Facelift Houston (Rhytidectomy)
Dr. Anthony Nikko, Board Certified Dermatologist and Cosmetic Surgeon in Houston, has been correcting wrinkles, heavy lines on the forehead, sagging skin, laxity in the jowls and neck for over a decade. Unfortunately the skin aging process begins to show after prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, environmental damage from pollution and pesticides, neglecting preventative skin care treatments, and the natural aging process. A facelift, also known as a Rhytidectomy, can help restore the face to a natural, more youthful appearance. Looking younger can improve self-esteem and used along with a healthy diet and exercise program to develop a better lifestyle. A facelift is one of the most requested procedures in the United States among adults.
What type of result can I expect from a facelift procedure?
If you have been considering a facelift to reverse the signs of aging and the damage from our environment, you can expect a dramatic reduction in the size and depth of lines and wrinkles on the face. Cosmetic fillers, such as Botox®, in conjunction with a facelift can also be helpful in reducing the deep forehead wrinkles and labial fold lines around the nose and mouth. Although the incisions made for a facelift are hidden back in your hairline, the visible signs of aging in the upper face may remain. A facelift provides an overall lift to the lower third of your face by tightening loose skin in the jowls, neck, and jaw line. A facelift alone will not remove forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet or bags under the eyes.
What can I expect to learn about a facelift procedure at my consultation with Dr. Nikko?
During your facelift consultation, Dr. Nikko will discuss your particular facial characteristics, your expectations and the probable outcome of your surgery. You will be shown several before and after photographs of patients with similar facial concerns. With your consent, before and after photos may be taken for documentation of your restored facial features.
How does a facelift technique improve the overall look of the face?
A facelift procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, however, depending on the patient, a local anesthetic can be used. In a facelift procedure Dr. Nikko will make the incisions in the natural crease of the facial skin and will begin your facelift inside the hairline, in the temple area above and forward of the ear. It continues inside the ear, or in front of the ear around the earlobe and behind the ear. The skin is lifted outward and Dr. Nikko tightens and repositions the underlying muscles and tissues. During this time, excess skin and fat deposits may be removed. The incision is then closed with fine sutures and/or clips. A facelift can take between two to four hours depending on the extent of the procedure.
How long can I expect my facelift to last?
Every patient is different, some relaxation of facial tissues will occur during the first few weeks. Your lifestyle choices, including diet and exercise, bone structure, skin type, sun exposure and heredity all play a role in determining how long a facelift will last. In general, younger patients enjoy longer-lasting results from a facelift. If you are in your 40s, the effects may last up to ten years. If you are in your 60s, your facelift results may last five to seven years.
What is the recovery from a facelift surgery?
During the recovery process, facelift surgery patients can expect bruising and swelling that persist for a few days. Dressings are applied to hold tissue in place during the healing process. The bandages are removed a few days following surgery. Pain is controlled with oral medication. After the ambulatory procedure patients can go home, take a shower and wash their hair. Sutures may be removed in stages to minimize scarring. Healing is a gradual process. Within two weeks, patients usually feel comfortable wearing make-up and among strangers. After three weeks, you will look and feel confident enough to go out with friends again. However, it does take various weeks to recover and resume normal social activities. Direct sun and strenuous exercise should be avoided during the healing process.
All cosmetic enhancement procedures are not covered by insurance carriers; patients are financially responsible for any cosmetic procedures of their choice. If you are considering a makeover and you are a good candidate for a facelift, schedule your consultation with Dr. Nikko today.
