Facelift

Surgical facial rejuvenation (facelift or rhytidectomy) remains the fundamental treatment to address and improve the anatomic changes associated with facial aging. Over time the cumulative damage of the sun, age and gravity can unfavorably affect the appearance of the face. Because there are multiple causes of facial aging, surgery is only one aspect of a balanced plan for facial rejuvenation. Facelift surgery can be complemented by injectables (BOTOX^® Cosmetic/Xeomin^® and Restylane^®/JUVÉDERM^®), skin care, and skin resurfacing (laser).

Why People Choose Facelift Surgery

As people age, several changes occur in the structure of the face. First, the skin loses its youthfulness and intrinsic elasticity. As a result, there can be excess skin and some sagginess. Gravity pulls certain features down on the face leading to dropped cheeks and jowls along the jawline. Structures appear to sag in a position lower than they once were and bands appear along the neck. This downward movement also highlights the wrinkles and skin folds that are associated with aging. In addition, the volume and amount of tissue in the face decreases, adding to the presence of creases, wrinkles, and excess skin. A comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan and facelift surgery can improve many of these concerns.

Facial aging must be analyzed at all tissue levels from the skin, soft tissue (fat and musculoaponeurotic system) and bone. Dr Liu, an aesthetic fellowship trained plastic surgeon, will perform a comprehensive facial aesthetic analysis of all your tissue layers to achieve a balanced and natural appearing result. Dr Liu is trained to offer procedures and operations to enhance all aspects and layers of the face.

About Facelift Surgery

Facial rejuvenation is the term used to describe both surgical and non-surgical procedures aimed at restoring the aging face to a more youthful state. Although the central procedure is the facelift, current facial rejuvenation utilizes multiple modalities (Botox^®/Dysport^®, injectable fillers, lasers, chemical peels, facial implants, and facial soft tissue augmentation) as an adjunct and in some cases, in place of a facelift.

During a facelift, facial features are replaced to their normal location. The underlying anatomy of the face is highlighted to restore a refreshed and natural appearance. In patients with volume loss or deflated features, volume can be replenished with additional procedures. Combined, this strategy provides a balanced and natural rejuvenation of the face that lessens the effects of time and restores a more youthful appearance.

The Consult

A facial rejuvenation consultation will take approximately 1 hour. Because facelift surgery is only one component of facial rejuvenation, Dr. Liu will perform a complete facial analysis as part of the decision making process. Important considerations include assessment of the skin, facial volume, and signs of aging. Combined, these elements will determine the necessary components of a comprehensive plan for facial rejuvenation.

The goal of the consultation is for you to obtain all the information you need to make an informed decision regarding facelift and facial rejuvenation. Dr. Liu is dedicated to educating patients about the causes of facial aging, the anatomic changes that occur, and how best to address it. As part of the consultation, we will help you with the decision making process and answer all of your questions. We pride ourselves on building a “partnership” with you, the patient, during the consultation.

Pre-Operative

Patients are required to complete preoperative testing and medical clearance from their primary care doctor to evaluate their medical fitness for surgery. Typically this involves a medical history and physical from their medical doctor, including lab work and an EKG. Patients will receive an information packet that contains pre-operative information, details about the surgery, and post-operative instructions. Our team will work closely with you to oversee every aspect of your care and enhance your experience. We highly recommend that a skin care regimen be in place prior to facial rejuvenation. Healthy skin will improve healing and complement your post-operative result.

About the Operation

Facial rejuvenation surgery is an outpatient operation and is performed at an accredited surgical facility. There is always an anesthesiologist present, whether under general anesthesia or local with sedation. Having an anesthesiologist present allows Dr. Liu to concentrate on attaining the best cosmetic result instead of dividing his attention between the operation and monitoring the vital signs of the patient.

Recovery

Patients go home on the same day as surgery but should have a responsible adult stay with them for the first 2-3 days. We recommend staying at an aftercare facility or having a private duty nurse for the first 24 hours. The recovery period is relatively rapid with most patients feeling very well by 2-3 days. The majority of the swelling and bruising dissipate by the end of the first week. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 1 to 2 weeks. Dr. Liu will follow you closely during the recovery period and will let you know when you can resume full activities. Post-operatively, patients should continue to meet with our professional aesthetician to continue skin treatment regimens to maintain youthful skin. These can be combined with procedures to enhance the quality and texture of the skin and improve any residual fine wrinkles.

Contact Our Practice

There are many options now available for facial rejuvenation, both surgical and non-surgical. Our aesthetic fellowship trained plastic surgeons are skilled in the most advanced techniques in facial rejuvenation. To find out if a facelift (facial rejuvenation) is right for you, please make an appointment with Dr. Jerome Liu or Dr. Tom Liu.