal. During the first 1 to 2 weeks your face will feel and look swollen. The swelling will start to subside after the first postoperative week. It may take as long as 2 months for the last bit of swelling to recede.

Complications

HEMATOMA This is the most common complication and occurs when a collection of blood forms under the areas of undermined skin. It occurs in about 1 to 2% of patients and is more common in men. The body will absorb minimal bleeding. A larger collection may necessitate aspiration to drain the collection. Occasionally it will require additional surgery. This may also lead to some firm areas (scar) under the skin that may require massages post surgery.

EDEMA This is a normal consequence of surgery and is best treated simply by elevating the head of the bed. The application of ice packs or cold compresses is usually done for the first 1 to 2 days.

NERVE INJURY In addition to the small sensory nerves to the skin noted above, the other main nerve that is at risk is the facial nerve. Injury to this nerve occurs in less than 1% of cases. When it does occur it results in weakness of the face when smiling. If the nerve or one of its branches is injured due to stretching it may take 2 to 6 months for recovery. If the nerve is cut there may be either partial or complete weakness of a certain area.

ABNORMAL SCARS A small percentage of patients will develop scars that are unacceptable despite meticulous attention to detail both during and after surgery. The scars may widen, stay red or raised. If the scars are problematic a steroid ointment or injection will be used to improve their appearance. In some cases the scars need to be revised surgically.

SKIN LOSS This is also a rare occurrence. It may be due to cigarette smoking in the days to weeks before and after surgery, or due to undo tension at the site of the incision, which could be compounded by swelling or hematoma. Usually this is managed without the need for additional surgery.

INFECTION This complication is also rare. Prevention is the key and antibiotics are given both before and for a period of time after surgery.

 

I mention these complications not to alarm or frighten you since the usual outcome after this surgery is quite favorable. The majority of patients are very satisfied. I present this information to you to fully educate you on the side effects, undesirable sequelae and complications no matter how remote they may be. Should you not understand any of this information, or should you want further information, please call our office and ask. If necessary a second consultation can be scheduled.

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For a facelift in Salt Lake City, Utah contact board certified plastic surgeon Louis Morales today.

The best way to get more information on the procedure you are interested in is to schedule a consultaion. Click here to schedule a consultation, or fill out the form.

You may also call our SLC, UT office at
Telephone: (801) 743-0700
Fax: (801) 743-0701
for more information.

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