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| Facelift Surgery in Austin Texas |
Introduction:
As people age, effects of gravity, and the stresses of daily life can be seen in their faces. Deep creases form between the nose and mouth, the jaw line grows slack and jowly and folds and fat
deposits appear around the neck. One should know that the facelift can"t stop the aging process. It can only "set back the clock", improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat.
Tightening underlying muscles and redraping the skin of your face and neck is part of the facelift process. A face lift can also be done along with other procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid
surgery or nose reshaping.
Suitable candidate for a face lift:
A man or a woman whose face and neck have begun to sag but whose skin still has some elasticity.
Whose patients bone structure is strong and well defined.
Most patients are in their forties to sixties. But a face lift can be done successfully on people in their seventies or eighties.
A face lift can make you look younger and fresher and may enhance your self confidence in the process. But it can"t give you a totally different look, nor can it restore the vitality of your youth.
Risks involved:
When a facelift is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, the complications and risks involved are minor. By following the doctors advise closely you can reduce your risks.
Hematoma C - a collection of blood under the skin.
Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles.
Infection and reactions to anesthesia.
Smokers are usually affected by poor healing.
Planning your surgery:
The plastic surgeon will evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying bone tissue and discuss your goals for the surgery. The plastic surgeon will check for medical problems such as high blood
pressure, blood clotting problems, or the tendency to form excessive scars. You will be asked to stop smoking for a few weeks before and after the surgery as it inhibits blood flow to the skin and slows
the healing process. You will be asked to stop taking aspirins as it effects clotting.
A face lift is usually done on an out patient basis, but some surgeons may hospitalize the patient for a day when using general anesthesia. Most face lifts are performed under local anesthesia combined
with a sedative to make you drowsy.
Surgery:
A face lift usually takes several hours. Every surgeon performs the procedure in his or her own way. Some complete one side of the face at a time and others move back and forth between the sides.
The incisions are started above the hair line at the temples, extend in the natural line in front of the ear, and continue behind the ear lobe to the lower scalp. A small incision is made under the
chin, if the neck needs work.
The surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle below. Fat is either trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve contour. Then the underlying muscle and membrane is tightened,
the skin is pulled back and excess skin is removed. Stitches secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions. Metal clips may be used on the scalp. After the surgery a drain tube is placed under
the skin behind the ear to drain any blood that might collect there. The head may be loosely wrapped in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling.
Post operative procedure:
If there is any discomfort it can be minimized with pain medication. Numbness of the skin is quite normal and will disappear in a month. To keep the swelling down the head should be kept elevated and
still for a couple of days. Drain tube and bandages will be removed after one to five days. Your face may appear bruised and puffy but in a few weeks you will look normal. Stitches will be removed after
five days. The scalp will take longer to heal. Patients are back to work at about ten days after surgery. But the third week you will look and feel much better.
Instructions to be followed:
Take it easy for the first week after surgery as your skin will be tender and numb. Be gentle with your face and hair.
Avoid strenuous activity including sexual intercourse and heavy house work for two weeks.
Avoid alcohol, steam baths and saunas for several months.
Get plenty of rest and let the body heal.
Your new look:
Even after the swelling and bruising are gone the hair around your temples may be thin and your skin may feel dry and rough for several months. The scars are hidden by your hair or in the natural creases
of your face and ears. They will fade with time and are scarcely visible. Having a face lift does not stop the clock. Your face will continue to age with time.
If you are considering a facelift in Austin Texas contact this plastic surgeon today.
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