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Vaishali B. Doolabh, M.D., F.A.C.S.
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Contemporary
Plastic Surgery |
4221
Southpoint Parkway
Jacksonville, Fl 32216 |
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Face Lift
(Rhytidectomy) |
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As people age the effects of
gravity, exposure to the sun, and the stresses of daily
life can be seen in their faces. Deep creases form
between the nose and mouth; the jaw line grows slack and
jowly; folds and fat deposits appear around the neck. A
face lift (technically known as rhytidectomy) can't stop
this aging process. What it can do is "set back the
clock," improving the most visible signs of aging by
removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and
re-draping the skin of your face and neck. A facelift
can be done alone, or in conjunction with other
procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, or
nose reshaping.
The Best Candidates For A Face Lift
The best candidate for a face lift is a man or woman
whose face and neck have begun to sag, but whose skin
still has some elasticity and whose bone structure is
strong and well-defined. Most patients are in their
forties to sixties, but a facelift can be successfully
performed on people in their seventies or eighties. |
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The Face Lift Procedure |
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A face lift usually takes several
hours—or somewhat longer if you're having more than one
procedure. For extensive procedures two separate
sessions may be scheduled. Dr. Doolabh moves back and
forth between the sides of the face. The exact placement
of incisions and the sequence of events depends on your
facial structure. Dr. Doolabh will discuss this with
you. Incisions for a face lift procedure usually begin
above the hairline at the temples, extend in a natural
line in front of the ear (or just inside the cartilage
at the front of the ear), and continue behind the
earlobe to the lower scalp. If the neck needs work, a
small incision may also be made under the chin.
In general, Dr. Doolabh separates the skin from the fat
and muscle below. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned from
around the neck and chin to improve the contour. Dr.
Doolabh then tightens the underlying muscle and tissue,
pulls the skin back, and removes the excess. Stitches
secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions;
metal clips may be used on the scalp.
Following surgery, a small, thin tube is temporarily
placed under the skin behind your ear to drain fluids
that might collect there. Dr. Doolabh will also wrap
your head loosely in bandages to minimize bruising and
swelling. |
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After The Face Lift Procedure |
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There isn't usually significant
discomfort after surgery; if there is, it can be
lessened with the pain medication prescribed. (Severe or
persistent pain or a sudden swelling of your face should
be reported to Dr. Doolabh immediately.) Some numbness
of the skin is quite normal; it will disappear in a few
weeks or months.
Keep your head elevated and as still as possible for a
couple of days after surgery, to keep the swelling down.
If you've had a drainage tube inserted, it will be
removed one or two days after your face lift surgery.
Bandages, when used, are usually removed after one to
five days. Don't be surprised at the pale, bruised, and
puffy face you see. Just keep in mind that in a few
weeks you'll be looking normal. |
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Getting Back
To Normal After Your Face Lift |
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You should be up and
about in a day or two, but plan on taking it easy for
the first week after surgery. Be especially gentle with
your face and hair, since your skin will be both tender
and numb, and may not respond normally at first. Dr.
Doolabh will give you more specific guidelines for
gradually resuming your normal activities.
They will likely to include these suggestions: Avoid
strenuous activity, including sex and heavy housework,
for at least two weeks (walking and mild stretching are
fine); avoid alcohol, steam baths, and saunas for
several months. Above all, get plenty of rest and allow
your body to spend its energy on healing. At the
beginning, your face may look and feel rather strange.
Your features may be distorted from the swelling, your
facial movements may be slightly stiff and you'll
probably be self-conscious about your scars.
Some bruising may persist for two or three weeks, and
you may tire easily. It's not surprising that some
patients are disappointed and depressed at first. By the
third week, you'll look and feel much better. Most
patients are back at work two weeks after surgery. If
you need it, special camouflage makeup can mask most
bruising that remains.. |
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What is a Mini
Facelift / Mid Face Lift? |
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As a person ages, the
effects of gravity and time cause a loss of elasticity
and sagging of the skin, especially deepening of the
smile lines and forming of marionette lines (vertical
lines that can form on either side of the mouth). When
these changes are still minimal (especially when the
person is in the late 30’s, or late 40’s), a mini face
lift can be performed to tighten and reposition the skin
producing a more rested, refreshed look. After a mini
face lift, patients will notice diminished smile lines
and diminished marionette lines. |
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What is the difference
between a Face Lift and a Mini Face Lift? |
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The incisions for a mini
face lift are smaller compared to a traditional face
lift. They begin in the hairline and extend along the
natural line in front of the ear and stop just behind
the earlobe. The mini face lift procedure is done more
quickly (usually only about 3 hours), and the recovery
time is also shorter (most patients are back to work in
a week).
With a mini face lift, only the isolated areas of the
mid section of the face (such as nasolabial folds) will
be addressed. For many patients who feel that these
isolated areas are the most significant, a mini face
lift is a great solution. On the other hand, a full face
lift will improve areas like the neck-chin angle, and
restore tighter jawline definition. While a mini face
lift rejuvenates the mid-face area (which is what the
term "Mid Face lift" refers to), a full face lift may be
suggested to patients with sagging or droopiness in the
jowl area, or to tighten up the neck muscles. |
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If you have any questions, or wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Doolabh, please call Contemporary Plastic Surgery today at
904.854.4800. |
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