As we age, gravity affects all parts of the body including the face in men and women. The effects of gravity is seen starting in the late 30s but more apparent and prominent in the 40s, 50s, and 60s with more lines, less facial muscle tones and sagging cheeks. A good facelift reverses the signs of aging with a natural appearing look and avoids making the face appear wind blown.
Facelift procedures only deal with the lower 2/3 of the face and neck. The upper 1/3 of the face and eyelids are different regions that also need to be addressed with a facelift. Since aging affects both the skin and muscle, both need to be corrected. Just tightening the skin or suspending the skin with threads or strings is inadequate. Tightening and resuspending the under lying muscle, and removing the excess skin will achieve a natural youthful appearance. The goal of the face lift is to restore the various structures back to its normal anatomical position.
At our certified outptient surgery center(AAAASF), this procedure is performed either with general anesthesia or under iv sedation with local anesthesia. The incision is made starting inside the hair above the ear, and down in front of the ear, and then behind the ear tracing down to the hairline in the neck. The skin is not lifted up much, but a layer of tissue called the SMAS/platysma is elevated extensively. This is used to re-elevate the facial structures and reposition the tissues to it/s more youthful location. This ensures a natural appearance.
After the procedure, you will need to do serial follow ups to receive medications to minimize swelling. You will be given specific instructions to how and when to wash your hair. Sutures will be taken out in 5 days then in 10-12 days and you will need to wear a facial garment to help minimize swelling and help reshaping the neck line. Most of the scars are well hidden and they will fade over time. Temporary swelling and numbness of the face are expected and the patient usually can return to work in 2 weeks.
Dr. Peter G. Lee is a world-renowned facial plastic surgeon specializing in Rhytidectomy(FaceLift) and is certified as an Advanced Bioskills Surgeon Educator and Trainer
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Best Surgery Resident Award
- Award-Winning Media-Recognized Surgeon
- Lecture. Author And Teacher
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons Member
- American Board of Plastic Surgery Certified
- Advanced ENDOTINE Bioskills Surgeon Educator and Trainer
- Harvard Medical School - Harvard University
- Magna cum Laude Yale College - Yale University
- Buncke Microsurgery Clinic - University of California San Francisco
- Microsurgery Research, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Stanford University
- Albert Einstein Medical Center
- American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
"After having used Ulthera® for almost two years with conservative reservation, we have been very pleased with the result in our large series of patients. For people with early signs of aging face/neck/forehead, the result have been pleasantly consistent with very high satisfaction rate. Because we are convinced of the benefit that patients receive with Ultherapy®, we would like to make this treatment affordable for everyone."
Ultherapy™ is a new type of nonsurgical cosmetic procedure for achieving skin reminiscent of an earlier time. The Ulthera® System is used by physicians and their specially certified staff to precisely deliver acoustic sound waves deep into the skin to thermally initiate the body’s own rejuvenative mechanisms. This is done with the help of acoustic imaging for seeing the layers of soft tissue before treating. This novel ultrasound combination promises to set a new standard in the aesthetics industry.
Clinical evaluation at Northwestern University has shown that one full face Ultherapy® treatment can produce significant and satisfying tightening and lift. Findings of three independent physician evaluators and quantitative assessment of photographs revealed that 9 of 10 treated subjects demonstrated clinically significant eyebrow lift at 90 days, resulting in less hooding and a more open look to the eyes. Subjects reported firmer, tighter skin in other areas of the face and an overall refreshed appearance as well.
