Face Lift and Eye Brow Information

Facelift, Neck Lift, and Browlift

The purpose of aesthetic surgery is to help you look as good as possible. If you expect a transforming miracle from surgery, you will unquestionably be disappointed. Plastic surgery is a combination of art and science. It is not an exact science. Some of the factors involved in producing the final results (such as the healing process) are not entirely in the control of either the surgeon or the patient. It is therefore impossible to guarantee or warranty the results. However, the surgical results from facial and brow surgery are more predictable in some patients than in others. This is determined by such factors as physical condition of the face and brow, number and type of wrinkles, heredity, underlying bone structure, hormonal influences, skin elasticity and other factors.

Surgery intended to improve sagging skin or wrinkles leaves scars. Despite what you may have read or heard, all surgical scars are permanent and cannot be erased. The job of the plastic surgeon is to place scars in the natural lines of the face where they are less noticeable and more easily camouflaged, if necessary, by makeup or hairstyle. While such scars are permanent, they rarely cause any trouble.

Duration of the Surgical Results

Plastic surgery of the forehead/brow, face and neck retards the aging process. It "turns back the clock", but it does not stop it. It is not a simple matter of one day looking in the mirror and discovering that all of a sudden your face has aged. How soon you want or require another operation is highly individualized. In general, face and neck lifts may need to be redone in seven to ten years. Most patients at this point in time are considerably younger looking than they would have been had they not had their first surgical procedure. A small number of patients are encountered who, for one reason or another, age more rapidly so that another operation may be desired in a shorter period of time. Of course, there are some patients who never require it again. After evaluating your particular situation, Dr. Lomax, our plastic surgeon, will be able to give you a better idea of the average expected longevity of results from your surgery. In general, browlift surgery lasts longer than a facelift and the younger you are the longer lasting the results.

Complications

Complications can occur from any type of surgery. Those that occur in cosmetic facial surgery are most often minor in nature. The most common complication after facial surgery is a hematoma. A hematoma is a collection of blood under the skin. In about 2% of individuals this collection of blood must be removed in the immediate postoperative period. This would require an additional operation. Small hematomas can occur more frequently, but require either no treatment or simple aspiration in the office. Additional complications which can occur include asymmetry or residual excess skin and wrinkles, infection, adverse scar or keloid formation, loss of sensation to the face, ears or scalp, facial muscle paralysis secondary to facial nerve injury, skin ulceration or skin loss secondary to poor blood supply, and hair loss (temporary or permanent) when the incision is placed within the hair of the scalp or neck. It is our obligation to inform you of the possibility, although rare, of these complications not to alarm or frighten you, but to make sure you are well informed.

Preoperative Photographs

Preoperative medical photographs show your face in every detail. They help Dr. Lomax in evaluating your face as he studies them before surgery. This is particularly important as most people have asymmetry of the face. Although in some patients he corrects this asymmetry during surgery, in others there is a desire to maintain this asymmetry as it may serve as a positive feature which projects individuality or character for a given person. Dr. Lomax will discuss your particular situation with you during your consultation.

Anesthesia

Either local or general anesthesia can be used. Sedation is always given when local anesthesia is used. The combination of light general anesthesia and local anesthesia is also excellent. Dr. Lomax will select the anesthetic method that he feels is best for your specific situation.

The Operation

The operation is performed in our day surgical facility with a skilled anesthesiologist in attendance. The actual surgical time will vary depending on the amount of surgery necessary for each patient. A face or neck lift usually requires about 2 1/4 - 3 hours of surgery, a browlift 1 1/2 hours and eyelid surgery 1 hour.

Bandages

Dr. Lomax rarely utilizes any bandages on the face or neck. Bandages do not minimize swelling or prevent infection and they tend to be hot and cumbersome, as well as unsightly. He usually does not utilize any drains beneath the skin either, as it has been demonstrated that drains do not prevent hematomas and are uncomfortable.

Pain

Most patients do not have significant pain following a facelift or browlift. Swelling can be quite marked in the first two days and should not alarm you. Ice compresses for 48 hours will help. The forehead and neck can feel very "tight" initially following the procedure. As the swelling decreases, this tight feeling usually resolves within a week. Any pain or discomfort is easily relieved with analgesics. We will make sure that you are taken care of in this regard.

Stitch Removal

The stitches used in this type of surgery will all dissolve on their own and do not require removal. Occasionally, a single stitch above and one behind the ear (face or necklift) is removed two weeks after surgery. If a browlift is performed through an incision within the hair of the scalp, staples may be used. These are removed painlessly 1-2 weeks after surgery. If the incision is at the hairline, these stitches will all self-absorb. It is important that you remain in Illinois for two weeks after surgery, so that I can be sure you are healing as expected following your surgery.

Makeup/Hair Care

The night prior to surgery, you should thoroughly wash your face and hair. On the day of surgery you should not wear any makeup, moisturizer or apply hairspray or styling gel/lotion.

You may shower 48 hours after surgery, including washing your hair. Makeup may be applied 48 hours after surgery, as well, but should not be applied directly on the scars until the stitches have dissolved. When styling your hair immediately after surgery, a large-toothed comb should be used gently. When using a hairdryer or curling iron immediately after surgery, you must remember that areas adjacent to the incisions may not have normal sensation making your scalp more susceptible to a burn injury. Extra caution is therefore advised. You may have your hair cut and styled as early as one week following surgery. Tinting/coloring or perming of the hair may be done three weeks following the surgery or up to (but not less than) three weeks before surgery.

The Postoperative Period

You must remember that before you see the improvement you are expecting, you will go through a standard postoperative period in which you will look quite swollen and bruised. This will be followed by another period of time when you may look strange to yourself (this varies considerably with each individual). In some patients there is a temporary period of slight emotional depression immediately following the surgery while you are anxiously awaiting your final results. This is quite normal and should not alarm you. Fortunately, this period usually passes rather quickly. Most patients are quite presentable as early as two weeks following surgery if camouflage makeup is utilized to cover any residual bruising and scars. By three to four weeks following surgery, little residual evidence of your surgery will remain.