Rhytidectomy (Face Lift)

Surgically known as rhytidectomy, a face lift provides an almost instant and long-lasting remedy for facial sagging. Long considered a major surgical procedure, modern surgical and medical techniques have made the face lift a minimally invasive procedure. Utilizing the diamond laser scalpel from Clinicon, Dr. Chernoff has been able to significantly reduce bruising and swelling yielding a minimum recovery period. Not long ago, a face lift was considered by many to be reserved for movie stars and celebrities. Today, a face lift is not just for the rich and famous. It is one of the most well accepted and most frequently performed aesthetic surgical procedures in North America. Recent studies have shown that looking good has a direct correlation to higher pay. Today, baby-boomers from every walk of life are electing to have a face lift for aesthetic as well as economic reasons.

Click here to watch a real patient's facelift experience with Dr. Chernoff!

If you have been considering a face lift to reverse the signs of aging, you should understand what a face lift can and cannot do. Although the incisions made for a face lift are hidden back in your hair line, it does nothing to correct the visible signs of aging in the upper face. A face lift provides an overall lift to the lower third of your face and mid face by tightening the expression muscles under the skin, tightening loose skin in the jowls, neck, and jaw line. A face lift alone will not remove forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, or bags under your eyes. These areas can however be treated at the same time as your face lift with procedures to be mentioned shortly. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss your particular condition, your expectations, and the probable outcome of your various treatment options. You will be shown several before and after photographs of patients having similar conditions. We will explain the details of your procedure. Undergoing computer imaging is a valuable tool in considering the benefits of a face lift, as this enables our staff to show you what the realistic possibilities of this procedure are. The procedure which normally takes three to four hours, usually requires an overnight stay at our surgery center or cottage. Swelling and bruising has usually disappeared within ten to fourteen days. Although the remarkable results are obvious at this time, subtle changes continue to reveal themselves for the next six months. Full postoperative instructions are given and the best results are achieved if these are adhered to. Patients are advised to avoid exposure to the sun the to protect their skin with sunblock. Most can expect to resume normal activities within two weeks. While every patient must be considered individually, most report that a face lift reduces the appearance of aging by approximately ten years and gives a new lease of confidence and outlook.

THE PROCEDURE: A face lift procedure is typically performed in our outpatient surgical facility. Premedication is generally given to relax the patients. The procedure is usually performed under a twilight or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will operate on one side of your face at a time. The incision is placed in the natural crease of the facial skin and begins inside of the hair line, in the temple area about and forward of the ear. The incision then continues in front of the ear, around the ear lobe and behind the ear into the hair line. The skin is lifted outward and the surgeon tightens and repositions the underlying facial muscles and tissues. Excess skin and fat may be removed. The incision is then closed with fine stitches.

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