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As part of the
natural aging process, the skin and muscles of the lower face and neck
lose elasticity, resulting in jowls and a poor neck contour. Face
lifts can be used to restore a more youthful appearance to the lower
two-thirds of the face, from below the eyes down to the upper part of
the neck. They are usually performed on an outpatient basis under
local or general anesthesia (an-es-thee-zhah), or local anesthesia
with a twilight sedation. Face lifts work by removing the excess skin
and tightening the underlying neck and facial muscles. In addition,
excess fat and skin is removed through inconspicuous incisions placed
behind the hairline and within the natural curves of the ears. After
the surgery, some swelling and bruising can be expected and normally
subsides within several weeks. Most sutures (su-chures) are removed
after five to ten days, and residual bruising can be covered by
makeup. There may be some discomfort after the surgery, which is
usually controlled by medications prescribed by your cosmetic surgeon.
For more information on face lifts, talk to Dr. Rick Smith at Michigan
Plastic Surgery.
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FOREHEAD LIFT?
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A forehead lift can smooth the
forehead, raise the upper eyelids, and minimize the frown lines that
come with aging. It also improves any crows feet that are around the
outer aspects of the eyes. In fact, the forehead lift is the most
effective means of eliminating frown lines. Incisions are placed in
the scalp at the hairline or in the upper forehead wrinkle. Forehead
skin is gently lifted, and portions of facial muscle and skin are
removed. The incision is then closed with stitches or clips. The scars
are generally minimal and can be camouflaged. To see how a forehead
lift might change your appearance, stand in front of a mirror and
place the palms of your hands on the outer edges of your eyes, above
your eyebrows. Then, gently draw the skin upward to raise the brow and
forehead area. This will give you an idea of what you might look like
with a forehead lift. A newer endoscopic forehead lift is now
available, making small incisions in the scalp, about 1 to 2 inches
above the hairline. A telescope is used to raise the forehead tissue.
After lifting, the forehead is secured with permanent sutures. This
allows increased versatility for different hair types and not altering
the hairline with minimal scarring. A detailed discussion with an
experienced plastic surgeon, however, is necessary prior to
undertaking this procedure. For additional information about forehead
lifts, Call Dr. Rick Smith at Michigan Plastic Surgery.
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NECK LIFT?
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A neck-lift is a simple surgical
procedure that improves a neck with sagging, loose skin and is usually
used in conjunction with a face-lift. In some cases, the laxity of the
skin is severe enough to warrant direct skin removal from the
underside of the neck. By using a z-plasty, an incision is placed on
the underside of the chin and centered down the neck. Liposuction may
also be used at the same time to decrease the thickness of neck fat.
Neck muscles may be tightened to enhance the contour. This out-patient
procedure usually takes about one-to-two hours and in most cases,
you’ll be able to recuperate at home. You can expect mild swelling for
one to three weeks after the surgery and your sutures should be
removed within five to seven days. Although you may feel better within
a day, strenuous activities should be avoided for about three weeks.
Because a neck-lift is a limited procedure, it is not recommended if
you have loose, sagging skin throughout your facial area. Consult a
board certified plastic surgeon who can explain all of the risks and
benefits involved in this procedure and answer any questions you may
have.
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