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What is a facelift? |
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 A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that smoothes and tightens the loose skin and wrinkles of the face and neck and lifts the jowls of the jawline. |
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At what age should I consider a facelift? |
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There is no specific age limit for a facelift, but most people begin to notice loose skin in their 40’s. People in their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s can be candidates, as long as they are in good health. |
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Who is a good candidate for a facelift? |
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Someone with deep wrinkles of the cheeks, a sagging jawline, and/or loose skin or wrinkles in the neck is a good candidate. The best results appear on a person who has thin skin and is at a stable weight. The person should be a non-smoker and be in good health. Smokers can be done if they totally discontinue all tobacco use for at least 6 months prior to surgery, but if they have smoked for several years, their risks for wound complications are still higher than non-smokers. Candidates considering this or any surgical procedure must avoid using all aspirin products for a minimum of three weeks prior to surgery. |
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Who is not a candidate for a facelift? |
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Someone who is a smoker, has high blood pressure, diabetes or other systemic disease is not a good candidate. The person should not be overweight or planning to lose any more weight. |
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Will a facelift improve my eyes, forehead, or nasolabial folds? |
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These areas are not responsive to the facelift, but there are other procedures you can discuss with Dr. Guerriere which you may benefit from, such as an eyelift (blepharoplasty) of the upper and lower lids, a forehead lift, facial implants or Botox treatments. |
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How is a facelift performed? |
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Dr. Guerriere performs the traditional technique for a facelift. The incision starts in the scalp, at the temples, extends around the front of the ear following the natural line of the ear, into the tragus, and around the earlobe ending behind the ear in the lower scalp. The skin is then lifted up and back, smoothing out the wrinkles and looseness. The excess skin is removed and sutures are applied. Dr. Guerriere may use staples to close some areas of the wound, and drains are used in the lower part of the incision for 1-2 days after surgery to remove excess fluid build-up. |
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When are the sutures removed? |
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The sutures in front of the ears are removed in 5-7 days, and the sutures or staples behind the ear (in the scalp) are removed at about 10 days. |
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Are the scars visible? |
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The only visible scars are in front of the ear, which can be covered with makeup as soon as sutures are removed. Everyone’s skin heals differently; therefore, it is impossible to tell if your scar will be visible. The other incisions are covered by your hair. If you normally wear your hair in a very short style, you may want to let your hair grow slightly longer before surgery to cover the scars as they heal. Scars must be blocked from sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 6 months, or until the pink color fades; if the scar is exposed to sun it will be a permanent red or brown stain. |
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Is the surgery painful? |
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 There is not much pain associated with facelifts, but you will be uncomfortable for the first few days. Dr. Guerriere will prescribe pain medication for you as needed. |
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What are the risks? |
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As with any surgical procedure, there are risks of infection, hematoma (blood accumulation under the skin), nerve injury (causing permanent numbness), or anesthesia complications, but these are rare. More common risks are irregular lumps and bumps, which may require another surgery and cannot be predicted.
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How long is the recovery? |
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Your face will be bruised and swollen, so you will want to prepare to stay at home for 5-7 days. You can wear makeup as soon as the sutures are removed. Most people feel ready to return to work in 5-7 days. Some patients take may take longer to recover. |
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What are my restrictions after surgery? |
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As with any major surgery, there are several restrictions to abide by to obtain the best result.
- You cannot lift anything over five pounds for 4 weeks.
- You should avoid hanging your head down for 4 weeks, as well as no strenuous exercise for 6 weeks.
- No aspirin, aspirin products, ibuprofen, herbal products, or blood thinners for 2-3 weeks.
- Sunscreen should be worn at all times for 6-8 months until the scar has turned to a fine white line, and 3-4 months over any areas which may have been bruised.
- You should sleep with your head elevated for 3-4 days post-op, and you must sleep on your back for 4 weeks. If you need to sleep on your side, you may put a very soft pillow under your face. Sleeping in a recliner may be more comfortable for you.
- You will see Dr. Guerriere the day after your surgery. He will remove your dressings and you may then shower and wash your hair. Avoid scrubbing vigorously 2-3 weeks after surgery
- Many patients benefit from the use of Vitamin E (800 units/ day) to promote healing following surgery. This should not be started until 2-3 weeks post-op, as Vitamin E can cause bleeding, leading to the formation of a hematoma. Do not use Vitamin E prior to surgery.
To extend the life of your facelift, sunscreen should be worn every day under your makeup and smoking should be avoided altogether. |
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Is there anything I should do to prepare for my surgery? |
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 There are a few things that you can do to make your surgery more successful.
- Stop taking all medications which may cause bleeding such as aspirin, ibuprofen, herbal products, Vitamin E, etc.
- Discontinue smoking at least six months before surgery.
- Use skincare products prescribed by Dr. Guerriere to smooth the top layers of skin for 3 months pre-op.
- Make arrangements to have care given after your surgery.You should not be left alone for the first 24 hours.
- The night before and the morning of surgery, shower and wash your hair with an anti-bacterial soap such as Dial or Lever.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the eve of your surgery.
If you are not sure about something, ASK!!! Dr. Guerriere encourages his patients to ask any and all questions prior to and after surgery. He is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (813)960-4484. |
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