Face Lift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery
In Portland, OR From Dr. John S. Lee M.D.
Facelift Surgery
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to remove wrinkles and to decrease the signs of aging. During a face lift, excess fat and skin are removed. Dr. Lee’s face lift technique tightens the deeper muscles of the face to improve the contour of the face rather than just pulling on or lifting the skin which gives that windswept look. His results are very natural looking. In some cases, an additional treatment may be advisable to augment or complement the effects of the facelift. Dr. Lee does complementary fat injections as part of the facelift procedure. The fat injections can treat nasolabial folds ( area that extends from the nose to the corner of the mouth), the marionette lines (the area that extends from the corner of the mouth to the jawline), tear trough under the eyes, cheek area to give volume and the lips to give more fullness. Other cosmetic procedures commonly combined with face lift surgery include a brow lift and eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).
What are realistic expectations for a Facelift?
Facelift surgery can create a younger appearance and improve self-esteem. By removing excess skin, the procedure can result in significant wrinkle reduction. The effects of sun and wind damage can be diminished through face lift surgery, as well. Face lift surgery does not change skin texture and every wrinkle cannot be erased. Another cosmetic treatment may be necessary to achieve additional goals. Also, the aging process will continue after the surgery, meaning that even long-lasting results are not permanent. But we have often found that patients come back for a visit after 10 years and look better than ever!
Skin type and patient age influence the final results. Skin will continue to age after the procedure. Dr. Lee strives to make the scars as inconspicuous as possible. His technique to minimize visible scarring is to hide the incisions inside the ear so there is no scarring in front of the ear like you may see with other surgeons. The little visible scarring there fades with time. Patients should also understand and be prepared for the healing process, which will continue for several weeks beyond surgery. During that time, pain medication is usually required, and physical and social activity will be limited.
What is the process for Facelift surgery?
To begin the journey you will meet with Dr. Lee for a free consult. His consult days are generally Tuesdays and Thursdays. Allow for about 40 minutes. During the consult Dr. Lee will listen to all your concerns, do a thorough examination, answer your questions and offer you his recommendations. You will also be given a written quote after the consult.
If you decide to move forward with surgery his scheduling staff will find you a surgery day and then a preoperative appointment about two weeks before the surgery date where you will meet with the nurse and go over pre and post op instructions, sign consents, get prescriptions and make your final payment.
Surgery will be done either on premises at our fully accredited surgery center, NW Plastic Surgery Center where you will go under IV sedation, also known as twilight anesthesia or in some cases at CSS (Center for Specialty Surgery) an outside surgery center under general anesthesia. This will be decided at your consultation at the recommendation of Dr. Lee.
What is the recovery period for Facelift Surgery?
You will go home the same day as your surgery and then come back for a two day and then a one week post op appointment. Healing and follow up will continue. There will be bruising and swelling post operatively. Bruising usually take between 2-3 weeks to resolve but can be covered with heavy makeup at the 2 week mark. Swelling takes a little longer to be fully resolved. Dr. Lee recommends about three weeks optimally to be back out in the world looking fabulous.
What is the cost for a Facelift?
Dr. Lee does not take medical insurance for this procedure. You will be given a written quote at your consultation appointment which will include the following:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Anesthesia fees