Face Lift
Dr. Charles Slack, a preeminent plastic surgeon in Allen, Texas, understands the many feelings an individual may have regarding making a decision to undergo a facelift surgery. Whether the face lift is being considered for purely cosmetic (aesthetic) reasons or for a reconstructive purpose, a face lift is a procedure that can make a remarkable difference in one's appearance, and Dr. Slack can be trusted to achieve the natural-looking changes that an individual is seeking to revitalize their appearance.
As a surgeon certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Slack has the years of training and experience - plus the level of artistry - that ensure a gratifying face lift result for each patient. Please feel free to bring your questions and concerns about face lift procedures to Dr. Slack; he is happy to offer complimentary consultations for just such a purpose.
Why Get a Face Lift?
An individual's face, neck, and upper chest are often the first part of the body to show signs of:
- aging
- years of sun exposure
- smoking
- other lifestyle choices
- stress
When these factors have taken their toll, an individual may seek a "tune-up" in their looks by undergoing a face lift procedure. A face lift by Dr. Slack can tone the underlying tissues and muscles of the face and neck, remove excess, drooping skin, and smooth out wrinkles and creases in the skin that remains, to provide a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance. Many of Dr. Slack's face lift patients have been happy to report that their results "reflect how they truly feel" - renewed but "still the same person."
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Face Lift?
A good candidate for a cosmetic face lift:
- is a healthy adult man or woman whose face has developed flaws such as drooping, jowls, and sagging skin
- has realistic expectations regarding what a face lift can and cannot change in his or her life
- understands the process and recovery period required, and the benefits and risks of a facelift
In an initial consultation, Dr. Slack will perform a physical examination and take a medical history. He will examine a potential face lift patient's bone structure, skin qualities and the extent of changes that are desired and appropriate. He discusses each individual's goals with them in depth, and explains the face lift technique that is most appropriate based on decisions arrived at together.
Before a Face Lift
A person whose face lift has been scheduled with Dr. Slack will be given complete pre-operative instructions, including:
- guidelines regarding food and fluid intake before the surgery
- info about cessation of smoking at least two weeks prior to the surgery, and about medications and OTC drugs
- arranging to have a friend drive the patient home after the recovery period
- a full description of the recovery period, and the scheduling of post-op follow-up appointments
- a prescription for pain medication and an antibiotic
The Face Lift Procedure
Many different face lift techniques exist, and Dr. Slack gives each patient a full description of exactly what he will do in the face lift to be performed. Intravenous sedation (twilight) and general anesthesia are both available. A general rule is that incisions will be made in front of and/or behind the ears; they may extend into the scalp.
After the incisions are made, the deeper layers of the face can be lifted and repositioned. Muscle tightening, liposuction of the neck and/or jowls, and excision of excess skin may all be performed as necessary. Once all of the lifting techniques are completed, the incisions are closed.
After the surgery is completed, the patient may have surgical dressings and/or small drainage tubes temporarily inserted beneath the skin to drain away fluid that might accumulate. A patient may need to stay overnight in a hospital or may be able to return home the day of the surgery; Dr. Slack will determine this.
Recovery after Face Lift
The length of recovery time varies significantly from patient to patient. Dr. Slack and his staff monitor a patient's recovery very carefully, and patients receive detailed instructions on how best to help their recovery along, including information on:
- use of analgesic medication, ice packs, other medicines after a face lift
- the removal of surgical dressings and stitches
- avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke
- swelling, bruising, numbness or asymmetry and other temporary symptoms
- the resumption of normal physical activity
- the normal range of emotions and concerns after a face lift
Some degree of swelling for after a face lift is perfectly normal, and within a few weeks, the final results of a face lift will be apparent. The incision scars from a face lift will fade with time; it may take up to six months for them to fade completely, but they'll be placed as unobtrusively as possible and may never be seen, depending on a patient's unique anatomy.
Talk to Dr. Slack about a Face Lift
If you feel that a face lift may be appropriate for you, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Slack at his Allen, Texas offices to discuss your goals and concerns. He looks forward to speaking with you.