Before Facelift and Eyelid Lift                                       After Facelift and Eyelid Lift

            (Patient of Dr. Jeffrey Wisnicki, West Palm Beach, Florida)

Surgery does not have to mean a surgical appearance. The goal, of course, of any elective cosmetic procedure is to achieve a meaningful change without telltale signs of any intervention other than good healthy living.
Facelift and eyelid procedures can create an impressive rejuvenation, taking years off of someone’s visually apparent age. Scars are well camouflaged and as they mature over time typically become more difficult for even your hairdresser to make out. The procedure is customized to the individual’s needs to afford him or her the maximal benefit from the least amount of surgery. The facelift will generally include tightening of the neck as well as elevation and contouring of the jowls. Tissues beneath the skin are elevated to provide a more natural and longer lasting effect. Excess  skin is removed.

  

              Before Facelift and Eyelid Lift                                           After Facelift and Eyelid Lift

This patient was 72 years old and in good physical health at the time of her procedure. Her jawline and neckline improved significantly with the removal of fatty tissue and the softening of muscle bands. The entire process was carried out under a local anesthetic with sedation and performed as an outpatient. Most people do opt to recover in the comfort of their own home. Arrangements can always be made for a visiting nurse if one is desired.

Although more limited procedures including minimally invasive or non-invasive techniques may be offered, these will not achieve the results of the facelift. Other approaches, including volume restoration with a variety of fillers, may help enhance the final result.

Eyelid lifts or blepharoplasty are often done at the same time as the facelift. Removal of extra skin from the upper eyelids helps remove a “tired” appearance. Lower eyelid puffiness can also be addressed. This may require removal of bulging fat in this area.

Before blepharoplasty–

After blepharoplasty–

Chronological age is less important in determining who is a good candidate for these procedures then the person’s actual anatomy. There can be facial characteristics, such as a heavy neckline, that may be more a function of hereditary factors than the aging process. Variations of these approaches may be appropriate and create satisfying results in someone who might otherwise be considered “too young” for consideration. Similarly, advanced age may not be an obstacle to surgery if the person is in good health and is medically cleared.

  

                        Before facelift                                                                        After facelift

Recovery from the facelift is not generally a difficult experience. You will be up and around right away although you will be instructed to take it easy and avoid any exertional activity, particularly over the first couple of weeks. There is not usually much pain associated with the procedure and prescriptions will be provided to help with any. You will be seen a day or two after surgery in the office and dressings will be removed at that time. Return to work depends on the individual and the nature of the work but is usually one to two weeks.