Mid Face Lift Related Terms:
Aptos Face Lift, Aptos Neck Lift, Browlift, Cosmetic Surgery, Eyebrow Lift, Face Lift, Face Procedures, Facelift, Facelift, Facial Contour Alterations, Forehead Lift, Forehead Surgery, Lower Face Lift, Neck Lift, Plastic Surgery, Radiothermoplasty, Rhytidectomy, Thermacool, Thermage, Thermalift, Threadlift
A facelift or rhytidectomy is an operation that is performed to rejuvenate the face as it ages. Depending on the age of the patient and the amount of rejuvenation that is expected, the procedure may be more or less involved. Some patients have areas of the face that tend to be more of a concern to them than other areas. The face is generally divided into thirds, the upper, middle, and lower face. Depending on which of these areas may be the focus, a combination of these operations may be performed.
Incisions are made in the hairline and on the inside of the mouth.
The skin and underlying tissue is lifted off the bone from the mouth incisions to the hairline incisions using a specially designed blunt surgical instrument.
The cheeks are pulled up and suspended using internal sutures that will be tied just above the hairline. The sutures will serve to initially hold the tissue in place for the first 4-6 weeks. During this time the tissue will heal and reattach to the underlying skin and bone in the new location.
The incisions are closed with sutures or staples.
Extensive swelling may be present for a week. Many patients will notice an initial bunching of tissue around the eyes and/or more prominent wrinkles known as Crows Feet. This will correct itself during the healing process. It may take up to three months for final results.
The patient may be placed in a compression garment. Compression garments are an important part of the recovery process, keeping the tissue together, and providing comfort and support. Compression garments also minimize swelling by helping to prevent fluid buildup. The length that this may be applied will vary depending on the patient and the preference. Surgical drains may also be used to help remove excess fluid build-up. Bruising and swelling may last for two weeks. It may be a month or more before the patient can return to full activities.