Dr. Amy Bandy Face Lift Procedure Before and After

Dr. Amy Bandy

Face Lift

Visit or call the Offices of Dr. Amy Bandy and learn more about the face lift procedure.

Cervicofacial rhytidectomy, or facelift surgery is performed to correct the changes which have occurred with the normal process of aging.  Facial skin can sag from natural aging, from weight loss, from the effects of smoking and sun exposure or other various reasons.  With a successful facelift, the tightening of the facial skin and supporting tissues can “turn back the clock” and provide a more youthful appearance.

The ideal candidate for a facelift is a person who is at or near their ideal body weight.  With strong bony features of the face, there is no need to augment the bone structure, however if you have a “weak chin” or small cheekbones, Dr. Bandy may discuss the options with you at the time of your consult, to consider a small implant to amplify these features.  The best patient for a facelift is a non-smoker and has not had a history of excessive sun exposure or skin cancer.  If you do smoke, you will be asked to refrain from smoking for at least three weeks prior to surgery to prevent possible complications.

In the individual who smokes, is overweight or who does not have prominent facial bones, you can still receive some benefit from a facelift if your expectations are realistic, however you may not have the ideal outcome as seen in the ideal patient.  Dr. Bandy will discuss the expectations with regard as to what you can expect with a facelift as it pertains to you individually.  Although a successful facelift can turn back the clock, no cosmetic procedure can permanently forestall the effects of aging.  Some patients will require additional procedures to achieve the results that they desire, such as a chemical peel or blepharoplasty or eyelid lift.  Other procedures that may benefit you are a browlift or laser skin resurfacing.

ANESTHESIA

A facelift is usually performed on an outpatient basis.  Although some patients prefer to stay at an aftercare facility, most go home the same day with a responsible friend or family member.  The procedure can be performed under a general anesthetic, or can be done with local anesthesia under IV sedation providing a “twilight sleep”.

THE OPERATION

A facelift requires an incision which starts in the temporal area and extends down in front of the ear, curving under and behind the ear and back into the hairline of the back of the head.  If a browlift is performed at the same time, the incision may continue over the top of your head to allow lifting of the forehead and eyebrows.  The skin is lifted and tightened and some of the supporting tissues deep to the skin may also be tightened.  In some instances, the incisions can be much smaller and the surgical dissection performed through very small incisions.  This is done when excess skin is not an issue.  Liposuction is sometimes done if there is excess fatty tissue under the skin of the neck or jawline.  Occasionally if there are noticeable muscle strands in the neck, another small incision is made under the chin so that Dr. Bandy can repair the muscles and provide a tighter neck and jawline.

POST-OPERATIVE COURSE

Swelling and bruising is to be expected and varies from person to person.  Typically the bruising is nearly or fully resolved in 10-14 days.  Sutures are removed at 3-5 days around the ears, and at about 10-14 days in the hairline.  It is extremely important that the newly rejuvenated skin be protected from the effects of the sun by wearing a wide brimmed hat and a SPF sunscreen of 20 or higher whenever going outside.  If you are considering a facelift procedure, an individual consultation with Dr. Bandy can provide you with valuable information that can help you decide what is best for you.

In addition to the current offices, Dr. Amy Bandy’s offices may one day expand to Fountain Valley, Laguna Niguel, New York City, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, San Jose, Detroit, Jacksonville, Indianapolis, San Francisco, Columbus, Austin, Memphis, Fort Worth, Baltimore, Charlotte, El Paso, San Francisco, Columbus, Austin, Memphis, or Fort Worth Texas.  More information regarding her practice is coming soon on this site.  Check back soon for updates.