Face lifts are performed to restore and rejuvenate appearance. Over the course of time there are characteristic changes that occur to our facial anatomy. The soft tissue over the cheek bones descends, often creating a slight hollow area under the lower eyelids and the soft tissues of the lower face descend obscuring the jaw line by forming the jowls. This descent of the facial soft tissue can also produce a hollow, or gaunt, appearance to the face. At the same time, laxity of the neck occurs to a varying extent. During facial surgeries, Dr. LeTard uses the opportunity to restore facial anatomy. Among his goals is returning the soft tissues of the face and neck to a more youthful position. It is this emphasis on restoring youthful anatomy that allows Dr. LeTard to identify and rejuvenate each patient's features in a most natural way.

Types of Face Lift Procedures

The Mini Lift (Short scar face lift, S-lift) is a less invasive procedure with a shorter recovery time than the traditional face lift. It is an ideal procedure for women who are just starting to note deepening lines on their face, sagging of the skin over their lower face and jaw line, and perhaps some laxity of their neck. An example of a good candidate for this procedure may be a woman who is seeing these changes but who does not wish to wait until it is very noticeable to do something about it. It is also useful as a secondary procedure for women who have had a face lift years previously and are now starting to again see the effects of gravity. During a Mini-Lift, an incision is placed inconspicuously within the ear and the hair just above it. An additional short incision may be placed under the chin. Through these, Dr. LeTard elevates the facial tissues and tightens the neck, supporting the tissues with the underlying musculature.

A Full Face Lift is the procedure for women who have significant laxity of the soft tissues of their face and neck. It has a longer incision which Dr. LeTard places very inconspicuously. When performing these procedures, Dr.

LeTard very effectively restores the tissues to where they were earlier in life, supports these tissues by tightening the underlying lax muscles, and does so in a way that does not leave the typical signs of a face lift.

What these three techniques have in common is they allow for excess skin to be removed, for the soft tissues of the face and neck to be repositioned, and for lax muscles to be tightened. A face lift may also be combined with other facial procedures such as eyelid surgery or a brow lift.

Combined Procedures

As one portion of the face changes with time there are typically other areas that are affected as well. In fact the upper face usually shows signs of aging before the lower face. The typical changes which occur in the upper face affect the lower eyelids, the upper eyelids, and descent of the forehead and eye brows. It is particularly the descent of the brows which creates a tired appearance. Dr. LeTard often performs surgery to restore these areas at the same time as a face lift to maintain a harmonious facial appearance.

Recovery

Recovery following facial surgery varies from patient to patient and also depends upon the extent of the procedure. As with any surgery, there is always swelling, and often some bruising, that develops. Bruises usually resolve in 7 to 10 days and much of the swelling subsides within the first 2 weeks. The surgery is not particularly uncomfortable. Most patients will spend the first week following surgery resting. During the second week, patients will start to resume some light activities. During the third week, patients often resume work and begin to go out socially. Exercise can be resumed 4 to 6 weeks following surgery.

Results

While there is always swelling that develops following a face lift, some of the benefits of the procedure can be seen right away. As the swelling subsides, the results become more apparent. The jaw line and neck are restored and a youthful fullness is returned to the face. Patients often describe their new appearance not just as younger, but also as more refreshed. While a face lift does not stop the clock, it can turn back the hands of time. And that change is permanent. Whether a patient may choose to have a second face lift depends in great part on their individual characteristics. A face lift typically lasts at least 8 to 10 years.

Follow Up

Dr. LeTard and his staff at Plastic Surgery Consultants are committed to his patients' care and well being. Following each face lift procedure, Dr. LeTard sees his patients on a regular basis and continues to follow their progress for an extended period. The staff are also available to patients for any future needs they may have.