As people age, the effects of gravity, prolonged exposure to the sun and daily stresses of life can be seen in their faces. Pronounced creases form between the nose and mouth; the jaw line grows saggy which produces jowls; fat deposits appear around the neck and the skin becomes loose.
A facelift, also known as Rhytidectomy, can improve these visible signs of aging by the removal of excess fat, the tightening of underlying muscles, and the redraping of the skin of your face and neck. The procedure can also help to contour your lower jaw and jowls and soften lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth. While a facelift cannot stop the aging process itself, it can “set back the clock”, making you feel happier and more confident.

The Best Candidate

The best candidate for a facelift is one who exhibits the above mentioned signs of facial aging, but still has some elasticity in their skin and defined bone structure in their face. Generally, the surgery can be performed on a man or a woman in their 40’s to 60’s, although facelifts can be performed successfully on those well into their 70’s as well.
It is very important that you are in good overall medical health and above all, have realistic expectations of the surgery. A facelift can make you feel and look younger and fresher, however, it cannot give you a totally different look, nor can it restore the health and vitality of your youth. Before you decide to have a facelift, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your support network as well as Dr. Heddle.

The Office Visit

Facelifts are very individualized surgeries since each person ages in unique ways. During your initial consultation with Dr. Heddle, he will evaluate your face and neck, including the skin and underlying bone, and discuss your goals and expectations for the surgery.
Dr. Heddle will ask for a detailed medical history, including information that could cause complications during the surgery, such as, high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, diabetes, and liver/heart diseases. Be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke or are taking any drugs or medications. Also during this initial visit, Dr. Heddle will ask questions about your emotional and psychological outlook on the surgery. While the surgery is ultimately a deeply personal decision, help and advice is available for you, so feel free to ask questions and express your concerns.

Preparing for the Surgery

Dr. Heddle will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including what you should/should not eat and drink, smoking and avoiding certain vitamins and medications prior to the procedure. It is very important to follow these guidelines in order to make the surgery go smoothly.
You should wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of the procedure. A button down shirt that does not need to be pulled over your face is ideal.
Plan to have someone with you on the day of the procedure who can drive you home afterwards and stay with you for the first 48 hours.
An additional precaution is to set up a mini-recovery area in your home before the surgery. This recovery area may include: ice, clean towels, gauze, ointments or creams recommended by Dr. Heddle, magazines or books, a thermometer to check for fever and a supply of loose, comfortable clothing.

How the Surgery is Performed

The facelift procedure differs from patient to patient because each person has their own unique areas of concern and different facial structures. The length of the procedure can range from two to six hours, again, depending on the differing needs of the patient.

	Dr. Heddle will make the incisions in the area of natural creases on your face, which usually begin above the hairline at the temples, follow the line in front of the ear, curve behind the earlobe into the crease behind the ear, and into or along the lower scalp.
	The skin is separated from the fat and muscle that lie below it. The fat is then trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin for a more defined contour.
	The underlying muscle and membrane is tightened, the skin is pulled back and any excess skin is removed. In order to close the incisions, stitches are used to secure the layers of tissue.
	Due to the placement of the incisions, most of the scarring will be hidden in your hairline and in the natural creases and lines of your face.

Following the surgery, a small tube may be inserted behind your ear to collect any blood that may pool there. Also, Dr. Heddle may wrap your head in bandages to help reduce the resulting swelling and bruising.

After the Surgery

While the discomfort is relatively mild, you should expect one to three days of pain medication prescribed by Dr. Heddle. The swelling and bruising from the surgery will be mostly gone in two weeks for the large majority of patients, but can, however, last longer. Cheek numbness is expected and normal in facelift patients and can last up to several weeks. The bandages will be changed in one to two days after the surgery.
When the bandages are removed, don’t be too surprised by the face you see underneath. In the beginning it is very normal to feel that your face looks and feels different. Your features may look somewhat distorted from the swelling and your facial movements may be slightly stiff initially.
Generally by the third week, when the swelling and bruising have somewhat subsided, patients begin to see the results that they were seeking.

Getting Back to Normal

The chances are excellent that you will be very happy with your facelift results. Getting back to your normal life will take time however. Even after the swelling and bruises are mostly gone, your hair may be thin and your facial skin may have dry and rough patches. Men may find that they have new places to shave – behind the neck and ears – since the skin has been repositioned.
You will have some scars from the surgery, but they will mostly hidden by your hair and the natural creases of your face.
The duration of the results will last from five to ten years. You should be back to work within 10 to 14 days. More strenuous activity may be resumed within two weeks or more of the surgery. It is very important that you limit exposure to sun for several months. In addition, you should also follow all guidelines reviewed by Dr. Heddle.

While it is a very significant decision to have a facelift, the results can be life-changing. A facelift cannot set back the clock of aging, but it can give you the younger look that you are seeking. Be prepared to present the world with a new, fresher you.