Why a Face Lift Surgery
 Over time, gravity, sun exposure, and daily stresses can take their toll on your face. You may see deep creases develop between the nose and mouth (called the nasolabial folds); the jaw line grows slack and jowly; folds and fat deposits appear around the neck.
Although no one can stop this natural aging process, a face lift can "turn back the hands of time,” diminishing the visible signs of aging by elevating your facial fat, tightening underlying muscles, and re-draping the skin of your face and neck.
You are a good candidate for a facelift if:
Your face and neck have begun to sag, but your skin still has some elasticity and you have a strong and
well-defined bone structure.
You are in your in your forties to sixties or even seventies or eighties.
A facelift can make you look younger and rejuvenated, and it may enhance your self-confidence in the process.
Your Face Lift Consultation
At your face lift surgery consultation, Dr. Steely will examine and evaluate your face, the elasticity of your skin, and your bone structure. Dr. Steely will also check for medical conditions that could cause problems during or after the procedure, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting issues, or any tendency you may have in forming excessive scars. Be sure to tell Dr. Steely if you smoke or are taking any drugs or medications, especially aspirin or other drugs that affect clotting
He will discuss your goals and propose a surgical solution that will come as close to meeting them as is possible. In addition to the face lift, Dr. Steely may also recommend a combination with other procedures such as a brow lift, neck lift, or eyelid surgery to achieve the best overall proportional balance.
Dr. Steely will explain in detail all the techniques he will use, the anesthesia, the surgery facility, and the risks and costs. Make sure to ask him any questions you may have, and voice your expectations and concerns about the final results.
Preparing for Your Face Lift Surgery
 Dr. Steely will give you complete instructions on how you should prepare for your face lift surgery. These will include guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. By carefully following these instructions, you will help your surgery go more smoothly.
If your hair is very short, you might want to let it grow out before surgery, so that it's long enough to hide the iincisions while they heal.
You should arrange transportation for after surgery and have someone help you out for a day or two at home, if needed.
Your Face Lift Surgery
Face lift surgery usually takes several hours-or somewhat longer if you're having multiple procedures. For extensive procedures, Dr. Steely may schedule two separate sessions.
Where Dr. Steely places the incisions and the sequence of steps followed depends on your facial structure.
Dr. Steely begins with incisions above the hairline at the temples, extends them in a natural line in front of the ear (or just inside the cartilage at the front of the ear), and continues behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. If undergoing neck rejuvenation, he may make a small incision under the chin.
In general, Dr. Steely separates the skin from the fat and muscle below. He may trim fat or suction it from around the neck and chin to improve the contour. Dr. Steely then tightens the underlying muscle and tissue, pulls the skin back, and removes the excess. He will use stitches to secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions.
Dr. Steely may place a temporary drainage tube under the skin behind your ear to drain any fluid that might collect there, and he may also wrap your head loosely in bandages to minimize swelling and bruising.
After Your Face Lift Surgery
You should not experience any significant discomfort after surgery; if you do, Dr. Steely will prescribe
pain medication.
Expect some numbness of the skin that will disappear in a few weeks or months.
You should keep your head elevated for a couple of days after surgery; this
will speed your recovery.
If you have a drainage tube inserted, it will be removed one or two days after surgery.
If Dr. Steely has used any bandages, he will usually remove them after one to five days.
Dr. Steely will remove your stitches after about five days.
Your scalp may take longer to heal so Dr. Steely may leave the hairline stitches in for a few days longer.
You should be up and about after a day or two, but plan to relax and get plenty of rest for the first
week post surgery.
Avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks (walking and mild stretching are fine)
Since your skin will be tender and numb, be very gentle with your face and hair.
Most patients are back at work about ten days to two weeks after surgery.
If needed, you can use special camouflage makeup to mask most bruising that remains.
Dr. Steely will keep you informed and as comfortable as possible at every step of your face lift surgery, from consultation to the final new you.
Call 713-622-6500 or email Dr. Steely for a complimentary initial appointment or for more information relating to the eyelid surgery and/or browlift. |
