Facelift Plastic Surgeon Westchester, New York
FREE FACELIFT PLASTIC SURGERY CONSULTATIONS
A facelift, technically called a “rhytidectomy” is a plastic surgery operation performed to remove wrinkles and tighten the skin of your face and neck. An incision is made by the plastic surgeon near the hairline and skin is pulled back and excess tissue is removed. The facelift procedure can literally diminish the effects of the aging process leaving the patient looking remarkably younger and fresher (approximately 10 years younger).
Please note: The Westchester Plastic Surgeon offers in-person and virtual consultations (from anywhere in the world).
About Your Facelift Surgery Consultation
During your preliminary facelift consultation with the Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Douglas M. Senderoff, MD, FACS at his Westchester (Rye Brook), New York office, he will examine the structure of your face, skin texture, color, and elasticity. Photographs will be taken preoperatively. Individual risks will also be discussed, especially those related to medical situations such as high blood pressure, a tendency to scar, smoking, and potential for bleeding. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Douglas Senderoff, MD, FACS will take a thorough medical history, as well as assess your physical and emotional state regarding the facelift surgery.
Because a realistic attitude is crucial to the success of facelift plastic surgery, the surgical procedure, and realistic expectations will be discussed. You are encouraged to ask questions and review pre and post operative facelift photos of the New York Board Certified Plastic Surgeon’s actual patients to give you an idea of what other people have achieved after facelift surgery.
Understanding the Facelift Surgery
The incision on your face is made in the area of the temple hair, just above and in front of the ear. The incision will continue around the earlobe, circling the ear before returning to the point of origin in the scalp. The skin is raised outward prior to repositioning and tightening the underlying muscle and connective tissue. Some fat may be removed, as well as excess skin. For men, the incision is aligned to accommodate the natural beard lines. In all cases, the incision is placed where it will fall in a natural crease of the skin for camouflage.
After trimming the excess skin, the incision is closed with fine sutures (stitches) and/or metal clips. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the process can take from two to four hours. When the procedure is performed with a combination of mild sedatives, local anesthesia, and mild intravenous anesthesia, the patient will experience little (if any) discomfort. Some patients may undergo general anesthesia for facelifts. Following the surgery, the surgeon will apply a dressing to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made.
The best candidates for facelift plastic surgery:
- Have sagging skin in the face and neck
- Have skin that still has some elasticity
- Are in good health
- Maintain a stable weight (at least 6 months)
- Have a strong bone structure
- Have realistic expectations
Can I Have Other Facial Procedures at the Same Time?
Facelift plastic surgery patients often have other facial rejuvenation procedures simultaneously with their facelift. These procedures may include, a brow lift, a neck lift, neck liposuction, eyelid surgery, lip augmentation, or facial fillers. You can discuss these options with the Westchester (Rye Brook) plastic surgeon during your complimentary consultation.
What Should I Expect After Facelift Surgery?
After your facelift surgery, a small, thin drainage tube may be temporarily placed under the skin behind the ear to drain any blood that might collect there. Your head will be wrapped loosely in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling. Usually, there is not much discomfort after surgery. Pain medication is usually prescribed for 3 or 4 days.
You should keep your head elevated on two pillows (or at a 30-degree angle) for several days after surgery to keep the swelling down. The drainage tube will be removed 1 to 2 days after surgery if one was inserted. Bandages are usually removed after 1 to 5 days. The face will look pale, bruised, and puffy, but in 4 to 6 weeks it should return to normal.
Most of the stitches will be removed in 5 days. The stitches or metal clips in the hairline could be left in a few days longer since the scalp takes longer to heal.
What Can You Really Expect from Having a Facelift?
Expect that your facelift will turn back the clock approximately 10 years. The aging process will continue, however, despite the best surgical efforts. The results of your facelift may be dramatic or subtle, depending on how you looked before surgery. Since the healing process is gradual, you should expect to wait at least several weeks to fully realize your results. Additional minor changes, or settling, may occur over several months.
If you have any questions about facelift surgery (a skin-only facelift or a deep plane facelift, or neck lift) or any other plastic surgery procedures please feel free to contact Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Douglas M. Senderoff, MD, FACS at his Manhattan or Westchester, New York offices.
To schedule a complimentary facelift plastic surgery consultation please feel free to contact Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Douglas M. Senderoff, MD, FACS at his Manhattan or Westchester (Rye Brook), New York office.
Westchester (Rye Brook) Plastic Surgery Office
90 South Ridge Street
Rye Brook, New York 10573
(914) 934-5000
