Face Lift in Elmhurst, IL, Facelift Chicago Illinois

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

As people grow older , the natural aging process, genetic influences, exposure to the sun and other factors cause the skin to wrinkle and sag. In the younger individual, the face is firm and smooth due to fatty tissue directly beneath the skin. The tissue, which fills out the contours of the face gives it an even, rounded appearance. As an individual ages, the skin begins to sag and fit more loosely. Skin folds become more prominent, particularly around the chin, on the jaw line, and on the neck.

In recent years, a remarkable procedure, rhytidectomy or facelift, has been developed to correct these conditions and give people the youthful appearance they desire.

This procedure involves the tightening of facial and neck skin and muscles, and the removal of excess skin. Often a rhytidectomy is done in conjunction with other facial cosmetic surgeries such as brow and forehead lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), chin augmentation, and liposuction. A facelift can be performed any time after signs of aging appear. Often more conservative methods, such as laser resurfacing, are no longer valuable for that particular patient.

Before Surgery:

Prior to surgery, a medical history of the patient is taken in order to evaluate the general health of the patient. A careful examination is also conducted. Dr. Barsky and the patient discuss together how the face should look and what results can realistically be expected. The goal of the surgery is to produce a pleasing natural appearance. Photographs are taken before and after surgery. The type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, and possible risks and complications are also discussed by Dr. Barsky and the patient.

Preoperative instructions will include the elimination of certain drugs containing aspirin for several weeks before surgery, in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. Antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent infection. Patients will be instructed to shampoo their hair the night before surgery.

The surgery will be performed in Dr. Barsky's office, a certified outpatient surgical facility. It will be done under general anesthesia with the patient asleep. Premedication is usually administered to relax the patient.

In the basic procedure, Dr. Barsky works on one side of the face at a time. Incisions are made inside the hairline at the temple, running in front of the ear, around the earlobe and behind the ear, ending in the hair of the scalp. Loose skin is separated from underlying tissue and is pulled up and back and excess skin is removed. Connective tissue and sagging muscles are tightened, and in some cases, fat deposits are removed from beneath the chin and neck. This may necessitate an additional small incision under the chin. Tiny sutures are used to close the incisions. A rhytidectomy may take from three to five hours or more, depending on whether other procedures are done at the same time.

After Surgery, loose bandages which are applied to the area are removed within a few days. Pain connected with the surgery is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medication. Dr. Barsky determines when sutures are removed. This may be done in stages in order to minimize scarring. Scars from the incisions fade significantly with time and are, for the most part, inconspicuous because they are made within natural creases. Swelling and discoloration disappear in a week or two. Swelling can be reduced by keeping the head in a slightly elevated position when reclining.

For several weeks after surgery, patients are advised to avoid the sun as much as possible, and to wear sunscreen when going out of doors. Healing is gradual and final results may not be apparent for several weeks. In most cases, a single procedure achieves the desired results. In some cases, additional procedures may be indicated. All patients who have had a facelift are delighted with their more attractive, rested appearance.

Each year thousands of rhytidectomies are successfully performed. Complications connected with this surgery are rare. Patients can minimize complications by carefully following directions given by Dr. Barsky.

If you are interested in learning more about facelifts, please contact our office and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Face lift