(Follow your instructions carefully. Failure to do so could seriously affect the outcome of your surgery.)
|
|
|
|
|
Before Facelift
|
After Facelift
|
About Facelifts
Facelifts are performed as an outpatient procedure; however, the patient has the option to stay overnight for an additional charge. A full facelift includes the neck, cheeks and eyes (the upper and lower lids). Call us for more information about getting a facelift in Houston, TX.
The surgical incisions are made in the hairline, so it is necessary to shave the site -- usually about two inches up into the hair above the ears, about an inch wide and at the back of the neck about an inch up into the hairline. The incision behind the ears is done in the natural crease which minimizes detectable scars.
A facelift is done under general anesthesia and takes from about four to seven hours. Dr. Kelly has developed a technique for this procedure which minimizes facial bruising and swelling post-operatively and helps to speed recovery.
One of the most important components of most facelifts is the improvement of the lower jaw line. Dr. Kelly uses a fine facial cannula to suction the jaw line and also tightens the platysma muscles along the chin and neck which, if not tightened, will sag again. (If the patient’s only problem is a double chin, Dr. Kelly recommends liposuction -- submental lipectomy -- instead of a full facelift. This will not, however, remedy sagging skin.)
|
|
|
|
|
Before Facelift
|
After Facelift
|
The final results of a facelift may not be apparent for up to a year after the surgery. This is one operation where the results keep getting better with time. Dr. Kelly discusses what his patients might expect after the surgery, so they don’t develop unrealistic expectations. While patients will be able to notice some improvement right away, it takes about six weeks for the swelling to go away completely.
Following the surgery, Dr. Kelly places drains to help keep the swelling down and as an outlet for any fluid buildup. These are removed the day after surgery. The patient’s head is wrapped in a special dressing with an ace bandage to keep the site under compression, which must stay in place for one week. After eight days, the sutures will be taken out and the patient can apply makeup again. Dr. Kelly gives each patient a complimentary post-operative hair styling.
Go to Facelift Patient Instructions for additional information.
More Before & After Photos
