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Bi-vectored, 2 layer lift
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As people age, the effects of gravity, exposure to sun, and the stresses of daily life can be seen in their faces. Deep creases between the nose and the mouth appear, the jaw line grows slack and folds and fat deposits appear the about the face and neck. The face-lift procedure, known as rhytidectomy, can't stop the aging process, but it can "set back the clock" by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and naturally redraping the skin of your face and neck. The face-lift can be done alone or in conjunction with other procedures, such as: the forehead-lift, eyelid surgery, laser surgery, or nose reshaping. The best candidate for a face-lift is a person whose face and neck have begun to sag, but whose skin still has some elasticity and whose bone structures are strong and defined. Face-lifts are performed upon patients of all ages. Face-lifts can make you look younger and fresher, enhancing your self-confidence in the process. It cannot give you a totally different look, nor can it restore the health and vitality of your youth. Dr. Burt Greenberg urges patients to think carefully about their expectations and discuss them with him thoroughly. PLANNING YOUR SURGERYDuring your initial consultation, Dr. Burt Greenberg will discuss medical conditions that cause problems during or after face-lift procedures, such as: high blood pressure, diabetes, blood clotting problems, a tendency to form excessive scars, and a history of smoking. Ingestion of any drugs or medications that affect clotting, especially aspirin, is also discussed at that time. By using a comprehensive, computer assisted presentation showing many other cosmetic, facial rejuvenation patients, Dr. Burt Greenberg will thoroughly explain the surgical technique for you. THE SURGERYThe rhytidectomy is performed in Dr. Burt Greenberg's Great Neck Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Facility, which is accredited at the highest level ("C" level) by the American Association of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF). General anesthesia is used and provided by board-certified anesthesiologists who work exclusively with Dr. Burt Greenberg. A two layer tightening process consisting of the SMAS (strong tissue below the skin) and the skin proper is used. The surgery usually lasts three to four hours. Incisions usually begin above the hairline of the temple. They follow a natural line in front of the ear, behind the tragus (cartilaginous portion in front of the ear), and curve behind the earlobe, then extended into the lower scalp (please see figure). If the neck needs work, a small incision may be made under the chin in order to directly remove fat and tighten the platysma (neck muscles) which may have "banded" or rolled up. Dr. Burt Greenberg will tighten all structures, including muscles and skin, removing any excess. Absorbable sutures secure the layers of tissues and close the incisions. Dr. Burt Greenberg will wrap your head in bandages for one day and change the dressings the very next day. Specially trained, plastic surgical nurses may provide care to you overnight. AFTER YOUR SURGERYThere usually is not a significant amount of discomfort after the surgery, but if so, Dr. Burt Greenberg will prescribe pain medication such as, Tylenol #3, Vicodin, and Percocet, as well as a sleeping pill. Antibiotics are always given during the course of the surgery and for one week after the procedure. Should laser therapy be used in the crow's feet or upper and lower lip areas, additional topical therapy to speed the laser healing process is also prescribed. (Please refer to our laser component on this website for more information). Some numbness of the skin, particularly behind the ear and the neck, is quite normal and it generally disappears in weeks to months. Moisturizers are utilized on the face during the first weeks to months and a camouflage, green-based make-up can be used to hide the yellow tinge and discolorations of the skin. Complications of face-lift procedures may include: bleeding, infection, risk of anesthesia, permanent numbness and/or nerve injury, bothersome fluid accumulations requiring treatment, scarification, asymmetry, and tethering of the skin. In some patients, particularly male patients, distortion of the hairline and/or hair loss is quite bothersome, but treatable. Dr. Burt Greenberg and his licensed aesthetician work with each patient to help minimize these potential problems particularly during the first several weeks following the procedure. Generally, patients are quite satisfied with their results and return to a normal lifestyle within the first several weeks following the facial rejuvenation procedure. |
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BURT GREENBERG,
MD. FACS
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