Face Lift
With age, the skin loses its elasticity and turgor, leading to excess skin on the face. Dr. El Hachem explains that the force of gravity, acts pulling the excess skin down, causing deepen of the creases between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds), and other skin marks.
Adding to all of this, the muscles of the face, after years of movement will form wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes and other areas.
The combination of these changes will lead to the appearance of aging. The lifting of the face aims to reverse this process by acting on some muscles and removing the excess skin, without modifying the features and expressions of the patient. The result required is a younger face, harmonious and of natural look.
Rhytidectomy or Facelift (face surgery)
Indication:
Presence of wrinkles, sagging and excess skin on the face.
Anesthetic type:
General.
Length of stay:
24 hours.
Postoperative:
Compressive dressing and drain are removed after 24 hours. It is common to have edema (swelling) and ecchymosis (bruising), which usually resolve within 7 to 10 days. Recovery is painless, sensitivity in the operated area will be reduced for a certain period, with full recovery occurring over time. Avoid sun exposure for 30 days at least, it is important to use sun blockers up to 6 months after surgery.
Complications:
Adequate preoperative preparation is essential to avoid them. Although uncommon, include: hematoma, dehiscence (opening points), healing abnormalities, infection, nerve injuries and anesthetic problems .
It is important to note that all complications are more common in smokers; it is essential to quit smoking for at least 14 days before surgery.
Definitive result:
The final result is achieved after 6 months., as this is the time for scar maturation.
Postoperative: Plastic surgery on the face – Rhytidectomy – Facelift
1) How will the scars disappear?
Cosmetic surgery aims to improve the appearance of sagging, wrinkles, furrows, etc., thus giving a facial rejuvenation. The scars become less visible with time. Makeup and hairstyles perfectly mask the inconvenience created by the recent scars. In addition, each patient behaves differently from each other relatively to the development of scars and may even, in certain cases, become invisible. Despite this warning, many patients often forget the details transmitted during the initial consultation by Dr. El Hachem and start to be concerned specifically with the presence of scars in the immediate postoperative period. Pruritus (itching), burning or numbness may possibly occur on the scars. This will be temporary and tend to disappear.
2) How long do the result of Facelift last for?
The surgery will rejuvenate of the face, neck and eyelids. It slows but does not stop the evolutionary process of the body. The patient will continue aging with time, but from a younger look.
3) Is there a risk in this operation?
Rarely facial rejuvenation surgery causes serious complications. However, being a surgical procedure, some may occur occasionally such as hematoma, hypertrophic scars or keloids (for predisposition of the patient), infection.
4) Are pre and post-operative photographs important?
Of course; Dr. El Hachem agrees that the only way to evaluate the result obtained by the face lift is the comparison between the pre and postoperative, performed under identical photographic conditions in these two periods..
5) What type of anesthesia is used for the operation?
Both general anesthesia and local anesthesia with sedation is used. The end result is the same.
6) How long does the surgery last?
It depends largely on the surgery location (to include eyelids, forehead, neck) and the technique used. It can take between 2 and 6 hours. Being a surgical procedure, the absolute time ceases to matter, because some cases require greater time at certain stages of surgery. What matters is the result obtained and not the time of surgery.
7) How long is the hospital stay?
24 hours.
8) Are dressings used?
Yes. The large bandage is removed around the first 24 hours .
9) Are the eyes occluded postoperatively?
Generally, not. Dr. El Hachem only recommend the use of cotton compress soaked in cold water on the eyes, which can be removed as the patient desires. This decreases the intensity of edema (swelling) after surgery on the eyes.
10) Is there pain in the postoperative period?
Dr. El Hachem assures all patients that its very rare. The evolution of the facelift is usually painless. Occasionally some may feel slight pain, which may be perfectly sedated with common painkillers. A transient common skin insensitivity may follow. Sensitivity usually return gradually.
11) When are the stitches removed?
Most of the points of the eyelid is removed after 5 days. The remaining (face, neck, scalp), between 7 and 15 days.
12) When can makeup be used?
After 1 month .
13) When can I wash my hair?
Between the second and seventh postoperative day the hair can be washed (with some care). Dry them using a manual-dryer with slightly heated air. Dyes should only be used after one month.
14) How is the post-operative evolution of Facelift?
You should not forget that, until it reaches the desired result, several phases are characteristic of this type of surgery. Edema (swelling), “spots” of blood infiltration, hypersensitivity in some areas, insensitivity of others, are common to all patients; of course, some patients present these phenomena with less intensity than others. Hopefully you are in this group. If not, do not worry. Dr. El Hachem asks you to take your time, your body will take care of resolving all these little problems that invariably call the attention of some strange person who does not refrain from saying: “Were there any complications? Will this disappear?” Clearly, any concern on your part will be transmitted to Dr. El Hachem. He will give necessary explanations for your tranquility.
A short period of “emotional depression” may occur in the early days, due to the transitory aspect. This is temporary and usually comes from “anxiety to be reaching the final result as soon as possible.” Be patient. Remember that any results of facial cosmetic surgery should not be evaluated before 3 months postoperatively. The end result is achieved after only 6 months.
Face lift – Rhytidectomy – Facelift | Plastic surgery
Information on Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery on the face – Rhytidectomy – Facelift
Preoperative recommendations by Dr. El Hachem:
1) Arrive to indicated hospital, prior to the scheduled operative date.
2) Wash your hair the day before the operation with an antiseptic shampoo.
3) Follow the instructions of the hospital.
4) Communicate with Dr. El Hachem until at least two days before the operation, in case of flu or illness.
5) Do not apply makeup on the day of admission.
6) Avoid smoking for 30 days before surgery because smoking is directly related to operative complications.
7) Fast eight (8) hours before the scheduled time of surgery.
8) Avoid any medication containing acetylsalicylic acid ( aspirin etc) or any medication with anticoagulant effect at least fifteen (15) days prior to surgery.
Postoperative Recommendations:
1) Apply cotton swabs soaked in cold saline over the eyes several times a day during the first two days.
2) Normal diet
3) Avoid the sun, wind and cold for 90 days.
4) Closely follow the prescribed medication.
5) Avoid any medication containing acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin, etc) or any medication with anticoagulant effect at least fifteen (15) days after the surgery.